Riverboat Accident Lawyer

Injuries Occurring on Riverboats

Call a riverboat accident attorney if you have been injured while aboard a riverboat. Riverboats have become more and more prevalent in the United States.  Gambling boats and tourist cruises have become a popular form of recreation.  There are numerous riverboats for hire nowadays, sailing out of cities like:

• Lake Charles, Louisiana
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• St. Louis, Missouri
• St. Paul, Minnesota
• Memphis, Tennessee
• Clarkston, Washington
• Astoria, Oregon
• Portland, Oregon

Unfortunately, sometimes injuries occur while on a riverboat.  Whether you are there as a passenger or as a crew member, you may have a legal right to recover for your harms and losses if you are injured while on a riverboat.  Our riverboat accident lawyers are here to discuss your case if you have been injured on a riverboat. Cal (713) 932-0777 for a free consultation today.

Status as a Passenger vs Crew Member

Riverboat Passenger Claims

There are many ways a passenger can be injured while on a riverboat.  Slip and fall accidents due to spills and failure to clean water off of slick decks are common. Injury due to the negligence of a crew member can result in passenger injuries.  If you are a passenger injured on a riverboat, here are some facts you need to know:

1. Your contract with the riverboat may substantially affect, alter, or limit your rights.  Many riverboat tickets and/or contracts contain clauses limiting what State law governs personal injury claims and the time period in which you must file the claim. If you are injured on a riverboat you should take ALL paperwork including ticket stubs, contracts, or any other documents you may have signed to a riverboat accident lawyer for review.
2. You need to give notice to the riverboat of your injury immediately.  Failure to notify the riverboat company could result in the loss of critical evidence or even worse, a waiver of your right to bring a claim.

As you can see from above, delaying in seeking representation may result in your claim being more difficult to pursue.  Talk to a riverboat accident lawyer as soon as possible.

Crew Member Injury Claims

Because all rivers and lakes are considered to be under the control of Federal Law in the United States, riverboats are not subject to state worker’s compensation laws. Instead, you are likely to have a Jones Act claim for medical losses, lost income, and housing expenses incurred due to your injuries.  When the employer’s negligence is also at play, you may have a right to recover for your pain, suffering, and disability. If there is a third party such as a vendor or another vessel operator at fault, you may also have a third-party claim for your personal injuries.   It is important that you retain a riverboat injury attorney who can help you determine what rights and remedies are available to you.

Call for a Free Consultation Regarding Your Riverboat Injury

Regardless of whether you were there for fun or for work, call Simmons and Fletcher, P.C. for a free consultation regarding your riverboat accident.  Our maritime injury lawyers have been helping injury victims since 1979 and we would love the opportunity to advise you.  (713) 932-0777.