Mardi Gras in Louisiana is one of the most exciting celebrations in the country, drawing thousands of locals and tourists to the streets for parades, parties, and unforgettable festivities. But with the excitement comes an increased risk of personal injuries—from parade float accidents to slip-and-fall incidents. If you or a loved one is injured during Mardi Gras, knowing your legal rights is essential.
At Banck Law, we understand how quickly a celebration can turn into a stressful situation. If you’ve been injured due to negligence, we’re here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Personal Injury Risks During Mardi Gras
1. Parade-Related Injuries
Parades are the heart of Mardi Gras, but they also present a variety of hazards:
- Thrown Objects: Beads, trinkets, and doubloons are fun souvenirs, but they can cause serious injuries when thrown forcefully. Head injuries, facial lacerations, and even eye trauma are common. In 2023, 17 parade-goers in New Orleans were treated for injuries caused by falls, making it one of the most common Mardi Gras-related injuries. (NOLA.com)
- Float Accidents: The size and movement of parade floats pose a real danger to spectators. Getting too close to a moving float can result in severe crushing injuries or fatalities.
- Crowd-Related Incidents: With thousands of attendees packed into tight spaces, crowd surges, trampling, and altercations can lead to serious injuries. Parade organizers and event security must take measures to prevent these risks.
Mardi Gras streets are packed with people, and spilled drinks, beads, and uneven sidewalks create serious tripping hazards. Common factors that contribute to slip-and-fall accidents include:
- Uneven or broken sidewalks
- Wet, littered, or bead-covered streets
- Poor lighting in crowded areas
If a business, property owner, or city agency fails to address these hazards, they may be held liable for your injuries under premises liability laws.
3. Alcohol-Related Accidents & Drunk Driving Injuries
Mardi Gras is one of the most alcohol-fueled events of the year, which means a sharp rise in injuries caused by intoxication:
- Drunk driving accidents: DUI-related crashes skyrocket during Mardi Gras. Intoxicated drivers put pedestrians and other drivers at risk.
- Bar fights and altercations: Alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to fistfights, physical assaults, and injuries in crowded bars or parade routes.
One of the most devastating Mardi Gras accidents occurred in 2017, when a drunk driver plowed into a crowd at the Endymion parade, hospitalizing 21 people. The driver was found to have a blood alcohol level three times over the legal limit. (NOLA.com)
If you were injured due to a drunk driver, bar security negligence, or an overserved patron, you may be entitled to compensation.
4. Negligent Security & Criminal Acts
With large crowds comes the need for strong security measures. Unfortunately, some businesses and venues fail to provide adequate safety. This can lead to:
- Assaults and muggings
- Theft-related injuries
- Insufficient crowd control, leading to trampling or crush injuries
If a business, venue, or event organizer fails to provide proper security and you are injured as a result, you may have a case under negligent security laws.
Understanding Louisiana’s Mardi Gras Immunity Law
Louisiana has a Mardi Gras Immunity Statute, which offers certain protections to parade krewes and event organizers. However, this does not mean you have no legal recourse.
If your injury was caused by:
✔️ Gross negligence
✔️ Reckless behavior
✔️ Inadequate safety measures
…then you may still have a valid personal injury case. At Banck Law, we’ll evaluate your situation and determine the best legal approach for your case.
What To Do If You’re Injured at Mardi Gras
If you suffer an injury during Mardi Gras, taking the right steps can strengthen your personal injury claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first, and medical records will serve as crucial evidence.
- Document everything – Take photos and videos of the accident scene, including hazardous conditions and injuries.
- Collect witness statements – Get contact information from bystanders who saw what happened.
- Report the incident – Notify the police or event organizers, especially for float-related injuries or security negligence.
- Contact a personal injury attorney – The sooner you speak with an experienced lawyer, the better your chances of securing compensation.
How Banck Law Can Help You
If you were injured due to negligence during Mardi Gras, Banck Law is ready to fight for you. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will:
✅ Investigate your case and determine liability
✅ Gather evidence to support your claim
✅ Deal with insurance companies and negotiate a fair settlement
✅ Represent you in court if necessary
Final Thoughts: Celebrate Safely & Know Your Rights
Mardi Gras is a time for joy and celebration, but accidents do happen. Whether you were injured in a parade accident, slip-and-fall incident, or drunk driving crash, Banck Law is here to help.
Don’t let someone else’s negligence ruin your future. If you or a loved one suffered an injury this Mardi Gras, contact Banck Law today for a free consultation.
📞 Call (985) 900-2440 or fill out our online contact form to speak with Christian Banck directly.
