Boat Accidents Often Leave Victims with Serious Injuries

Posted on by bradeg

As the Louisiana Travel website notes, water is abundant throughout the state and the website has nine pages of locations with boating locations. As thrilling and joyous as a boating experience can be in the Pelican State, accidents do occur and victims need to be quick to contact a New Orleans boat accident attorney for help recovering financial compensation to cover the costs of treating their injuries and dealing with all of the other assorted costs that can stem from these accidents.

Virtually all boat accidents will involve some kind of negligence by a boat operator, and victims can be entitled to pursue damages for the many ways in which their lives have been turned upside down. You may be able to recover not only compensation for past and future medical bills, but also lost wages, mental anguish, and pain and suffering.

 

Common Causes of Boat Accidents

Boating accidents may stem from a number of possible causes. One of the primary reasons you will want to have legal representation is so your lawyer can conduct their own independent investigation into your crash to determine how the accident occurred and who can be held responsible.

 

Some of the most common causes of boating accidents include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol
  • Operator error
  • Environmental causes
  • Equipment failure
  • Grounding
  • Sinking
  • Falling overboard
  • Fires
  • Breakdowns
  • Speeding
  • Lack of proper safety gear
  • Inclement weather
  • Improper lookout
  • Machinery failure
  • Violations of navigational rules
  • Wave forces

Who is Liable for a Boating Accident?

One of the first questions many people will have after a boating accident is who can be held responsible for the accident? The answer to this question always varies depending on the specific circumstances of a case.

 

In general, the most common liable parties often include:

  • Boat owners or operators
  • Boat manufacturers
  • Boat rental companies
  • Other passengers or crew members
  • Government agencies

Types of Boat Accident Injuries

Boating accidents have the potential to cause a wide range of possible injuries, some of which could be life-threatening. When a person is killed in a boating accident, the family often has the right to file a wrongful death claim.

 

Should victims be fortunate enough to survive, they mays till suffer such injuries as:

  • Soft-tissue injuries
  • Broken bones or fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Sprains and strains
  • Concussions
  • Dislocations
  • Internal organ damage
  • Burn injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Nerve damage 
  • Severed limbs
  • Hearing damage
  • Head and face injuries

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a New Orleans Boat Accident Attorney

Did you sustain serious injuries in a boat accident in the greater New Orleans area? Egenberg Trial Lawyers represents clients in Louisiana, Texas, and other areas on the Gulf Coast.

 

Our firm knows how to tackle these kinds of cases and help victims recover full and fair compensation that covers all of the costs they are facing because of their injuries. You can call (504) 229-3117 or contact us online to receive a free consultation that will let us take a longer look at your case and discuss all of your legal options with you.

 

Summer Break Safety Tips for Kids

Posted on by bradeg

Summertime is a joyous period of the year for children because they are no longer in school and are essentially free to partake in all kinds of activities for their own pleasure. The problem for most parents is that kids who are engaging in more activity also face certain dangers, and any parent whose child suffers injuries in an accident in Louisiana will want to contact a New Orleans child injury attorney.

Among the best things a parent can do this time of year is simply prepare for possible dangers and have plans that help children avoid dangerous situations. Proper guidance and support can help keep your kids safe and have a healthy and fun summer.

 

Make Sure to Keep Watch To Prevent Drownings

The good news is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that the rate of unintentional drowning deaths among children 0 to 17 years of age declined by 38 percent between 1999 and 2019. Swimming pools were the most common drowning sites for children ages 1–4 and 5–13, while natural bodies of water were the most common for ages 14–17.

A drowning can occur in a matter of mere seconds. This is why it is critical that parents make sure that there is always an adult who is making sure to keep an eye on all children who are playing in the water.

When you are taking children out on boats, then life jackets are an absolute must. Make sure the jackets are properly fitted.

Leave the Fireworks to the Adults

The United States Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) reported that firework injuries increased 25 percent between 2006 and 2021. Nine people were killed in 2021 while another 11,500 suffered injuries.

The highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries in 2021 was among young adults 20 to 24 years of age. Never allow any young children to play with or ignite fireworks, even sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt certain metals.

 

Do a Car Safety Check

Adults need to remember that Louisiana Revised Statute § 32:295 requires every driver transporting a child or any children under 18 years of age in a motor vehicle that must be equipped with a safety belt system or by lower anchors and tethers for children according to federal safety standards in a passenger seating position to have the child properly restrained according to the vehicle and child safety seat manufacturer’s instructions. Should you .need assistance installing a car seat, you should know that Louisiana has Child Passenger Safety Fitting Stations that can be found throughout the state with more than 600 nationally certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to ensure a child safety seat has been installed properly.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reports that as many as 96 percent of child restraints are not installed correctly. Another thing to remember when driving with children is to never leave the kids alone in the car for any period of time because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that a child’s body temperature may rise three to five times faster than an adult’s, and a child who is left in a hot vehicle could die within minutes with the United States seeing a record number of child heatstroke deaths in 2018 and 2019 with 53 in each year. 

 

Call Us Today to Schedule a Free Consultation with a New Orleans Boat Accident Attorney

Has your child suffered severe injuries in any kind of summer accident in the greater New Orleans area? Get in touch with Egenberg Trial Lawyers for help holding the negligent party accountable.

Our firm is well aware of how difficult it can be for parents to get justice when their children are hurt by the negligence of others, but we can work to make sure that you receive all of the just compensation that you are entitled to for your economic harm. Call (504) 229-3117 or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation so we can sit down with you and go over all of the specifics of your case while also answering any legal questions you might have.

 

The Dangers of Drunk Boaters

Posted on by bradeg

Driving a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal, it’s inherently risky. Drunk boating accidents are especially dangerous because passengers are typically not wearing a safety belt and the boat can be traveling at high speeds. This is such a widespread issue that the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has instituted a boat safety campaign to educate boaters on the importance of maintaining control of their craft. Even with a variety of safety course options available, it’s still likely that there will be accidents related to drunk boaters this summer. These accidents can be dangerous or even deadly.

Common Boat Accident Injuries

When you’re out on the water, a mile away from the shore, even a minor injury can become critical. Add alcohol to the mix and the chance of incurring an injury is elevated. One of the biggest issues with a drunk boating injury is that people who are inebriated might not be able to respond correctly or might delay their response. When you’re out on the water, this can make the situation even worse. Common accidents caused by drunk boaters include:

  • Broken bones
  • Deep lacerations (these are especially common in motorboat accidents)
  • Whiplash
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Drowning
  • A collapsed lung due to water intake

If you are injured in a boating accident, your first step should be to seek immediate medical attention. Certain injuries might not present symptoms for hours or even days after the accident. For this reason, it’s essential to visit a medical professional who can assess and properly treat your injuries.

An Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a boat accident, you should focus on your physical recovery. Follow doctor’s orders and find the right attorney to help with recovering from the parties at fault. An attorney can bring a claim against a drunk boat operator or any other negligent parties. They can handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company so you don’t settle for less than fair compensation. A personal injury lawyer can also work to collect the necessary documentation to support your case, such as medical records, the official police report, and any applicable witness testimony. If necessary, an attorney can also bring litigation to collect compensation on your behalf.

Call a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney Today

When you’re in a boating accident, injuries sustained might be just the start of your problems. Expensive medical bills, extended recovery time, and weeks away from your job can add to your stress. At the law office of Egenberg, APLC, our legal team is well-versed in this type of claim, and we are here to support and guide you through this difficult process. Call us today at 504-229-5700 to schedule a free initial consultation. We will review the details of your case and help you determine your best next steps. You can also contact us online.

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