Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLCLaw Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC2026-05-21T17:42:34Zhttps://www.gregdileo.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1503256/2020/04/cropped-favicon-min-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[Who pays crash expenses when a Louisiana driver is uninsured?]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506262026-05-09T20:15:33Z2026-05-09T20:15:33ZPersonal insurance policies
Many motorists carry uninsured driver coverage. Others may have comprehensive and collision coverage added to their policies to expand their baseline liability protection. These supplemental forms of coverage can help get paid to repair their vehicles, cover their medical bills and replace their lost wages caused by their injuries. Uninsured motorist claims often prove challenging, and drivers using their own policies may need assistance understanding their rights and the coverage available given their total losses.
Personal injury lawsuits
Uninsured drivers are directly financially liable for the damages generated by collisions that they cause. Those injured by uninsured motorists can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking compensation for the economic consequences of the wreck. The courts can place liens on valuable property, sell nonexempt assets or even garnish wages as a means of enforcing judgments after a successful personal injury lawsuit.
In some cases, there may be a third party with liability for the incident. Employers, vehicle manufacturers and even municipal authorities may sometimes have a degree of responsibility for a crash. Those injured by uninsured drivers can theoretically file lawsuits against outside parties for the losses they cannot recover through an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the driver at fault for the wreck.
Reviewing the circumstances of a crash caused by an uninsured driver with a legal professional can help people explore their options. Litigation is frequently necessary when those who cause crashes do not have the liability coverage necessary to cover collision expenses.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[When a pedestrian tourist is hit by a car in New Orleans]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506202026-04-16T15:36:46Z2026-04-16T15:36:46ZNew Orleans is known for its walkable streets, historic neighborhoods and vibrant attractions that draw millions of visitors each year. From the French Quarter to the Garden District, tourists often explore the city on foot. Unfortunately, pedestrian-heavy areas are not always as safe as they seem. Congested traffic, distracted drivers, unfamiliar road layouts and busy intersections can create real risks for visitors who may not be familiar with local traffic patterns.
As wonderful as it can be to explore New Orleans on foot, the traffic-related dangers of this city are the primary reasons why local media frequently draw attention to the fact that Louisiana has the highest pedestrian fatality rate in the United States.
Addressing the aftermath of a tourist pedestrian crash
When a pedestrian tourist is hit by a car in New Orleans, the situation can quickly become overwhelming, especially for someone who is very far from home. The first priority should always be safety and medical care. Even if injuries seem minor, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Some injuries, such as head trauma or internal damage, may not be obvious right away but can worsen without treatment.Obtaining the driver’s contact and insurance information is going to be important, along with the names and contact details of any witnesses. In a busy city like New Orleans, witnesses may leave quickly, so acting promptly can make a difference. Calling local police to file a report that may also serve as important evidence later.Tourists should also be mindful of what they say at the scene and afterward. It is natural to feel shaken, but avoiding statements that suggest fault or minimize injuries is important. Insurance companies may later use early comments to challenge a claim. Keeping communication factual and limited can help to protect the legal rights of injured tourists.Once an injury victim is safe, consulting with a personal injury legal team that understands local laws can help to clarify their options and better ensure that deadlines are met. Compensation that is deserved isn’t always awarded properly if certain procedures aren’t observed to the letter. Being injured while traveling can disrupt a trip and become a major source of stress. Thankfully, taking certain steps right away can help affected tourists to safeguard both their health and legal rights. ]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[When delays on a cruise ship lead to physical harm ]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506182026-03-06T15:55:52Z2026-03-06T15:55:52Zcan cause injury or illness.
What can happen and what injury victims can do after suffering harm
Injuries connected to delays can take many forms. Slips and falls may occur when decks or walkways become crowded. Heat exhaustion or dehydration can set in if passengers or crew are exposed to high temperatures without adequate shade or water. Crew fatigue can contribute to mistakes in handling equipment, operating machinery or assisting passengers, all of which can result in serious consequences.
Delays may affect the timely delivery of essential supplies. Shortages of food, clean water or medical equipment can compromise health and safety. In some cases, the failure to maintain proper sanitation due to extended time at sea has led to outbreaks of illness among passengers and crew alike that cruise line operators could have prevented with adequate planning and resources.
When a cruise line fails to act reasonably to prevent harm during a delay, injured parties may have grounds to seek compensation. Both passengers and crew members have legal rights under maritime law, which governs incidents at sea.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[Who is classified as a ‘seaman’ under federal maritime law?]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506162026-01-30T17:36:29Z2026-01-30T17:32:28ZWho does the Jones Act protect?
The Jones Act does not cover everyone working near the Louisiana coast. To qualify as a seaman, you must contribute to the specific function or mission of a vessel "in navigation." This classification includes almost any role, from deckhands to cooks, provided the ship is capable of moving on navigable waters and hasn't been pulled from service for major overhauls.
If your work primarily takes place on docks or piers, you might fall under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) instead. The distinction is critical because each law offers different paths to financial recovery, with the LHWCA operating more like traditional, no-fault workers' compensation.
The ‘30% rule’ and the nature of work
Courts often use a specific "rule of thumb" to decide if your connection to a vessel is substantial. According to guidelines supported by the U.S. Supreme Court, you should generally spend at least 30% of your work time in the service of a vessel or a specific fleet.
However, recent Fifth Circuit rulings (covering Louisiana) emphasize that time is only half the battle. The key components for meeting this standard are:
Temporal connection: You generally need to spend at least 30% of your time on a vessel or fleet.
Nature of work: Your duties must be "sea-based" and expose you to the "perils of the sea."
Fleet definition: A "fleet" refers to an identifiable group of vessels under common ownership or control.
These factors work together to ensure that the Jones Act protects those who face the unique hazards of the ocean. Even if you hit the 30% mark, your specific daily tasks must be tied to the vessel's work on the water. If your job recently transitioned to a permanent sea-based role, you may still qualify even if your long-term average hasn't reached that percentage yet.
Why does this classification matter?
Your status dictates the type of compensation you can seek. Seamen can sue for negligence and for a vessel's "unseaworthiness," seeking damages for pain, suffering and lost earning capacity. Navigating the intersection of federal statutes and vessel classifications is complex. An accurate analysis of your specific job assignment by a skilled Jones Act lawyer helps ensure you receive the highest level of protection available.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[3 critical steps to take after a dog bites a person]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506142026-01-26T15:54:34Z2026-01-26T06:01:35Z1. Report the matter appropriately
Some dog bite incidents might occur at businesses. Stores and even offices may claim to be animal-friendly. Allowing animals onto the premises is a source of liability, and management may need to know about the incident. Other times, the person attacked may need to notify their neighbor, who is the animal's owner. In cases where the incident occurs in a public setting without an owner on site, notifying local authorities, including law enforcement and animal control, may be necessary to document the incident and protect other members of the public.
2. See a doctor for the injury
Some dog bite attacks are so vicious that they obviously require immediate medical attention. Broken bones and major tissue damage make immediate emergency medical care necessary. Even a simple bite wound requires medical attention. The shape of a dog's tooth can introduce bacteria deep into the body and make the wound very difficult to clean. Dog bite infections that lead to medical challenges and significant scars are a concern. Seeing a doctor helps ensure optimal recovery and creates secondary documentation of the incident.
3. Review insurance options
If a dog bite occurred at a business, then the company's premises liability coverage might apply. When an incident occurs at a person's home, their homeowners insurance might apply. Even if an attack occurs at a public park, renters or homeowners insurance carried by the dog’s owner might apply to the incident. In some cases, it may be possible to file a straightforward insurance claim. Other times, legal action may be necessary to secure appropriate compensation after a dog bite attack.
Reviewing the details of a particular incident with a legal professional could help the injured party evaluate their options. Those affected by a dog bite attack may have the right to request compensation for property damage expenses and medical costs, as well as any lost wages caused by the incident.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[The right tools make handling the aftermath of a crash easier]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506132026-01-18T22:56:44Z2026-01-18T22:56:44ZHow can a phone help?
A mobile phone is a camera and recording device. It can also facilitate communication with local authorities, insurance providers and possibly a personal injury attorney. As soon as possible after the crash, ideally before moving the vehicles, drivers can take photographs and record video of the collision scene.
They can communicate with local authorities to ask for medical attention, a tow truck and a police officer to come put together a collision report. Phones make it easier to gather documentation by taking photographs of the other driver’s insurance cards and their driver's license. People can also use their phones to collect information about witnesses who can help validate what happened.
The right app can make a big difference
The Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC, actually provides a proprietary app available for free to deal with the aftermath of a car crash. The app is quick to install and easy to use.
It can assist with the process of documenting the crash scene, communicating with insurance providers and reporting the collision to local authorities. It can even help people find the nearest hospital. Timely medical care after a wreck is important for two reasons. Many injuries worsen if left untreated. Additionally, if people wait for treatment, insurance companies may use that delay as a reason to fight a claim.
Those dealing with the aftermath of a car crash need to be ready to respond proactively for their own legal and financial protection. Securing documentation, reporting the crash to local authorities, seeking medical care and communicating with a personal injury attorney can all be necessary steps after a motor vehicle collision. Motorists who have the right tools and a plan in place can protect themselves more effectively after a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[The big change to Louisiana’s negligence laws on January 1st]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506122026-01-05T16:35:10Z2026-01-05T06:01:22ZWhat is modified comparative fault?
The term “comparative fault” refers to the partial responsibility each party may have for an incident that resulted in injury. The driver who ran a red light may be mostly at fault for a crash, but the driver they struck could bear a degree of blame because of a minor mistake, such as the failure to use a turn signal.
Under prior negligence rules in Louisiana, even those who are mostly at fault for an incident could file a lawsuit holding the other party accountable. After the courts determined the percentage of fault that each party had, the final award of damages reflected the percentage of fault held by the defendant in the lawsuit.
Under the modified comparative fault law now in place, only those who are less than 50% responsible for an incident have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit against another party. The same rule for adjusting compensation applies.
Once the courts determine an appropriate amount of damages, they adjust that award based on the percentage of fault held by the plaintiff. An individual who was 20% at fault for a crash is still able to file a lawsuit seeking compensation from the party that holds 80% of the fault. However, the party that is 80% at fault could not take action against the driver who has 20% of the responsibility for the incident.
Complex negligence laws can be difficult to understand for those handling the aftermath of a recent car crash or similar incident. Reviewing the circumstances of a recent injury with an attorney can help people determine if they could benefit from filing a personal injury lawsuit and may make it easier for them to estimate the damages that they could potentially recover accordingly.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[What does it mean for a driver to be underinsured?]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=506112026-01-02T19:30:06Z2026-01-02T19:30:06ZRequirements fall short of major costs
Louisiana's car insurance requirements aren't quite in line with the potential expenses generated by major crashes. The state requires $25,000 worth of property damage coverage. That may not be enough to replace a totaled vehicle, especially if a driver has a late-model car, an import or a sports car.
The mandatory bodily injury coverage is also likely to fall far short of the costs generated by serious injuries. If one person gets hurt in a crash, the driver at fault has an obligation to provide $15,000 worth of liability coverage. That doubles to $30,000 in cases where two or more people sustain injuries.
Bodily injury coverage must pay for not just medical expenses but also lost wages. The minimum amount required by law may prove insufficient in cases where people have significant expenses.
Who helps when insurance isn't enough?
Liability coverage is the only insurance mandated by law, but there are other forms of protection that could help people cover collision expenses. Some drivers carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Others may have collision or comprehensive coverage available to augment the liability coverage of the other driver.
Without supplemental insurance protection, those facing major collision expenses may need to look into litigation. They can potentially take legal action against the driver who caused the crash. There could even be third parties with partial liability for the wreck. Employers, vehicle manufacturers and other businesses can sometimes have a degree of liability for a collision.
Drivers trying to understand their options, negotiate insurance claims or file personal injury lawsuits often require legal guidance. Working with an attorney can make it easier for people to cover car crash expenses when an underinsured motorist is at fault for a wreck.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[New Orleans hurricane preparation: Safety and insurance tips]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=505992025-09-19T11:57:31Z2025-09-19T11:57:31ZReview your insurance coverage before the storm
You protect your claim by knowing exactly what your insurance policy covers. That means checking whether you have flood protection, windstorm coverage and enough funds for temporary housing if you cannot return home immediately. Many policies exclude flood damage or limit wind coverage, so you need to read the fine print, call your insurer with questions and adjust your policy now rather than facing gaps after the storm.
Document your home and belongings
You strengthen your ability to recover costs when you have proof of your property. Create a thorough record with photos, videos and receipts of your belongings before hurricane season begins. Walk through every room with your phone, capture images of big-ticket items and upload copies to cloud storage.
Create an evacuation plan with your family
You stay safer when you already know where to go if officials issue an evacuation order. Plan routes, identify shelters and agree on a meeting point for your family. Include pets and vulnerable relatives in the plan, write it down and rehearse it in advance. This way, everyone can act quickly instead of panicking in the middle of a storm.
Prepare an emergency supply kit in advance
You give yourself a lifeline when you pack essentials that cover at least 72 hours. Essentials include bottled water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, batteries, first aid items, medications and important documents in waterproof containers. Store the kit in a place that you can grab quickly. The moment warnings are issued is not the time to run around gathering supplies.
Stay alert and act when warnings are issued
Monitor official alerts from the National Hurricane Center, FEMA and local authorities. Board windows, secure outdoor items, charge devices and leave immediately if told to evacuate. Acting early gives you more control and prevents the chaos that comes from waiting until the storm is already too close.
Protect your future by planning today
You cannot control when the next hurricane hits New Orleans, but you can take charge of how ready you are. By handling these steps now, you lower the stress of hurricane season and give yourself a clearer path forward if damage occurs. If problems with a claim come up, getting legal guidance can be one more way to protect yourself. An experienced lawyer understands how insurance companies operate, which means they can step in when the process feels stacked against you.]]>On Behalf of Law Offices of Gregory P. DiLeo, APLC<![CDATA[Can you get compensation when injured by a tourist?]]>https://www.gregdileo.com/?p=505952025-08-19T09:27:30Z2025-08-21T09:16:09Z
What happens if the tourist leaves the state?
When an accident involves someone from out of state, things can get tricky. One of the first hurdles is authority. This means figuring out which court has the power to hear your case. If the tourist has left Louisiana, you might worry about how to proceed.
With Louisiana, being an at-fault state, you have all the right to demand that the tourist pay for damages if the accident happened here. The court has jurisdiction because the incident occurred within the state. This is true even if the tourist no longer lives or is present in Louisiana.
What if the tourist is driving a rental car?
Rental car accidents add another layer of complexity. You will have to deal with the rental company’s insurance. Here are some key steps to consider:
Identify the insurance coverage: Find out what insurance policies cover the rental car. This might include the tourist's personal auto insurance, the rental company’s policy, or both.
Understand the rental agreement: Read the rental agreement carefully. It outlines the responsibilities of the driver and the rental company. It also details the insurance coverage provided.
File claims promptly: File claims with all relevant insurance companies as soon as possible. Provide all necessary information and documentation.
Consider additional coverage: If your damages exceed the available insurance coverage, explore other options. Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage from your own policy might help.
Taking these steps can help simplify the claims process.
How does insurance work in these cases?
Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. This is especially true when the at-fault driver is a tourist. Insurance companies might try to minimize payouts or deny claims. Here is what you should keep in mind:
Report the accident to your insurance company immediately.
Gather all relevant information which includes the tourist’s insurance details, the police report, and medical records.
Document everything related to the accident and keeping records of all communication with the insurance company.
Consult with a car accident lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and protect your rights.
Doing all these can help ensure that you get the right compensation.
Ensuring fair compensation after an accident
New Orleans thrives on tourism, but that does not excuse careless behavior. If a tourist injures you, you have the right to seek justice. Understanding the legal landscape is key. You can pursue those who disregard the safety and well-being of our community. By taking swift action and seeking expert help, you can protect your rights. You can also hold negligent parties accountable.]]>