On January 18, 2015, two teenagers ice fishing at a rock quarry in rural Owen County near Spencer, Indiana, were found after falling into frozen waters after ice where they fished collapsed. Rescue Divers with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources reported that the two teenagers had fallen into 11 feet of water while fishing with their family on ice that was less than 3 inches thick. Following an hour and a half rescue effort, the teenage boys were then taken to IU Health Bloomington where they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
During the often unpredictable Indiana winter season it is important to take the proper precautions before ice fishing or entering onto frozen ponds or lakes. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources recommends that ice fishing or other light activities only take place on lakes or ponds that are frozen with at least 4 inches of ice. Entering onto frozen lakes or pond can lead to drowning, frostbite or other hazardous conditions and an individual must act reasonably in determining whether the ice is thick enough before entering.
Ice fishing and related icy water accidents are complicated area of the law, and so it is important to protect yourself from liability by staying off icy waters if you doubt the thickness of the ice. However, if you are a loved one are injured due to the negligence of another while encountering icy conditions, please contact the experienced legal team at Schiller Law Offices at 317-578-2100 to assist you in your legal needs.