Corboy & Demetrio Files Lawsuit for Playpen Boating Crash Victim Lana Batochir
Corboy & Demetrio has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Lana Batochir, the Chicago wife and mother who was seriously injured while floating on a raft behind a boat in the Lake Michigan “playpen” area on August 13, 2022, when she was struck by and sucked into the propellers of a nearby rental boat. Lana underwent the double amputation of her legs as a result of her feet being dragged into and severed by the boat’s propeller.
The negligence lawsuit, filed today in Cook County Circuit Court, names as Defendants, Chicago Aqualeisure, LLC, which rented out the boat that struck Ms. Batochir; Theresa Tran, Chicago Aqualeisure’s owner and Joseph Neverauskas, the boat’s operator and captain.
The lawsuit alleges Neverauskas failed to maintain proper lookout and was speeding when the boat he was operating rammed into Lana and that Chicago Aqualeisure failed to provide him with adequate training and instruction, in addition to failing to provide him with a seaworthy boat.
Lana is being represented by Corboy & Demetrio Attorneys Thomas A. Demetrio, Francis Patrick Murphy, and Michael D. Ditore.
“Lana’s catastrophic injuries were entirely preventable and happened because of the Defendants’ actions and inactions,” Ditore said.
“Lana, a young, vibrant mother of two children, is permanently disfigured; she suffered and still suffers excruciating pain; and she has a long, long rehabilitation in front of her. She will never be able to walk again without prosthetics. Lana’s bravery, strength and determination despite her enormous loss is inspiring. She’s a remarkable person,” Ditore added.
Ms. Batochir has had multiple surgeries and is undergoing physical and occupational therapy at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab.
Case No. 2022L011324, Lana Batochir v. Chicago Aqualeisure, LLC, Theresa Tran; and Joseph Neverauskas, filed in Cook Co. Circuit Court on 12-21-22.
MEDIA CONTACT: Helen Lucaitis, Corboy & Demetrio CFO; HHL@corboydemetrio.com. Office: 312-346-3191; Cell: 312-550-2077.