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Recreational and commercial boating accidents along the Gulf Coast of Louisiana can lead to debilitating and even fatal injuries.
Our accident lawyers can review your boating accident and hold negligent boat operators or other parties accountable.
Learn how the accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy can help boat accident victims in Lafayette and New Iberia, LA.
The most important thing to do if you are injured in a boating accident is to seek medical care immediately. Waiting may compromise your case. If possible, take pictures and video at the scene of the boat accident, or have someone document the boat accident for you. It is also important to keep a thorough log of everything that happens, including any forms you submit or sign.
If the accident occurred while you were at work, you may be covered under the Jones Act or the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA). Report the boat accident to your supervisor as soon as possible and fill out an accident report. Make sure the report is complete and accurate. As your employer may try to pressure you into signing an agreement placing you at fault, you should show all documents to our Lafayette boat accident attorneys before signing.
A boating accident can have long-term effects on your health and pose a significant financial burden. If you sustained a serious injury, it can permanently diminish your earning capacity and affect your quality of life. Depending on the extent of your injury and its cause, you may be eligible for damages.
Compensatory damages cover losses such as medical bills, physical therapy costs, water vessel damage, lost wages, lost earning potential, and related matters. A boat accident attorney can tally up bills and receipts, and note other losses that may be included among these damages.
Legal damages can potentially cover more than property damage and financial losses. In cases of extreme negligence, a boating accident attorney may also seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for causing the accident and discourage such negligence in the future.
In comparison to accidents involving jet skis and other privately owned watercraft, commercial boating accident cases tend to be more complex. Multiple parties can be implicated, and an accident lawyer’s help is vital to negotiate with respective insurance providers.
Like Louisiana driving under the influence (DUI) laws, BUI applies to boat or jet ski operators with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. If the boat operator is under 21, they can be charged with a BUI if they have a BAC or 0.02 or higher.
HOW OUR LAWYERS CAN HELP
Attorneys Richard R. Kennedy and Richard R. Kennedy III have more than seven decades of combined experience. They have collected millions for their clients in personal injury and wrongful death cases that involve maritime law.
Our lawyers provide free case reviews at their Lafayette law office. This allows you to speak with an injury attorney about what happened, and receive legal advice on how to proceed next. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Our Lawyers will personally handle your boating accident case from beginning to end. We will promptly begin collision investigation and research, and keep you in the loop about the progress of litigation and settlement negotiations.
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay any legal fees unless out injury lawyers can reach a suitable pre-trial settlement or, if your lawsuit goes all the way to court, they achieve a favorable verdict.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in a boat accident, it’s important that you contact the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy. Our team of personal injury and wrongful death lawyers can hold negligent parties accountable for incidents along the Gulf Coast or inland waterways of Louisiana.
Established more than 50 years ago, our law firm represents accident victims in Lafayette and New Iberia, LA, and surrounding communities. In addition to complimentary case reviews, our accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay our accident attorney unless we can achieve a favorable settlement or verdict in your boat accident case.
To request a no-obligation consultation at the Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy, contact our attorneys online. You can also reach our law firm by phone.
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Great attorney, honest, hard working, you won't find better. Simply excellent.
Very personable service with your needs as their focus. You are not just a number. You are important to them as a person.
I had an awesome experience with Law Firm and I would highly recommend them. Thank You Mr. Richard and your team.
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The American College of Trial Lawyers
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