Baton Rouge Parade Accident Lawyer
Practice Areas
In Louisiana, if there’s an event or even during the holiday season, there will most likely be a parade to celebrate. While Mardi Gras parades, festivals, concerts, and other events are supposed to be an enjoyable experience, they can sometimes result in tragedy. The Baton Rouge parade accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown are dedicated to representing victims of parade accidents in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As much as we love the nonstop selection of events in Baton Rouge, such as our Mardi Gras parade, Christmas parade, St. Patrick’s Day events, Blues Festival, Soul Food Festival, concerts, and events to celebrate our beloved Tigers, these events can unfortunately lead to serious injuries for event and parade goers. Whether it’s being struck by parade floats, tripping along the parade route, trampling injuries, burns, negligent security issues, structural failures, or other mishaps, the consequences can be severe.
If you have been injured in a parade, our experienced Baton Rouge parade accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the compensation you deserve. Our team of personal injury attorneys provides comprehensive legal assistance to victims of accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured in a parade accident, contact our law firm at 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge personal injury attorney.
Examples of Parade Accidents
Parade accidents can have profound and lasting impacts on individuals and communities alike. These incidents range from vehicle-related accidents, such as float malfunctions or collisions, to crowd-related issues, including stampedes or barriers giving way. While parade accidents are rare, they can still occur and serve as sobering reminders of the potential hazards associated with parades.
Raleigh Christmas Parade Accident
In 2022, an 11-year-old girl was killed during the Raleigh Christmas Parade when a truck pulling a parade float lost control. Witnesses stated the truck gained speed as it traveled downhill towards a children’s dance troupe performing on Hillsborough Street. Even though the driver repeatedly honked the horn, the young victim could not get out of the way.
Following the accident, the driver was charged with misdemeanor death by motor vehicle, unsafe movement, improper equipment, careless and reckless, and carrying a firearm during a parade. It was later discovered that the driver had a history of traffic violations, and witnesses reported seeing an emergency brake cable hanging from the truck.
The Greater Raleigh Merchants Association decided in 2023 that the 79th Annual Raleigh Christmas Parade would be held without motorized vehicles to prevent further tragic accidents.
Hilliard Ohio Parade Accident
During Hilliard’s 2023 Fourth of July parade, a 7-year-old girl fell off a float and was run over by the trailer pulling the float. At the time of the accident, she was handing out water bottles to other riders and started to slip. When she fell from the float, the trailer wheels rolled over on top of her. She suffered over 19 broken bones, a skull fracture, and a lacerated liver and is expected to make a full recovery.
Endymion Mardi Gras Parade Crash
In 2017, a motorist drove his vehicle into a crowd of people during the Endymion parade, injuring more than 30 parade-goers. When the driver was arrested, his blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit. Despite pleading guilty to 11 felony charges and being sentenced to five years in prison, the offender was released after 17 months since Louisiana does not consider the offenses “crimes of violence.”
Is Mardi Gras Dangerous?
The sheer scale of the Mardi Gras event, combined with large crowds, alcohol consumption, and street festivities, can pose safety risks. While the majority of Mardi Gras festivities unfold joyfully and without incident, there have been occasions where accidents, injuries, and sometimes violence have tarnished the celebrations.
Authorities and organizers go to great lengths to ensure safety, implementing extensive security measures and crowd control protocols. However, attendees are advised to remain vigilant, stay aware of their surroundings, and follow safety guidelines to minimize risks and ensure that Mardi Gras remains a joyful and safe experience for all.
Causes of Parade Accidents
Many parades are large-scale events that open them up to many challenges involving safety protocols and crowd control. When you mix these dynamics with drinking and parade floats, the results can be catastrophic. Don’t let an injury ruin your holiday season. Let our Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys handle the legal legwork and make sure the person responsible is held accountable.
Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents during parades can result from a mix of factors, such as the close proximity of floats and spectators, the complexity of navigating large vehicles through crowded streets, and potential distractions for both drivers and attendees. The impact of vehicle-related parade accidents is profound, not only causing immediate harm and panic but also casting a long-lasting shadow over what should be joyful occasions.
Following vehicle-related parade accidents, a Baton Rouge car accident lawyer becomes indispensable, offering legal assistance to those affected and ensuring victims receive the support and compensation they need to recover.
Thrown Objects
Beads, candy, and other souvenirs are often thrown from floats during parades. While this activity is part of festive traditions, these projectiles can lead to accidents and injuries. Even though parade organizers and krewes regulate what is thrown to protect spectators, injuries are always possible. Misjudged throws can result in a range of injuries, from minor bruises to more serious eye injuries or head trauma.
Sidewalk Conditions
Sidewalk conditions play a critical role in ensuring the safety of spectators during parades, as uneven surfaces, obstructions, or slippery conditions can increase the risk of falls and injuries. Crowded conditions can worsen these hazards, making it difficult for attendees to navigate safely or escape potential dangers.
Although parade organizers and city officials inspect and prepare parade routes, accidents can still happen. When dangerous sidewalk conditions during parades lead to injuries, a Baton Rouge premises liability lawyer can help recover adequate compensation for your claim and help improve safety measures to minimize future injuries.
Dog Bites
Dog bites during parades can occur when pets become overwhelmed or frightened due to the dense crowds and loud noises. This atmosphere can heighten a dog’s anxiety, increasing the likelihood of defensive actions such as biting. Dog bite accidents cause physical harm to individuals and raise concerns about public safety and animal welfare.
When the festive parade environment leads to dog bites or other animal injuries, it can be a traumatic experience for the victim and their family. If a dog or animal bites you during a parade, a Baton Rouge dog bite lawyer from The Law Offices of Ossie Brown can help.
Getting Struck By Large Installments Along Parade Route
Spectators can be struck by floats, stages, or oversized decorations along the parade route due to structural failures, improper securing of installations, or accidental contact with parade elements. The outcomes of such accidents can range from minor injuries to more severe, life-threatening situations, especially in densely packed crowds where escape routes may be limited.
Types of Parade Accident Injuries
Parades, with their lively energy and large gatherings, unfortunately, come with risks that can lead to injuries varying from minor cuts and bruises to more severe conditions such as fractures, head injuries, and traumatic stress.
Serious parade injuries can lead to extensive medical bills and lost wages, which is why it’s critical to contact the Baton Rouge catastrophic injury attorneys at The Law Offices of Ossie Brown following your parade accident. The sooner we can evaluate your claim, the quicker we can begin to work towards recovering compensation.
Hand Injuries
Mardi Gras hand injuries, ranging from cuts and fractures to more severe crush injuries, are a common concern due to the traditions of throwing and catching items like beads and trinkets. The dense crowds and excitement can lead to hands being accidentally trampled or run over, especially as revelers reach for souvenirs or are caught in the crossfire of forceful throws, resulting in various injuries.
Wrongful Death
When parade festivities become fatal, it’s crucial for grieving families to seek guidance from an experienced Baton Rouge wrongful death lawyer. Such heartbreaking outcomes often result from mishaps with parade floats, the collapse of structures, or severe crowd surges leading to trampling.
The profound grief and loss felt by families and communities following such tragedy are immeasurable. Pursuing a wrongful death claim is a necessary step for the affected families to seek compensation for the negligence or conditions that contributed to these devastating outcomes.
Head Injuries
Some parade accidents can result in serious head injuries. Whether due to falls, collisions with floats, or being struck by thrown objects. Due to the serious nature of head injuries, it’s important to discuss your legal options with a Baton Rouge brain injury lawyer.
What To Do If You’re Injured at a Parade?
The chaotic nature of parades can occasionally lead to accidents, which is why it’s essential to be prepared if you become injured. The section below lists the immediate steps to take if you’re injured during a parade. While no one wants to think about parade injuries or take away from the festive occasion, it’s best to be prepared to protect yourself and your legal rights.
Seek Medical Help
If injured at a parade, promptly seeking medical help is crucial, regardless of the injury’s appearance. Immediate medical attention ensures your well-being and creates an official record of the injury, which is essential for any potential legal claims.
Contact Parade Organizers
Informing parade organizers about the incident helps document the occurrence within the event’s official records and can initiate an internal review of safety measures. This step not only contributes to your potential legal case by establishing a record of the incident but also aids in preventing similar accidents in the future.
Contact a Baton Rouge Personal Injury Lawyer
After suffering a parade injury, contacting the Baton Rouge personal injury attorneys from The Law Offices of Ossie Brown is advisable. Not only will you receive legal advice and representation, but your attorney will make sure your rights are protected and your compensation is fair.
Your Baton Rouge personal injury lawyer will also manage negotiations with insurers and any other parties involved and, if necessary, represent you in court. Working with an attorney from this historic Baton Rouge law firm can greatly improve your chances of obtaining a fair settlement to cover medical bills, lost income, and other expenses.
Baton Rouge Parade Accident Injury Lawyer
At The Law Offices of Ossie Brown, we understand the complexities of parade accident claims and are prepared to navigate these challenges with you. This commitment to providing compassionate, comprehensive legal representation ensures that your parade injury claim is handled with the utmost care and expertise while you focus on healing.
Call The Law Offices of Ossie Brown at 225-343-1111 to schedule a free consultation with a Baton Rouge parade accident lawyer today.
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