Michael W. Maldonado is an associate attorney and focuses his practice on litigation in the areas of admiralty and maritime law, general casualty insurance defense, construction, and products liability. Michael handles a variety of cases involving disputes ranging from over a few thousand dollars to multi-million dollars. Leaning upon his time as a collegiate athlete running cross country and track-and-field, Michael understands the importance of preparation and attention to detail, and he brings this same dedication to all of his cases. He works with his clients throughout the life of a case to ensure he understands his client’s goals and achieves them. Michael never looks for the easy way out and strives to achieve the best result for each and every client.

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During law school, Michael found success in moot court competitions and honed in his oral advocacy and brief writing skills. While at LSU, Michael won the Robert Lee Tulls Moot Court Competition and had his name engraved outside the law center’s courtroom. He also participated in various competitions across the country, receiving numerous accolades during his time in law school. During his last semester, he was inducted into the prestigious Order of Barristers, which recognizes a select few law students for excellence in oral advocacy throughout their law school career.

Michael’s success in athletics and school has caried over to his career as a litigator where he has enjoyed much success. He has sat first chair at a trial in Jefferson Parish, and he has successfully argued and won several motions, including multiple summary judgment motions in Louisiana state and federal courts and Texas state courts. He has also argued and won several appellate matters. Although he has a passion for litigating, Michael has also been successful in achieving numerous settlements through mediation and settlement conferences for his clients once he has postured the case in favor of his client to achieve a favorable resolution. 

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Representative Matters

• Represented various tow boat companies in Jones Act, unseaworthiness, and maintenance and cure claims.

• Represented construction companies in personal injury disputes and matters involving indemnity agreements.

• Represented marinas and shipyards for personal injuries and property damages.

• Represented fishing charter businesses in personal injury matters.

• Represented cargo carriers in property damage and asbestos disputes.

• Represented a tow boat company when a crew member alleged that he injured himself while moving a pump from a barge back onto the boat.  The case was dismissed summarily by the Eastern District of Louisiana.  The judgment was appealed to the US Fifth Circuit, which affirmed the lower court’s ruling. The plaintiff then attempted to re-file in federal court in Memphis, Tennessee and that matter was also dismissed after motion practice.

• Represented a fishing charter company in Galveston, Texas after a passenger fell off the dock and into the water.  The matter was dismissed on Summary Judgment by the state court judge in Texas.

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