Fox River Boat Collision in Oshkosh Results in Jail Time and Restitution
Man convicted in Oshkosh boat crash ordered to pay thousands to victims(link is external)
Back in August, Lindemann was sentenced to five months in jail, as well as 3 years on probation. The judge put many stipulations on his probation, including 50 hours of community service every year, counseling, and an Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) assessment.
A July 2022 boat crash on the Fox River in Oshkosh, Wisconsin has culminated in both criminal and civil consequences for the perpetrator, Jason Lindemann. The incident involved Lindemann's powerboat colliding with a paddlewheel cruise vessel carrying 44 passengers, after which he attempted to flee the scene by cutting his boat's lights. Following a jury trial, Lindemann was convicted on 14 criminal counts, including Second Degree Recklessly Endangering Safety and Failure to Render Aid after a Boating Accident Resulting in Injury. In August 2023, he received a sentence of five months in jail plus three years of probation, with requirements including 150 hours of community service and mandatory substance abuse assessment. A recent hearing in Winnebago County Court has now ordered Lindemann to pay $11,702.79 in restitution to multiple victims, though some claims remain disputed or withdrawn. A separate civil lawsuit filed by the paddleboat company remains pending, with a status conference scheduled for February 14.
Location and Infrastructure
The Fox River, where this incident occurred, serves as a major waterway through Oshkosh, Wisconsin, supporting both commercial and recreational boating activities. The river system features a mix of vessel traffic, from small personal watercraft to larger commercial vessels like the paddlewheel cruise boat involved in this incident. Navigation channels are clearly marked according to Coast Guard standards, with established speed limits and traffic patterns to ensure safe passage. The area is particularly busy during summer months when tourism peaks, necessitating strict adherence to maritime safety protocols. The incident location's proximity to downtown Oshkosh makes it a heavily trafficked section of the waterway, especially during evening hours when cruise boats routinely operate.
Legal Rights and Considerations
Under Wisconsin maritime law, boat operators have a fundamental duty of care to prevent injuries to others on the waterway. Violations can result in both criminal charges and civil liability, as demonstrated in this case. The state's statute of limitations generally allows three years to file personal injury claims, though this may vary depending on specific circumstances. Victims of boating accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. Maritime insurance typically covers such incidents, though coverage limits and policy exclusions may apply. In cases involving alcohol or reckless operation, punitive damages might be available. Additionally, Wisconsin's joint and several liability rules may affect how damages are apportioned among multiple parties. An experienced Wisconsin personal injury lawyer(link is external) will handle all aspects of the legal claim.
Related Resources:
- Oshkosh Police Department Marine Unit: (920) 236-5700
- Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Boating Safety Program
- Winnebago County Victim/Witness Services
- Wisconsin State Patrol - Northeast Region
- Fox River Navigation System Authority
- Wisconsin Boating Laws and Responsibilities Guide
- Boat Crash Victims Support Network
- Wisconsin Association for Justice Lawyer Referral Service
What you need to know after a serious Oshkosh injury accident
When someone has been seriously injured in Oshkosh, they must deal with medical bills and lost wages while on the road to recovery. Whether the injury happened in a car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, bicycle, or some other kind of accident, injured people need help to recover.
After a serious injury, it is crucial to quickly get the information needed to make good decisions. Getting appropriate medical treatment is just one aspect of recovering. Getting help in handling the personal injury insurance claim that will begin financial recovery is another.
If the injuries are significant, it is best to contact an experienced Oshkosh injury lawyer(link is external) for a free, no-obligation consultation. Injury accident claims are hard to handle without the help of a good lawyer who understands the process. Learn more about the help you can get from an experienced Oshkosh boat accident lawyer.(link is external)
Traumatic brain injuries are not uncommon when a major accident occurs, and injured people face significant challenges and require ongoing medical care. They and their family need all the financial resources available to move forward. A good Oshkosh brain injury attorney(link is external) can help by handling the personal injury claim after a serious brain injury.