In a gripping legal battle unfolding in Palm Beach County, Florida, a plaintiff is seeking justice after suffering severe injuries during a yacht outing. Kelly Bach filed the complaint against James Kelly Ganjei and Soverel Harbour Association, Inc., doing business as Soverel Harbour Marina, on November 22, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit.
The lawsuit stems from an incident that occurred on January 7, 2022. According to the complaint, Kelly Bach was invited by James Kelly Ganjei for a ride on his 45-foot motor yacht, formerly known as M/Y Babysteps. The vessel embarked from its home port at Soverel Harbour Marina in Palm Beach Gardens for a pleasure voyage around the intracoastal waters. However, upon returning to the marina late that evening, tragedy struck. As Bach attempted to disembark without adequate lighting or a safe passageway between the yacht and the wharf, she fell through a gap and sustained serious injuries to her knee and spinal cord.
Bach's complaint accuses Ganjei of general negligence and negligent failure to warn. She alleges that Ganjei failed to provide a safe means of disembarking and did not implement necessary safety measures such as proper lighting or secure mooring of the vessel. Furthermore, Bach claims that Ganjei did not adequately warn passengers about potential hazards during debarkation. The plaintiff argues that these oversights led directly to her injuries which required extensive medical treatment including surgery and physical therapy.
Additionally, Bach holds Soverel Harbour Marina accountable for negligence due to their alleged failure in maintaining safe conditions at their premises. The marina is accused of insufficient lighting and inadequate safety measures which contributed to the hazardous environment leading up to Bach's accident.
The plaintiff seeks damages exceeding $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest for her physical pain, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life among other impairments resulting from this incident. She demands judgment for all recoverable damages under maritime law alongside a jury trial.
Representing Kelly Bach are attorneys Jacqueline Garcell and Brandon P. Volk from Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman P.A., based in Coral Gables, Florida. The Case ID is: 502024CA011177XXXAMB.