LAPLACE MARITIME ACCIDENT LAWYER
Experienced Representation for Maritime and Boating Injuries in Louisiana
Louisiana’s waterways power both its economy and its way of life. From offshore platforms to tugboats and crew vessels on the Mississippi River, maritime work carries unique risks that demand experienced legal representation.
Attorney Donald D’Aunoy Jr. represents injured seamen, longshoremen, and other maritime workers under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, and general maritime law. He also assists victims of serious recreational boating accidents involving negligence on local lakes and rivers.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable on Louisiana Waterways
Boat and maritime accidents often involve complex liability issues not found in car crashes. Investigations may include the Coast Guard, state wildlife officers, and federal maritime agencies. Lawyer Don represents crew members, dockworkers, and passengers injured in collisions involving crew boats, tugboats, supply vessels, and other commercial or recreational watercraft on Louisiana’s rivers and lakes. Common causes of maritime and boat accidents in LaPlace include:
- Operator negligence or distraction
- Unsafe vessel operation or overloading
- Equipment or mechanical failure
- Poor maintenance or unseaworthy conditions
- Alcohol or drug impairment
When negligence leads to injury, Lawyer Don helps clients recover compensation under maritime and personal injury law.
Serious Injuries from Boat Collisions
Maritime and boat accident injuries can be devastating, especially when help takes time to arrive. Many victims are thrown into the water, struck by propellers, or trapped in wreckage. Lawyer Don has handled cases involving:
- Head or brain trauma from blunt impact
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Near-drowning and oxygen deprivation
- Crush injuries and broken bones
- Severe lacerations or amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
Unlike vehicle crashes on land, boat collisions can expose victims to prolonged danger like cold water, delayed rescue, or lack of medical access. These factors often intensify both the physical and financial consequences of the event.
Were You Injured in a Boating Accident? Call Lawyer Don Today
If you need legal assistance, the first step is talking to an experienced accident injury attorney about your situation. Call or contact us today for more information. We're available 24/7.
Recoverable Damages in Maritime Injury and Boat Accident Claims
Maritime workers have distinct legal protections that go beyond standard personal injury law. Depending on a worker’s classification, recovery may fall under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), or general maritime law.
- Jones Act seamen: Eligible to recover for negligence by an employer or crew, including maintenance and cure, lost wages, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future earning losses.
- Longshore and HARBOR WORKERS: Covered under the LHWCA, which provides medical benefits and wage replacement for qualifying dock and harbor employees. In cases of vessel negligence, additional damages may be sought through a Section 905(b) claim in federal court.
- Other maritime workers: May pursue claims under general maritime law for unseaworthiness or third-party negligence.
Lawyer Don structures each case around thorough documentation, including medical records, vessel logs, Coast Guard reports, maintenance histories, and expert testimony, to establish liability and maximize recovery. His goal is to secure full compensation for both the immediate and long-term impact of maritime injuries.
Investigating Maritime Accidents and Establishing Liability
Maritime and offshore accidents require immediate, precise investigation. Evidence can vanish quickly at sea or on navigable waters, and multiple parties may share responsibility. Lawyer Don’s approach includes:
- Preserving critical records: Securing vessel logs, maintenance reports, voyage data, GPS records, and crew statements.
- Interviewing witnesses and crew: Including deckhands, supervisors, harbor personnel, and Coast Guard responders.
- Consulting maritime experts: Including naval architects, safety inspectors, and accident reconstruction specialists.
- Determining legal jurisdiction: Identifying whether the claim falls under the Jones Act, LHWCA, or general maritime law.
- Pursuing claims efficiently: Engaging vessel owners, employers, and insurers to obtain full compensation without delay.
Maritime and Boating Laws in Louisiana
Louisiana enforces boating safety laws for recreational operators, including requirements for safety courses, life jackets, and compliance with speed and distance regulations. When violated, these rules can help establish negligence in recreational boating claims.
Maritime workers, however, are protected under federal law, not state boating statutes. The Jones Act, Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), and general maritime law establish the rights of seamen, longshoremen, and offshore workers injured on navigable waters or vessels.
Lawyer Don applies both state and federal standards, ensuring each claim, whether recreational or maritime, is filed under the correct legal framework and jurisdiction.
Why Injured Maritime Workers Choose Lawyer Don
Maritime and offshore injury cases demand knowledge that goes beyond standard personal injury law. As a long-time LaPlace boat accident and maritime injury attorney, Lawyer Don understands the unique jurisdictional, procedural, and evidentiary rules that govern maritime claims under the Jones Act, LHWCA, and general maritime law. He builds each case to account for these complexities, whether the client was injured aboard a vessel, at a dock, or during offshore operations. Key advantages clients rely on include:
Extensive Experience
Proven experience representing seamen, longshoremen, and harbor workers
Local Knowledge
Command of federal maritime statutes and Louisiana’s navigable waterways
PROVEN RESULTS
Documented results in serious injury and wrongful death maritime cases
Direct Client Attention
Direct, one-on-one representation from start to finish
STRATEGIC COORDINATION
Strategic communication with insurers, vessel owners, and employers
Real Testimonials
Community Resources
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
600 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Clerk of Court: (504) 310-7700
United States Eastern District of Louisiana
500 Poydras Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Clerk of Court: (504) 589-7600
Louisiana Supreme Court
400 Royal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Clerk of Court: (504) 310-2300
29th Judicial District Court
15045 River Road
P.O. Box 424
Hahnville, LA 70057
Clerk of Court: (985) 783-663
State of Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal
101 Derbigny Street
Gretna, Louisiana 70053
Clerk of Court: (504) 376-1400
