Boating Accident Attorney in New Orleans & Greater Louisiana

Louisiana’s waterways offer countless opportunities for recreation, fishing, sightseeing and transport. But when negligence or malfunction causes a boating accident, the consequences can be devastating.

At Branch Law Firm, we represent boaters, passengers, and families injured in watercraft collisions, capsizing, dock accidents and other boating-related incidents. We understand state and maritime law and work tirelessly to hold negligent parties accountable.

Boating Accidents in Louisiana & New Orleans: The Big Picture

Between 2020 and 2024, Louisiana recorded 96 boating fatalities statewide. While comprehensive localized data for Orleans Parish is harder to isolate, the heavy river traffic, port operations, bayous, canals, and proximity to the Gulf make New Orleans a high-risk area.

Typical Causes of Boating Accidents in Our Region

Boating accidents often occur from a combination of factors and our firm has seen accidents caused by:

• Operator inattention and distractions

• Speeding or reckless operation

• Alcohol or substance impairment

• Mechanical or equipment failure (especially engine, steering, fuel systems)

• Poor maintenance or negligence by vessel owner

• Failure to use or provide adequate safety gear (life jackets, navigation lights)

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Injured in a Boating Accident? Bet on Branch.

Over $150 Million recovered for injured clients across Louisiana.
Call 504-608-7777 or Contact Us for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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Common Injuries in Boating Accidents

Unfortunately when boating accidents occur, victims often face additional hazards like drowning or infections from deep cuts. In addition to those risks, our firm commonly sees the following types of injuries when dealing with boating accident claims:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord damage and paralysis

• Fractures, crush injuries and amputations

• Lacerations, deep cuts and bacterial infections

• Internal organ damage and bleeding

• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

• Drowning or hypoxia

Often victims require prolonged hospitalization, surgeries and extensive rehabilitation and having a law firm on your side that can ensure you’re taken care of is absolutely critical.

Why New Orleans Boating Injury Claims Are Legally Complex

Boating accident cases frequently involve the overlapping legal frameworks of state law, maritime law and admiralty jurisdiction. The Branch Law Firm navigates these complexities on your behalf by:

• Determining applicable legal regime: Is your case governed by maritime law, state negligence law, or both?

• Investigating causation & liability: We examine logs, maintenance records, navigation charts and weather data.

• Holding multiple parties accountable: Depending on the set of facts, liability may extend beyond just the operator and include vessel owner, manufacturer, repair providers and marina operators.

• Calculating full damages: We prepare a full accounting of current/future medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering and loss of consortium.

• Litigation readiness: If insurers or defendants offer lowball settlements we’re prepared to go to trial.
  

Why Choose Branch Law Firm for Boating Accident Claims

Local and maritime experience

Our attorneys combine their local knowledge of New Orleans and its waterways with experience in maritime and watercraft litigation.

Client-centered advocacy

We take time to understand your story and support you every step of the way.

Proven results

With more than $150 Million in awarded damages, Branch Law Firm has a demonstrable history of success across serious personal injury cases including water-related accidents.

Comprehensive support

You focus on healing while we manage the legal, medical, insurance, and expert coordination necessary for your claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident in New Orleans or anywhere in Louisiana, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Contact Branch Law Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll assess whether your case involves maritime law, state negligence law, or both and fight aggressively to maximize your recovery.