Where Maritime Laws Apply in Louisiana

Have you ever wondered what rules kick in when accidents occur on Louisiana’s busy waters? If you’ve spent any time around New Orleans, you’ve likely seen bustling river traffic, busy port facilities, and even recreational boats cruising by.

Maritime law covers these situations. It isn’t just for big shipping companies—these rules affect everyday people who find themselves injured on or near the water.

If you face a maritime accident, remember: that serious injuries change people’s lives. They incur medical expenses, and lost wages, and often suffer severe pain.

At Shlosman Law Firm, we know the challenges you face after a maritime accident.

Defining Maritime Law

Maritime law, (maritimeaccidents.com) sometimes called admiralty law, covers incidents that occur on navigable waters. Its roots go back centuries when rules for sea trade and shipping were first established. The purpose of maritime law is simple: it sets the rules for what happens when things go wrong on the water, whether that’s a collision between vessels or an accident on a dock.

While general personal injury law takes care of accidents on land, maritime law deals with water-related incidents. This distinction is important because the types of accidents and the rules for compensation can differ greatly.

If you or someone you know has suffered on the water, it’s not the same as a typical car accident case. The rules here are designed to address the unique risks that come with water travel and work on the water.

Geographic Scope of Maritime Law in New Orleans

New Orleans is known for its rich water culture and bustling port activities. Here’s a closer look at where maritime law applies in our region.

Navigable Waters

Our region is defined by several important waterways where maritime rules come into play. These include:

• The Lower Mississippi River: This major waterway runs from the sea buoy to mile marker 303. It’s a critical route for both commerce and recreation.
• The Gulf Intracoastal Waterway: Marked by specific mile markers, this waterway is essential for safe travel along the coast.
• The Inner Harbor Navigational Canal: This canal is a key passage for vessels moving in and out of the city.
• The Port Allen Route: A busy channel that supports the daily movement of goods.
• The Atchafalaya River: In areas of shared jurisdiction, multiple agencies work together to oversee operations here.
• The Mississippi River Gulf Outlet: A vital shipping channel that plays a major role in local commerce.
• Tiger Pass: Another important waterway that contributes to the economic and recreational activities in the region.

These waterways support both commercial and recreational activities, making them central to everyday life in New Orleans. When accidents occur on these routes, maritime law steps in to protect those affected.

Port Facilities and Vessels

Maritime law isn’t limited to the water itself—it also covers the facilities and vehicles that work on and near the water. Consider the following:

• The Port of New Orleans: Both public and private maritime facilities here are governed by maritime law. Whether goods are loaded, unloaded, or stored, the law ensures proper safety measures and fair handling.
• Commercial Vessels: Ships, barges, towboats, and other cargo carriers operating along our waterways fall under maritime law rules.
• Offshore Oil and Gas Platforms: Platforms and drilling units off the coast of Louisiana are covered by laws such as the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act. These rules help manage the risks associated with offshore work.
• Recreational Boats and Pleasure Crafts: Even boats used for leisure must follow certain rules, particularly when they use public piers and docks.
• Docks and Piers: The “extension of the shore” doctrine means that areas like docks and piers, especially during loading or unloading operations, are treated as part of the water-based system.

The close connection between water travel, commerce, and leisure in New Orleans means that maritime law cases (maritimeaccidents.com) are not rare. Many incidents fall under these legal protections, from commercial mishaps to boating accidents.

Types of Maritime Cases in New Orleans

Maritime law covers a range of issues. Let’s break down some of the common types of cases you might encounter in our region.

Personal Injury

Accidents on or near the water can lead to serious injuries. Some examples include:

• Offshore Platform Injuries: Due to the hazardous work environment, accidents on oil and gas platforms can result in significant injuries.
• Boating and Cargo Loading Incidents: Mishaps during loading and unloading or while operating a boat can cause physical harm.
• Longshoreman Injuries: Workers who load and unload cargo may suffer from hazardous working conditions.

In many of these cases, the Jones Act comes into play. This law protects seamen by ensuring they receive fair compensation if they are injured on the job. The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act also helps cover injuries for workers on navigable waters or in adjoining areas. In the event of a fatal accident, the Death on the High Seas Act may provide a means for recovery.

At Shlosman Law Firm, we know how to force maritime companies, insurance companies, and large corporations to pay the money they owe to people they injure.

Cargo Damage

Not every maritime case involves personal injury. Sometimes, the focus is on damage to cargo during transport. When goods are mishandled or damaged due to equipment failure, the owners may need legal help to recover their losses. Clear contracts and proper insurance coverage play a big role in these disputes.

Collisions and Allisions

Collisions can occur between two moving vessels or between a vessel and a stationary object. When a moving vessel strikes an immobile structure, it’s called an allision. Both scenarios raise difficult questions about fault and liability. Resolving these issues often requires careful examination of the incident details and the applicable maritime rules.

Environmental Issues

Maritime accidents aren’t always just about property or personal injury. Sometimes, an incident leads to pollution or other environmental harm. Laws are in place to hold responsible parties accountable when spills or other environmental issues occur. These rules help protect local ecosystems and the well-being of communities around the port areas.

New Orleans Maritime Accident? Don’t Wait, Call Us!

For those in New Orleans who have suffered a maritime accident, it’s important to act quickly. Do not wait to get your life back on track after a serious accident.

At Shlosman Law Firm, we know that achieving a fair resolution in your case requires consistent hard work and dedicated advocacy. We recognize the unique challenges of maritime law (maritimeaccidents.com) in our area and we’re here to help.

If you or someone you care about has been injured on the water, please reach out to our firm. We are ready to listen, review your case, and work with you to secure the compensation you deserve. Your case is important and we are committed to fighting for the rights of those affected by maritime accidents.

Call Shlosman Law Firm at 504-826-9427 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Let’s work together to help you get back on track.