Boating Accidents
Louisiana has welcomed boaters for years – and whether you enjoy boating as a leisure activity or rely on the water to make your living, the waterways of our state are popular and plentiful. However, when a boating accident occurs, very serious injuries can result.
The boating accident attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have spent the past 25 years representing injury victims across the state of Louisiana, including residents of Baton Rouge and Alexandria. If you or a loved one has been hurt on the water, negligence may be to blame and you may be eligible to file a claim for damages. Contact us today at 1-800-256-1050 or submit an online request for a free case evaluation.
Louisiana law requires that all boaters complete a boater education course. The law prohibits the following dangerous practices while on the water:
- Reckless boat operation – such as boating in a marked swimming area, chasing wildlife or weaving through congested traffic. Also prohibited is allowing passengers to illegally ride on an uncovered bow or gunwale of a boat without proper guards or railing.
- Speeding – Ignoring the “Idle Speed” or “No Wake” speed zones and operating a boat at speeds higher than allowed within boat ramp or dock areas.
- Careless boat operation – such as operating your boat at a speed high enough to produce a dangerous wake or in a manner that puts you at risk of running into another vehicle.
- Overloading – loading the boat beyond its carrying capacity.
- Overpowering – equipping the boat with a motor that exceeds the power capacity of the vessel.
- Operating a boat under unsafe conditions – such as operating a boat without adequate life jackets, fire extinguishers or navigation lights.
Should an accident occur, the boat operator must file a written report on an accident report form within five days. Accident report forms are available from any LDFW office or may be downloaded from the LDWF’s website, www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
Commercial boats have additional laws regulating their responsibilities to crew members and passengers. Collectively, these regulations are known as Maritime Law, which can cover the crew on a vessel as well as longshoremen, offshore oil field workers, and others who may become injured on a boat, rig or dock. Maritime Law includes:
- Jones Act – this law allows seamen who have been injured by the negligence of their employers or co-workers to bring a claim against their employers for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
- Unseaworthiness Claims – this type of claim applies to injuries caused by a boat or boat part that isn’t considered safe enough for its intended operation – or to injuries caused by crew members that aren’t skilled enough to perform their jobs safely and competently.
- Death on the High Seas (DOHSA) – this federal law allows surviving spouses of seamen to recover damages for their spouse’s future earnings.
- Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) – this law provides protection to non-seamen who are injured on navigable water.
If you have been injured while on the water or working in a capacity covered by Maritime Law, the boating accident lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault will examine your case to determine the type and amount of damages that your injury warrants, including payment for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and any permanent disability. We’ll develop a legal strategy designed to obtain maximum benefits for you and your family. Results are how we measure success – we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom and we’ll put our experience and expertise to work on your behalf.
Boating Accident Attorneys
If you have been hurt in a boating accident, take the first step to protect your legal rights – contact the Louisiana boating accident attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault, helping LA residents from Alexandria to Baton Rouge and across the state. You only have a limited time after your injury to file a claim, however, so you must act quickly. Call 1-800-256-1050 today or submit an online request.
- Injuries
- Accidents
- Offshore / Maritime
- Dangerous Drugs & Products
- Food Poisoning
- Nursing Home Neglect
Personal injury is a legal term that describes a serious injury suffered by one person that is caused by the negligence or wrongful actions of another. Negligence or wrongful conduct can happen in the form of a car accident, medical malpractice, maritime accidents, or dangerous products.
Whether you were hurt in a car wreck, on an oil rig or suffered harm from a prescription drug, your first priority is medical treatment – but you may be confused about your next steps. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt, an experienced personal injury attorney can be a vital resource for providing knowledgeable, no-nonsense advice about your legal options. The personal injury attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have been helping injury victims for more than two decades – and we’re ready to work for you. Contact us today at 1-800-256-1050 or submit an online request.
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If you have been hurt by a prescription drug or other pharmaceutical product, the best thing that you can do for yourself and other patients is to come forward. The pharmaceutical litigation lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault of Louisiana know how to deal with the big drug companies and we work hard to help ensure that the injured receive justice. Contact us today at 1-800-256-1050 or submit an online request. We handle pharmaceutical litigation claims across the state of Louisiana including Alexandria and Baton Rouge.
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The nursing home negligence attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have spent the past 25 years representing injury victims across the state. Our lawyers have represented thousands of people suffering from nursing home negligence, and we understand the serious complications that can result. If your loved one has experienced nursing home negligence, contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 today or submit an online request. We handle nursing home neglect cases from Alexandria, Baton Rouge and across Louisiana.
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