Baton Rouge Boat Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Your Rights After an Accident

Spending the afternoon out on a boat is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Baton Rouge weather. Unfortunately, boat accidents in Louisiana aren’t uncommon, and they can lead to serious injuries. If you’ve been hurt while on a boat, you deserve to recover compensation for your medical bills and other expenses.

At Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, we understand how challenging it can be to navigate a legal case while healing from your injuries. Our experienced team can guide you through the legal process to recover compensation quickly so you can focus on yourself and your family. We believe that all accident victims deserve a voice, and we are here to represent you.

To speak to our personal injury attorney and receive a free consultation, contact our law firm by calling (225) 263-6194.

What Are the Most Common Types of Boating Accidents?

Both commercial and recreational boating accidents have the potential to cause serious injuries. Because Louisiana has such a booming maritime industry, boating accidents can be severe.
The different types of boating accidents in Baton Rouge and around the state include:

Collisions With Other Boats

Under normal circumstances, boats have enough room to maneuver around each other in the water. However, if a boat operator isn’t paying attention or is disobeying safety regulations, there is the potential that boats can collide with each other.

Collisions With Objects

Boat operators must be on the lookout for piers and jetties. If they fail to stop or slow down in time, they may crash into these large objects.

Run-Over Accidents

Boat operators must look out for boats, objects, and people in the water. When a boat runs into a person, the victim often sustains serious, if not fatal, injuries.

Slip and Fall Accidents

Boats moving at high speeds have the potential to knock people over. Slip and fall accidents on ships can be devastating, especially for small children or elderly individuals.

Overboard Falls

Falling overboard can be disastrous, especially in choppy waters. Safety equipment like life jackets can help save people from extreme injuries.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Boat Accidents?

Like other motor vehicle accidents, boating accidents can be caused by a variety of factors. While boat operators are required to follow rules and regulations, not everyone abides by them. When other vessels act negligently, innocent victims can be hurt.

The most common causes of boating accidents in Baton Rouge include:

Alcohol

Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol can slow reaction times and cause poor judgment. If boat operators are not sober, they can cause dangerous scenarios on the water.

Lack of Safety Equipment

Lifejackets are essential on any vessel, no matter how small. Without life jackets, accidents can quickly become fatal.

Lack of Training

To operate a boat, individuals must take a safety class. Unfortunately, these classes are brief and may not cover all the required information to stay safe on a boat. If operators aren’t careful or don’t know the rules of the waterway, they can cause dangerous accidents.

Poor Weather

Strong currents, sudden storms, and fog can cause poor visibility and choppy water. Boat operators are responsible for checking weather conditions before they head out.

Improper Lookout

Boat operators must maintain a clear view of their surroundings. If a boat operator doesn’t keep watch or doesn’t use common sense to avoid collisions, accidents can occur.

Excessive Speed

Traveling too quickly in a boat makes it hard to slow down. If there’s a sudden obstacle in the water, a speeding boat may crash.

Mechanical Failure

Boats with motors on them have the potential to fail. Mechanical failures can cause accidents, especially if they happen near other boats.

Who is Liable for a Boating Accident?

Determining liability in a boating accident is essential. After you assign liability, you can request compensation from the responsible party. In a boating accident, there may be more than one liable party responsible for your injuries. Our Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer will investigate your case to identify all liable parties.

In most boating accident cases, the following parties are held liable:

Boat owners: Under general maritime law, boat owners owe a duty of care to their passengers and crew. Breaching that duty would mean putting their passengers and crew at risk. The most common reason that boat owners are held liable after an accident is because they failed to keep their vessel seaworthy

Boat operators: If the accident is caused by negligent operation, boat operators can be held liable
Owners of unmarked obstructions: Wellheads, pipes, and other objects in the water must be clearly marked. If a boat runs into an unmarked object, the owner of that object can be found responsible for any injuries sustained

What Are the Most Common Injuries Sustained in a Boating Accident?

Boating accident victims often sustain severe injuries that require extensive medical care. Depending on the type of accident you are in and what it’s caused by, you might have long-term injuries with life-long symptoms.

The most common injuries sustained in a boating accident include:

Brain Injuries

Falling and hitting your head can lead to brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can cause dizziness, slurred speech, memory issues, and more. Brain and head injuries are difficult to treat, and many victims have symptoms for life.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord sends signals from your brain to the rest of your body. When your spine is damaged, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and even paralysis.

Burn Injuries

Injured victims who are hurt in an explosion can face severe burns. Burn injuries often require extensive medical treatment and are susceptible to infection.

Broken Bones

Boat accident injuries often include broken or fractured bones. While some bone fractures heal with just a cast, others require extensive care, including surgery and physical therapy.

Loss of Limb

Some injuries are so severe they require an amputation. Losing a limb impacts your life forever and changes how you complete daily tasks.

Fatalities

Unfortunately, some boat accidents are so severe that victims pass away because of their injuries. If you lost a loved one in a boating accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf.

What Kinds of Damages Can You Recover After a Boating Accident?

Personal injury cases provide compensation for any financial losses you have suffered because of your injuries. After a boat accident, your out-of-pocket expenses can reach the thousands. With help from a boat accident lawyer, you can calculate your damages and request full and fair compensation.

The damages you can recover after a boat accident include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are damages with a specific price tag. They often cover the following:

Past and future medical bills
Property damage repair or replacement
Lost wages
Lost income

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages include any ways you suffered that don’t have a set price tag. These damages may include:

Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Permanent disability
Mental anguish

Do You Need a Boat Accident Injury Lawyer?

Because of Louisiana’s booming maritime industry, boating accidents are unfortunately common. If you’ve been injured in a boat accident, you need an experienced legal professional to get you the compensation you deserve.

Walter R. Krousel Jr. & Associates, APLC, has been helping clients like you for years now. We know how challenging this time can be for you and your family, and we are dedicated to helping you seek justice and receive a fair settlement. We urge you to call our office at (225) 263-6194 for a free consultation about your case.