If you don’t own a boat, you know someone who does. Many people in south Louisiana have two or three boats. Boats serve many different purposes, but one thing is common: boating is dangerous. Especially recreational skiing, tubing and jet skiing that is done on vacation, because the waterways are crowded with intoxicated boaters who are also unfamiliar with the waterways.
For the most part, injuries sustained while boating in Gulf Shores and Destin are governed by Federal maritime laws. In other words, boating injuries will likely require a lawyer who is knowledgeable of Federal law and experienced with practicing in Federal court. The lawyers at Matt & Allen have decades of Federal court litigation experience, including work experience as a law clerk (a lawyer who works for the Judge) to a Federal Judge.
Maritime laws are complex and require particular experience in order to represent a client to the fullest.
Louisiana residents love the beaches and we love the water, but our beaches and water aren’t quite the same as the ones in Alabama and Florida. So every summer it seems Louisianians travel to destinations throughout the Gulf Coast and inevitably engage in water sports such as boating, jet skiing and parasailing. Unfortunately, however, these types of activities can often lead to injury or death. Vacation is supposed to be a fun and relaxing time for everyone, but a single act of negligence can ruin that for everyone, damaging or destroying lives forever.
In 2013, 4,062 boating accidents were reported by the U.S. Coast Guard, 560 of which were fatal. Although it may seem unlikely that you will be injured in a boat or jet ski accident, an unfortunate number of people are each year. The best thing to do following an incident like this is to speak with an experienced personal injury and maritime (also known as admiralty) attorney. Many of the same laws that govern offshore accidents govern recreational boating or jet skiing accidents. At The Law Offices of Matt & Allen, our team of attorneys have decades of experience representing people who are injured on the water. If you are a Louisiana resident that has been injured in a boat or jet ski accident—whether it occurred near home or on a vacation—we can help answer any questions that you have.
Boating Injuries
The most frequent injuries in these types of accidents include:
• Drowning
• Spinal Cord Injury
• Broken Bones
• Concussion or Head Trauma
• Death
Although some of these injuries are much worse than others, they should all be treated with care and guidance in order to assure that you are getting the financial compensation that you or your loved one deserves for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Even if your injury seems minor, small, or as though it will not have a lasting impact, it is always important to seek medical attention. Many vacationers who are injured don’t want to take away from their family or vacation in order to go to a doctor or medical provider. But, waiting to seek medical treatment will only bolster the insurance company’s argument that your injuries are not related to the accident., and decrease your chance of recovery. Without this initial medical documentation, you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your damages completely or at a minimum, recover less than what you are entitled to.
Proving Negligence
General Maritime Law provides a cause of action for negligence. Some common examples of negligence in boating accidents include:
• Operating a watercraft under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Faulty equipment
• Unseaworthy conditions
• Defective machinery or safety equipment
• Lack of attention to other watercrafts or swimmers
These are just a few types of negligence that often lead to watercraft injuries or death. Speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible about your specific situation in order to move forward with confidence.
Wrongful Death and Survival
General Maritime Law also provides a cause of action for survival and wrongful death. A survival action is brought on behalf of the decedent for the damages he suffered between the time of injury and death. For example, if he suffered pain and suffering for any amount of time before dying, certain family members are allowed to bring a claim to collect for his damages. A similar but different cause of action is for wrongful death. Certain family members can bring a cause of action to recover damages they suffered as a result of the decedent’s death.
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Matt & Allen can help you fight for proper compensation for the loss of your loved one. We know that there is no price tag that can be put on your loved one, but filing a wrongful death lawsuit can help with any medical bills that were incurred, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and any other damages following this loss.
Be safe on vacation.
Boat and jet ski accidents are not the only ways that people get injured on vacation. Other common accidents that Louisiana residents incur while on vacation include:
• Car Accidents
• Parasailing Accidents
• Falling from Balconies
If you or a loved one have been injured in a boat or jet ski accident, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney at The Law Offices of Matt & Allen today.
