New Orleans Boating Accident Lawyer

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers’ Track Record Speaks for Itself

Our results in settlement negotiations and court are a point of pride. Our recoveries for clients include several multi-million-dollar recoveries—$23 million, $17 million, $10.4 million, $7 million, and many more. 

While these recoveries signify our firm’s hard work, we’re just as proud of the reviews that former clients leave our team members serving New Orleans:

• “Integrity, professionalism, and most important the willingness to go above and beyond expectations.” – Tara, former client
• “Laborde Earles is by your side always. I don’t know where I’d be without the help from them. Very firm, professional [and] keeps me posted on my case.” – Keana, former client
• “Laborde Earles law firm was a blessing during the most difficult time of my life. They are compassionate and very professional with great attention to detail.” – Cory, former client

A law firm should go the extra mile for its clients. We want you to be as comfortable as possible with our representation. We answer your questions clearly and directly, respond promptly to calls and emails, and honor any specific requests you have of us.

We have a shared goal with every client: obtaining a fair financial recovery.

Potentially Recoverable Damages in a Boating Accident Case

Boating accidents can occur when one vessel crashes into another vessel or an object, such as a dock. They also can occur if someone suffers injuries in a slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall while aboard. Other circumstances may also qualify as a boating accident.

If you can prove that another party’s negligence caused your accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Depending on the details of your accident and injuries, recoverable damages in this type of case may include:

• Medical expenses until you are fully recovered
• Lost wages related to the time missed at work while recovering from your injuries
• Reduced earning ability
• Property repair or replacement costs 
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of life enjoyment

Damages like pain and suffering can be challenging to prove because they have no dollar value that can be documented with a receipt or invoice. However, our lawyer who handles boating accidents in the New Orleans area can calculate these damages for you and pursue compensation for them.

Wrongful Death Damages May Be Recoverable

Unfortunately, some boating accidents result in fatal injuries. If you lost a loved one to such an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover damages on the decedent’s behalf under CC Art. 2315.2. Louisiana law allows only certain people related to the decedent to file a wrongful death action. If you are eligible to do so, we can work with you to file a lawsuit.

If your wrongful death case is successful, you could recover compensation for your loved one’s medical expenses, funeral and burial expenses, and lost household income and benefits. You also may be able to recover damages for grief over losing your loved one and the loss of mentorship and guidance.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can also collect evidence of the value of your injuries and damages when we represent you.

Evidence in a Boating Accident Case

In addition to a boating accident report, Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can collect evidence of the responsible party’s liability, such as:

• Photos or videos from the accident scene
• Photos of the boats, ramps, or other structures involved
• Photos or videos of the victim’s accident injuries
• Witness statements
• Your medical records and statements from your doctor
• Testimony from accident reconstruction experts

When our personal injury team investigates your boating accident, we may ask you for any accident-related evidence or receipts that you have.

Pursuing Compensation for Your Damages

Once we have the evidence of the responsible party’s liability and your damages’ value, we can present the case to their insurance company. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can take the case to trial if necessary, including if the insurance company refuses to provide a fair settlement.

We Will Manage Your Entire Case

During this time, we can also handle all daily communications, deadlines, and paperwork in the case so you can focus your time and energy on your recovery. Our staff will be available to answer your questions and provide you with updates on your case throughout this process.

If you qualify to seek damages, we can offer you representation on a contingency-fee basis. There are no upfront payments required in this arrangement. Instead, our attorney’s fee comes as a percentage of your settlement offer or court award should we win your case.

Filing a Lawsuit for a Boating Accident Has a Time Limit

CC Art. 3492 puts a general one-year statute of limitations on filing a personal injury lawsuit after a boating accident. When Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents you, we work hard to file your lawsuit on time. We do so because filing late may mean:

• We cannot successfully file your lawsuit.
• Your lawsuit is dismissed without being heard.
• The at-fault party might not be compelled to compensate you.

Avoid putting your right to financial recovery at risk by waiting too long to get legal help. During a free consultation with a member of our team, we can review what specific deadlines pertain to your lawsuit.

Report Your Boating Accident Without Delay

After a boating accident in New Orleans, you may be required to stop, help anyone who needs assistance, and exchange information with the other involved boat owner. The information you exchange should include names, contact information, and boat identification information.

Additionally, you must report a boating accident in much the same manner as a car accident, according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries (WLF). A report is mandatory if anyone on either boat:

• Suffers injuries
• Dies
• Disappears

A report is also mandatory if more than $500 in property damage occurs. While the law makes a report mandatory in certain situations, itemizing the details of a boating accident in an official report is also a good idea. This document may prove to be a useful piece of evidence of your damages in your personal injury case.

Establishing the Cause of Your Boating Accident

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) cited 4,168 recreational boat accidents in the U.S. in 2019. These accidents caused 2,559 injuries, 613 deaths, and $55 million in property damage.

According to the USCG, some common causes of boating accidents include:

• The boat operator not paying attention
• The boat operator lacking experience
• Lack of a proper lookout
• Alcohol use
• Speeding

Whatever the cause of your New Orleans boating accident, a lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers may be able to identify the responsible party and collect evidence of how their negligence caused your accident, your injuries, and the financial aftermath.

Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today

A boating accident in New Orleans can damage or destroy your boat. Worse, it can leave you and any passengers on your boat with serious injuries. You do not have to seek compensation for these damages alone. A boating accident lawyer from Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers can manage all aspects of your New Orleans insurance claim or lawsuit.

For a free, no-obligation consultation about your case with a member of our boating accident team, contact Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today.