Shark Attacks
Ever since the Hollywood blockbuster “Jaws” hit theatres almost forty years ago, the potential for a shark attack has dogged beachgoers across the nation. While there can be no question that the sensationalism of this film and others that followed greatly exaggerated the likelihood of an attack, the truth is that these events do happen every year.
Sharks and other dangerous marine animals lurk off coasts and in deeper waters around the world, with almost no area totally free from some infestation of this nature. Surfers, swimmers, boaters, and generally any individuals who enjoy the open water are vulnerable to a shark attack at some point, with nearly 80 incidents reported in 2000.
Regions of Concern
Due to our extensive range of coastline, the United States routinely sees the greatest number of annual attacks of any nation. Particular states that have seen a large number of attacks include:
- Florida
- Hawaii
- California
- South Carolina
Species to Fear
It goes without saying that not all species of shark are dangerous to humans. In fact, of the almost 400 kinds of sharks currently identified, only a small handful have been routinely associated with unprovoked and fatal attacks. These species include:
- Great White, infamous star of the “Jaws” titles
- Tiger Shark
- Ocean Whitetip
- Bull shark
Apart from these culprits, a slew of generally smaller and less outwardly-aggressive species have been implicated in human deaths. Among these are the mako, the hammerhead, and the grey and blacktip reef shark.
Contact Us
For more information on what to do if you or someone you love has been affected by a shark attack and you believe another person’s negligence was to blame, such as a handler or local authorities responsible for detection and alert of these dangerous creatures, contact the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C., today by calling 312-466-8200.