Louisiana's Parade Liability Law Limits Lawsuits for Mardi Gras Injuries

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Louisiana's Revised Statute 9:2796 limits when people can sue krewes, parade organizations, or certain festival groups for injuries or damages sustained during Mardi Gras and other parades in the state. The law protects these groups from liability except in cases of deliberate and wanton acts or gross negligence, and also states that parade attendees assume the risk of being struck by traditional throws like beads, cups, and coconuts.

Why it matters

Mardi Gras is a major cultural and economic driver for Louisiana, especially New Orleans, and this law helps protect the parade industry by emphasizing personal responsibility and limiting lawsuits that could threaten the viability of these events.

The details

RS 9:2796 broadly applies to Mardi Gras parades, traditional rural Mardi Gras runs, and other parades held on public streets, private property, waterways, or inside buildings. It states that people generally do not have a cause of action against a krewe or parade organization for 'loss or damage' caused by members during or related to these events, unless the harm was caused by a deliberate and wanton act or gross negligence. The law also spells out that parade attendees 'assume the risk' of being struck by traditional throws like beads, cups, coconuts, and doubloons. Additionally, the protections can extend to a krewe's hired contractors and their employees when a claim involves the operation, transfer, or movement of a motor-drawn float or vehicle connected to a parade.

• RS 9:2796 has been in effect in Louisiana since the 1980s.