Were you injured in a boating accident in Gretna, Louisiana? You could be entitled to substantial compensation from the operator who caused the incident. Our Gretna boating accident lawyers at the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. can help you seek a full recovery for your medical bills and pain and suffering. Call (504) 500-5000 for a free consultation.
We have decades of experience handling boating accidents in Louisiana. We are here to help you seek accountability for your injuries.
Why Choose the Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. for Your Boating Accident Case?
Accidents on the water often come with a unique set of facts and personal injury rules. You deserve a Gretna boating accident attorney who can help prove what happened to you on the water.
Clients throughout Gretna, LA, trust our firm because:
- Attorney John W. Redmann has more than 30 years of experience representing injured clients across Louisiana
- Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and jury awards for thousands of clients
- John Redmann holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo
- John Redmann is a hands-on attorney personally involved in every case from investigation through resolution
- We serve English, Spanish, and French-speaking clients and handle every case on a contingency fee basis
Call today to schedule a free case review with a Gretna personal injury attorney.
What Types of Negligence Cause Boating Accidents in Louisiana?
Louisiana has numerous different waterways, from lakes and rivers to bayous and the Gulf Coast. These waters see heavy recreational and commercial boating traffic, and are the sites of many accidents each year.
Common causes of boating injuries include:
- Failure to maintain a proper lookout while navigating congested waterways
- Excessive speed in areas with heavy boat traffic or in no-wake zones
- Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Operator inexperience or unfamiliarity with navigation rules or local water conditions
- Equipment failure tied to poor maintenance
- Dangerous wakes created by vessels operating too close to smaller boats or swimmers
Many boating accidents involve more than one contributing factor; identifying the specific cause is essential to determining who is responsible for the incident and what insurance policies are at play to cover your damages.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Boating Accident?
If another party’s negligence caused your boating accident, Louisiana law allows you to pursue compensation for the full range of your losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Costs of repairing or replacing your boat and personal property
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages for qualifying family members if a loved one was killed
These accidents often produce severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and broken bones. They can cost a small fortune in medical bills and lost income.
An experienced attorney can evaluate your injuries and financial losses, document your damages, and determine what compensation may be available based on the circumstances of your case.
How Shared Fault Affects Your Boating Accident Claim
Louisiana follows a modified comparative fault rule. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, you can recover compensation if you are less than 51% at fault for an accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages.
For example, if you have $500,000 in damages but are found 40% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 40% to $300,000.
Comparative fault allegations can arise in boating cases. An insurer might argue that an injured person failed to maintain a proper lookout or otherwise contributed to the collision. An attorney can challenge unsupported fault allegations and present evidence concerning how the accident occurred.
How Long Do You Have to File a Boating Accident Claim in Louisiana?
For most personal injury claims arising after July 1, 2024, Louisiana law gives boating accident victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims arising before that date may be subject to the former one-year period.
Regardless of which deadline governs your case, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible to protect your filing rights and the evidence related to your claim.
Contact Our Gretna Boating Accident Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
A boating trip should be recreational or allow you to do your job on the water. It shouldn’t turn into a source of injury due to another operator’s negligence. An experienced Gretna boating accident attorney can help you seek justice.
The Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. has spent more than three decades advocating for injured clients throughout Louisiana. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your case. We’re here to stand up for you.