Boating Accident Lawyer New Orleans, LA

Injured On The Water In New Orleans?

Spending time on the water is part of life in Southern Louisiana. Whether it’s fishing, boating, or simply enjoying a ride along the lake or river, we all value those moments. But when a day on the water turns into a traumatic event due to someone else’s carelessness, the results can be devastating. Boating accidents often cause serious harm, from head injuries and broken bones to permanent conditions like paralysis and the legal team at Kiefer & Kiefer is here to advocate for you..

We represented a client in 202 who became paralyzed after diving into shallow water that lacked proper warning signs. He suffered severe neck injuries and now lives with permanent paralysis. That case resulted in a $5 million recovery for our client, giving him the resources needed to adapt to a new way of life. When preventable accidents happen on the water, we step in to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Watercraft Accidents And Responsibility

Boating-related injuries happen for many reasons—some as simple as driver inattention or poor judgement. Operating a boat under the influence, excessive speeding, and failure to follow standard waterway rules are all factors we ases often. Sometimes it’s a rental company that failed to inspect the vessel or didn’t provide proper safety gear. In other cases, it’s a private property owner who failed to post adequate signage warning of dangerous conditions.

In these types of cases, there may be more than one party at fault. The person operating the boat, the owner of the vessel, a commercial tour company, or even a public agency might carry some level of responsibility. Our team reviews every piece of evidence available—boating logs, inspection reports, eyewitness accounts, and any available surveillance or video footage.

We also look at physical conditions at the scene. In the case of our client who dove into shallow water, the absence of caution signs created a clear hazard. That information made a significant difference in the outcome of the claim.

Each of these situations can lead to serious injury or worse. Unlike car accidents, there are often fewer witnesses and limited access to immediate help when something goes wrong on the water. That’s why a careful and prompt investigation is key in building a strong legal case.

Let Kiefer & Kiefer Help Protect Your Rights After A Boating Accident

If you or a loved one was hurt while boating or engaging in water activities, it’s important to take action early. Seeking medical care, preserving any evidence, and speaking with our attorneys can all impact the strength of your claim. Whether it happened on a lake, river, or private property, these incidents deserve careful legal attention.

At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have handled many cases involving serious water-related injuries and we understand what’s at stake. As your New Orleans, LA boating accident lawyer, we’re ready to help you pursue the recovery you need to move forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let’s talk about what happened and how we may be able to help.

Types Of Boating Accident Cases We Handle

With so much access to water in Louisiana, boating is a regular part of life for many people. Whether it’s for work, fishing, or recreation, being on the water comes with certain risks. Unfortunately, boating accidents can lead to serious injuries, property damage, and in some cases, fatalities. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we represent individuals who have been harmed in a variety of boating-related incidents, and we know how to pursue claims related to these unique situations.

Recreational Boat Collisions

One of the more common cases we handle involves collisions between privately owned boats. These accidents can happen due to operator error, speeding, inattention, or boating under the influence. When a driver’s poor decisions lead to injuries or damage, injured parties may have the right to pursue a claim. We help clients understand their options and work to hold the responsible party accountable, whether the incident occurred on a lake, river, or coastal waters.

Injuries On Commercial Or Charter Boats

Many people book charter fishing trips, sightseeing cruises, or other commercial boating experiences throughout the year. When someone gets hurt during one of these trips—due to poor maintenance, unsafe conditions, or operator error—they may be entitled to compensation. These cases often involve reviewing company policies, operator credentials, and how the accident occurred. We assist clients in evaluating who may be liable and how to recover from both physical and financial setbacks.

Jet Ski And Personal Watercraft Accidents

Personal watercraft, such as Jet Skis, are often involved in serious accidents due to their speed and size. Whether operated by a rental company or a private individual, these vehicles must be handled responsibly. If you’ve been injured while riding or struck by a Jet Ski or similar watercraft, your claim may involve both the operator and the owner of the vehicle. We work with clients to review incident reports, witness statements, and insurance coverage to support their case.

Boating Accidents Caused By Alcohol Use

Alcohol is a major factor in many boating accidents. When an operator is impaired while behind the wheel of a boat, they may make poor decisions that endanger others. These accidents often lead to serious injuries, especially when high speeds or crowded waterways are involved. We help victims pursue claims against boat operators who were under the influence, including gathering law enforcement reports and related evidence that supports the claim.

Injuries Due To Poor Boat Maintenance

In some cases, the cause of an accident isn’t operator behavior—it’s the condition of the boat itself. If a boat owner fails to maintain their vessel, and someone gets hurt due to a mechanical failure or safety issue, the owner may be held liable. This can apply to private owners, rental companies, or commercial operators. We’ve worked on cases where faulty engines, steering problems, or electrical issues played a role in causing injury.

Swimmers And Kayakers Hit By Larger Boats

Non-motorized water users like swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders can suffer injuries when struck by larger, motorized boats. These cases often involve speed or visibility concerns, and the law places certain responsibilities on boat operators to keep a safe distance. We work with victims in these situations to understand what happened and build a case against the at-fault party.

At Kiefer & Kiefer, we handle all types of boating accident cases, from recreational collisions to injuries caused by negligence. If you or a loved one has been hurt and need our New Orleans, LA boating accident lawyer, we’re here to help. Reach out to our office today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovering what you’re owed.