Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise” because of its abundant waterways, including the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Baton Rouge itself is a popular destination for boating. But when a boat accident happens, the results can be catastrophic, including serious injuries and even death.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boating accident, reach out to a Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer at Dudley DeBosier to get the help you need in recovering compensation for your injuries.
Popular Places for Boating in Baton Rouge
With its mix of scenic lakes, winding bayous, and access to the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge offers a wide range of boating options for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re launching a kayak for a quiet morning paddle or cruising with friends on a pontoon, it’s important to understand the unique features—and potential risks—of each location. Some of the most popular places for boating in Baton Rouge include:
Milford Wampold Memorial Park
This lakeside park is a favorite for small watercraft like kayaks and canoes, and includes a designated boat dock.
Glass Beach Boat Launch
The Glass Beach Boat Launch is Baton Rouge’s only free, public-access point to the Mississippi River. But be extra cautious: Strong current and large-vessel traffic make this area potentially hazardous for smaller boats and inexperienced operators.
Hot Springs Marina
Offering pontoon rentals, this marina requires proof of boating safety courses before you hit the water. No matter the location, if you’ve been injured out on the water anywhere in Baton Rouge due to another’s negligence, the experienced boat accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier are here to help you.
Greenwood Community Park
If you’re looking for a boat launch or rental in East Baton Rouge Parish, this is one of the largest parks in the Parish.
How We Help Baton Rouge Boat Accident Victims
At Dudley DeBosier, we know the pain and suffering boat accident victims and their families go through. That is why we are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
Our boat accident lawyers in Baton Rouge are experienced in handling complex boat accident cases. We work tirelessly to investigate the cause of a boat accident and gather the evidence needed to build a strong case on behalf of our clients. Our goal is to hold the responsible party(s) accountable for their negligence and obtain maximum compensation for our clients.
Types of Boat Accident Claims Handled by Our Attorneys
A boat accident can happen in a variety of ways, and our attorneys have experience handling a wide range of boat accident claims. Some of the most common types of boat accident claims we handle include:
Negligence
Negligence is a common cause of boat accidents. When a boat operator fails to exercise reasonable care and caution while operating their vessel, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. Examples of negligent behavior on the water include:
- Operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failing to keep a proper lookout for other vessels and obstacles
- Failing to maintain a safe speed; and
- Failing to maintain proper safety equipment
Our Baton Rouge boat accident lawyers have extensive experience in handling negligence claims in boat accident cases. We know how to gather evidence, including witness statements, police reports, and expert opinions, to build a strong case on behalf of our clients.
Reckless and Careless Operation
A boat accident can occur when a boat operator engages in reckless or careless behavior. This can include speeding, operating a boat in a restricted area, and engaging in dangerous maneuvers. Our attorneys are skilled in identifying reckless and careless behavior on the water and holding the responsible party accountable.
Jones Act and Longshore Claims
A boat accident can also occur in the course of employment. When a worker is injured while working on a boat, they may be entitled to compensation under the Jones Act or the Longshore Act. Our attorneys have experience in handling these types of claims and can help injured workers get the compensation they deserve.
Jet Ski Accident Claims
Jet skiing is popular on Baton Rouge waterways. But it can also be dangerous. A jet ski accident can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Even the most skilled and athletic riders are at risk: Over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, a former LSU softball player was seriously injured in a jet ski accident.
Our boat accident attorneys are experienced in handling Baton Rouge jet ski accident claims and can help injured victims get the compensation they need to recover after a devastating jet ski accident caused by someone else’s negligence.
What You Should Do After a Boat Accident
After a boat accident, there are steps you should take to ensure the best possible outcome for your health and your claim.
- Call for emergency medical care: Immediately after a boat accident, once it’s safe to do so, call for emergency medical care. If no one seems hurt or the injuries involved seem minor, make a plan to see a doctor at a later time for a proper medical evaluation.
- Contact Louisiana law enforcement: Call the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries to report the accident, and be sure to follow their advice.
- Document the crash: If you’re able, take pictures of the accident scene to document any property damage and visible injuries. Ask the boat operator if they have insurance. You will also want to gather and exchange information with anyone else involved and witnesses who may have seen the collision.
- Call a boat accident attorney: If you or a loved one was injured in a boating accident due to someone else’s negligence, an experienced attorney can guide you through the process of filing a claim and fighting for the compensation you’re entitled to.
Where Injured Boaters Can Get Treated in Baton Rouge
If you’ve been injured in a boating accident, your first priority should always be your health. Whether your injuries are minor or life-threatening, it’s crucial to seek prompt medical attention.
Some of the most trusted medical facilities in Baton Rouge include:
- Ochsner Medical Center: Ochsner offers comprehensive emergency services and trauma care, making it a strong option for injured boaters who need immediate evaluation and treatment.
- Baton Rouge General Medical Center: This facility features a Level 2 Trauma Center, which means it’s equipped to treat a wide range of serious injuries, including head trauma, fractures, and internal injuries often sustained in boat accidents.
- Coastal Urgent Care of Baton Rouge: This walk-in clinic is an ideal spot for treating less severe injuries caused by boating accidents.
Once you’ve received proper medical care, contact the boat accident attorneys at Dudley DeBosier, and let us help you with your case.
How Can You Be Compensated for a Boat Injury in Baton Rouge?
If you have been injured in a boat accident in Baton Rouge, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. This can include:
- Medical expenses: Including compensation for your hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost wages and income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the wages you would have earned if you had been able to work.
- Pain and suffering: A boat accident can cause physical pain and emotional distress, and you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced as a result of the accident, and which you may have to endure in the future.
- Property damage: If the accident resulted in damage to your personal property, such as your boat or personal belongings, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property.
By working with a skilled boat accident lawyer, boat accident victims stand the best chance of obtaining the compensation they deserve. Our Baton Rouge lawyers know how to negotiate with the insurance companies and, if necessary, litigate your case in court to get the compensation you need.
Experience What Sets Us Apart
At Dudley DeBosier, we believe that every client deserves personalized attention and aggressive representation. We take the time to get to know our clients so we can focus on their specific needs.
Our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys are experienced in handling complex legal cases involving boat accidents, and we are not afraid to go up against large insurance companies and big corporations to help our clients get the compensation they deserve.
We pride ourselves on our compassionate approach to legal representation. We understand that you are going through a difficult time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
When you work with us, you can expect the following:
- Personalized attention: We take the time to get to know you and your unique situation so we can provide you with the individualized attention you deserve.
- Aggressive representation: We are not afraid to go up against insurance companies and big corporations to help you get the compensation you deserve.
- Transparent communication: We will keep you updated throughout the legal process and provide you with clear and concise information every step of the way.
- No upfront costs: We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why you won’t pay us upfront. Our fee is contingent on outcome, which allows you to focus on recovering while we fight for you.
Call Our Boat Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured in a boat accident in Baton Rouge, don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact a Baton Rouge boat accident lawyer at Dudley DeBosier today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you and answer any further questions you may have about your legal rights and options.
At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, every potential client gets a free case evaluation. We love helping accident victims protect their futures and get the compensation they deserve.
