CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — A St. Johns County woman has initiated legal proceedings following a tragic tubing accident on Black Creek last July, which resulted in severe injuries for her and the death of her close friend. Victoria Nikiforova, the plaintiff, lodged the lawsuit on Feb. 14 in Clay County court against Joseph King, the operator of the 2024 Yamaha Jet Boat involved in the accident.
The incident occurred while Nikiforova was celebrating her birthday with her daughter and best friend, Alina, by tubing on Black Creek. The day took a devastating turn when their tube, being towed by King’s boat, veered off course and collided with the wooded shoreline.
Footage captured from the boat reveals that moments before the accident, Nikiforova and her friend were enjoying the ride. However, the serenity of the scene was quickly shattered as the tube crashed. Legal filings detail that Nikiforova sustained significant injuries, including trauma to her head, hips, pelvis, back, and neck. Additionally, she suffered extensive psychological and emotional distress, particularly as she witnessed her friend’s fatal injuries.
The suit further claims that Nikiforova’s daughter, also present during the incident, endured mental and emotional agony as a result of the crash. The family is now seeking upwards of $50,000 in damages, citing negligence on the part of King in his operation of the boat. Accusations include his failure to adhere to safety protocols and ignorance of the necessary operational instructions.
Legal representative John Phillips emphasizes the profound impact of the crash on Nikiforova’s life, noting her struggle as a single mother who has lost her employment due to her inability to work post-accident. Her ability to walk, work, and engage in daily activities has been severely compromised.
In support of the family, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to help offset the mounting medical costs incurred following the accident.
Phillips has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday at 2 p.m. to provide further details regarding the case. The family and their legal team are hopeful that this case will bring about just compensation for the physical and emotional toll endured.
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