Collisions between two or more vessels are among the most common causes of serious boating injuries in Louisiana. These accidents are frequently caused by operator inattention, excessive speed, failure to maintain a proper lookout, or alcohol impairment. Our attorneys investigate every aspect of the collision — including vessel logs, Coast Guard reports, and witness accounts — to establish liability and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

A capsizing or sinking event can trap passengers underwater with little warning, creating a risk of drowning or serious injury in seconds. These accidents are often caused by operator error, overloading, mechanical failure, or dangerous weather conditions that a prudent operator should have anticipated. When negligence contributes to a capsizing, the vessel owner and operator can be held liable for all resulting injuries and deaths.

Operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in Louisiana and one of the leading causes of fatal boating accidents. Intoxicated boat operators face both criminal penalties and civil liability for the injuries they cause. Our attorneys pursue the full range of available compensation — including punitive damages where appropriate — against impaired operators and their insurers.

Jet skis and other personal watercraft are fast, maneuverable, and involved in a disproportionate share of Louisiana boating accidents. Collisions with other vessels, swimmers, or stationary objects, as well as falls from the craft at high speed, can cause serious orthopedic injuries, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. Our attorneys pursue claims against negligent operators, rental companies, and manufacturers as appropriate.

Passengers aboard recreational boats, charter vessels, and tour boats have a right to expect safe conditions and a reasonably operated vessel. When a passenger is injured due to operator negligence, unsafe conditions aboard the vessel, or equipment failure, the boat operator and owner may be liable. Our attorneys evaluate all potential claims — including those under general maritime law — to maximize your recovery.

Propeller strikes are among the most horrific boating injuries — causing severe lacerations, amputations, and fatalities. These accidents frequently result from an operator failing to confirm that all passengers are clear of the water before engaging the engine, or from sudden falls overboard near a running motor. Our attorneys pursue full compensation for propeller strike victims and their families, including claims against the boat operator, owner, and in some cases the manufacturer.

Swimmers and divers who are struck by a vessel or injured near a boat face unique legal challenges in recovering compensation. Whether the incident occurred near a dock, a swim platform, or in open water, our attorneys evaluate the circumstances to identify all available claims — including those against the vessel operator, a marina, or a property owner — and pursue full compensation on your behalf.

When a boating accident results from a defective engine, faulty steering system, malfunctioning safety equipment, or structural failure, liability may extend beyond the operator to the manufacturer, distributor, or maintenance contractor. Our attorneys work with marine engineering and product liability experts to identify equipment defects and pursue claims against every responsible party in the supply chain.

Commercial charter boats, fishing vessels, and tour boats operating on Louisiana’s waterways owe their passengers a heightened duty of care. When a charter or tour operator’s negligence — inadequate safety equipment, an undertrained crew, or an overloaded vessel — causes a passenger to be injured, our attorneys pursue full accountability from the operator, the vessel owner, and their insurers.

When a loved one is killed in a boating accident, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim — and in some cases, a claim under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) if the accident occurred in federal waters. Our attorneys handle these devastating cases with care and compassion, and fight to achieve the full measure of justice and compensation your family deserves.

The deadline depends on which law applies. For state law personal injury claims, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit in Louisiana. Maritime claims under general admiralty law may carry a three-year deadline, while Jones Act claims for qualifying seamen are also three years. Because boating cases can involve overlapping state and federal law, contact an attorney as soon as possible to make sure the right deadlines are met.

Louisiana law prohibits operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When an intoxicated operator causes a boating accident, victims may be entitled to both compensatory and punitive damages. Learn more about how fault is determined in Louisiana. Our attorneys pursue every available form of compensation — including claims against the operator and their insurer.

It depends on where the accident occurred and the nature of the vessel. Federal maritime law — including admiralty jurisdiction — generally applies to accidents on navigable waters that bear a connection to traditional maritime activity. Accidents on purely recreational vessels in state waters may be governed by state law instead. Many boating accident cases involve both. Our attorneys evaluate the specific facts of your situation to identify every applicable legal framework and claim.

As a passenger, you generally did not assume the risk of the operator’s negligence. If the boat operator’s carelessness, speeding, intoxication, or failure to maintain a proper lookout caused your injuries, you may have a strong claim against both the operator and the vessel owner. Our attorneys evaluate all available claims and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Nothing upfront. Our boating accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. There are no upfront costs, no hourly fees, and no out-of-pocket expenses. If we do not win your case, you owe us nothing.

It depends on the complexity of your case and which laws apply. Cases involving maritime jurisdiction, multiple defendants, or catastrophic injuries can take longer to resolve. Learn more about the timeline of a personal injury case. We keep you informed throughout the process and never pressure you to accept a settlement before you are ready.

Get medical attention right away, even if you feel okay — boating accident injuries can worsen significantly over the following hours. Report the accident to the U.S. Coast Guard or Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as required. Document the scene with photos, get the vessel registration information and operator’s contact details, and collect witness names. Do not give a recorded statement to the vessel owner’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Insurance companies are trained to use your own words against you.

Yes. If your injuries prevented you from working, you may recover both past lost wages and future loss of earning capacity as part of your claim. Learn more about how lost wages are calculated in Louisiana. Our attorneys work with economic experts to fully document and maximize your income-related damages.