Hammond Boat Accident Lawyer

Spending time on the water should be relaxing and adventurous, but accidents can quickly turn a good day into a traumatic one. Whether you were on a personal watercraft or a commercial fishing boat, a Hammond boat accident lawyer could help you pursue compensation for your injuries.

Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney could help you understand your legal options for recovering damages. We could help prove liability and fight for the compensation you need to recover without worry.

What Can Cause a Boat Accident?

Negligence is a common cause of boating accidents. A Hammond boat accident attorney could help prove that someone else’s negligence caused the accident that resulted in your injuries. Some examples of negligence on the water include:

• Speeding
• Unsafe, slippery decks
• Not keeping a proper lookout
• Not maintaining the boat properly
• Operating a boat while intoxicated
• Operating a boat with insufficient experience
• Not providing the necessary safety equipment for all passengers

It can be difficult to determine who is at fault when two boats collide, making it wise to rely on an experienced lawyer who could thoroughly investigate the incident. Liability for a crash typically falls on boat owners, boat operators, or owners of unmarked objects in the water.

Types of Damages in Boating Accidents

Suffering injuries in a boating accident can result in a wide range of damages. Economic damages include:

• Immediate medical expenses
• Future medical care
• Loss of wages
• Loss of the ability to earn wages in the future
• Boat repair or replacement costs

Other non-economic damages can also be factored into your total compensation. These may include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship
• Disfigurement
• Permanent disability

A Parker Layrisson Injury Attorneys boat accident lawyer in Hammond could examine the total amount of damages and seek full compensation on your behalf.

Comparative Negligence System in Louisiana

Not all boating accidents are straightforward with clear liability. In many cases, several factors contribute to a crash, making it more complicated to determine fault. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you could still recover damages.

The state’s comparative negligence rule refers to the legal concept of determining who was at fault in an accident.  The injured person must be less than 51% responsible for the cause of the accident to file a claim and obtain compensation for their injuries. If you are partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced accordingly. For example, if you were 25% responsible for the accident, you can only recover 75% of your damages. While comparative negligence is a complicated concept, a knowledgeable lawyer could answer questions about how compensation is calculated after an accident. Talk to a Hammond boat accident attorney about comparative negligence and what this means for your unique case.

Schedule a Consultation with a Boat Accident Lawyer in Hammond

Do not wait to consult with a Hammond boat accident lawyer after a water-related injury. Acting quickly can protect your rights and strengthen your case. Our knowledgeable team wants to help you recover financial compensation as you heal from your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.