It is no secret Hawaii is home to some of the best surf in the world. Each year countless surfers travel to the islands to test their skills against monster waves. Whether it has been native surfers or visiting thrill-seekers, 2016 has been a dangerous year for surfing accidents that have resulted in paralysis. One of the most popular spots is Oahu’s Sandy Beach. But the area has a more a more notorious nickname–“Broke Neck Beach” in Oahu. Among its latest victims is Mike Droter, a visitor from Citrus Heights, California, who suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord and vertebrae while body surfing.
It was supposed to be a dream vacation. Droter and his girlfriend, Jordan Lovas, traveled to Hawaii to celebrate her birthday. Like many tourists, the couple took full advantage of their romantic getaway, enjoying all the sites and tourist destinations. But on the last day of their vacation, Droter and Lovas decided to travel to Sandy Beach for an afternoon of body surfing. Just before they were about to leave, Droter decided to take one last trip into the water. As Droter was navigating through the water, he was hit by a massive wave that knocked him over and fractured his neck. Lifeguards immediately pulled the 30-year-old out of the water and rushed him to Queens Medical Center in Honolulu. Droter was diagnosed with a catastrophic spinal cord injury.
Since the accident, Droter’s friend set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for his medical expenses. But his physical health and future does not appear to be good. Doctors told Droter he has very little chance of regaining his mobility or any feeling below his neck. He will likely need to use a breathing machine for the remainder of his life. Droter’s friends hope to raise $500,000 to cover his rehabilitation and treatment.
Unfortunately, the story of Mike Droter is not unique. Countless tourists and Hawaiian natives have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of surfing accidents. Unlike most personal injury cases, catastrophic injuries are life-altering. In many cases, insurance companies do not provide a sufficient settlement to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and future treatment.
As an experienced Hawaii paralysis lawyer, Jed Kurzban understands the unique challenges and obstacles facing catastrophic accident victims. He and his team of highly trained legal professionals utilize a vast amount of knowledge, experience, and legal resources to help protect the rights of each client and to look after their best interests. From the time a client makes a visit for their initial consultation and all the way through trial, Kurzban will always be in your corner. For more than 25 years, he has successfully represented countless men and women who depend on settlement money to live a good quality of life.
An attorney cannot cure a person’s paralysis. But they can place a client in the best position to succeed. To learn more about how a Hawaii paralysis lawyer can help, contact the Jed Kurzban and schedule a consultation to discuss your case.