After you get hurt, your family’s future may be on the line. You may wonder when you can go back to work, how to cover medical bills, or in the case of a wrongful death, how to move forward after the untimely death of a loved one.
Our Lafayette, LA, personal injury attorneys understand your needs. Our team has helped clients recover over $600 million in settlements and awards. Also, we work on contingency, meaning you don’t pay unless we win the case. Call our law office to get started on your case today.
We Get Results for Our Clients
The client testimonial videos on this page will show how we have helped families move on with their lives after a tragic accident. So when you choose us to represent your Louisiana personal injury lawsuit, you can be confident that you are in capable hands.
The results we secured for our clients do not guarantee that we can get you a similar settlement. Rather, these examples show how much a case is worth when you understand its full value. We recovered the following million-dollar settlements for clients:
- Settlement of $23 million for the wrongful death of a mother
- Settlement of $7 million for an 18-wheeler accident
- Settlement of $5.5 million for an injured maritime worker
- Settlement of $2 million for a car accident resulting in spinal cord injuries
When you work with us, a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette can look at the evidence and estimate the value of your claim. We take the time to learn the unique details of your case and how the accident changed your and your family’s life.
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Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lafayette
If you need a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette, you’ll want to hire an attorney who has successfully settled claims for your specific type of accident. Our team has more than 250 years of collective legal experience in the following practice areas:
- Bicycle accidents: The most common causes of bicycle accidents include speeding, lack of attention, poor road conditions, fatigue, inexperience, alcohol use, distraction, and improper equipment.
- Motor vehicle accidents: The leading cause of car accidents is distracted driving, which includes talking on cell phones, eating food, drinking alcohol, texting, and using navigation systems.
- Motorcycle crashes: While many motorcycle accidents are caused by human error, other factors (like road conditions) can also contribute. Riders should be aware of the most dangerous highways in Louisiana (including Highway 90) and avoid these whenever possible.
- Pedestrian accidents: Over 8,000 pedestrian crashes were reported in Louisiana County between 2014 and 2018. While most of these incidents happened in urban areas, the death rate was higher in rural areas.
- Truck accidents: Commercial truck accidents occur when motorists are distracted while driving. Distracted driving can be caused by texting, talking on the phone, eating food, drinking alcohol, and using drugs.
- Dog bites: When a dog bites someone, it can result in puncture wounds, lacerations, and in some cases, infections. Dog bite injury cases are serious, as they may cause significant physical and emotional trauma.
- Oil rig injuries: These are some of the most serious and life-altering workplace injuries that can occur. Common causes of oil rig accidents include explosions, fires, falls from heights, hazardous chemicals, and heavy machinery accidents.
- Wrongful death: When someone dies due to another person’s negligence, you may have a wrongful death lawsuit. The victim’s family may sue for damages if they believe the other party was negligent.
- Maritime accidents: There were 44 fatal recreational boating accidents and 46 deaths reported in the state in 2020. Defects in a ship’s design, construction, maintenance, operation, or navigation might lead to maritime injuries.
- Catastrophic injuries: These life-altering injuries include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, paralysis, and severe burns.
- Rideshare accidents: Unfortunately, rideshare accident cases can be complicated to navigate. If you’ve been hurt in a rideshare vehicle crash, seek an experienced Lafayette personal injury attorney.
The Time Limit for Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Louisiana
Louisiana has a time limit for taking legal action against the liable party. L.C.C. § 3492 states that the period for filing a personal injury claim is limited to one year under most circumstances. If you wish to seek compensation, you must file your claim within one year of the accident.
There are, however, situations that pause the statute of limitations clock. For example, if the victim was a minor or there was a late discovery date, it can toll the deadline. Consult a Lafayette lawyer to learn the time frame for your case.
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The Basics of Comparative Negligence
An accident survivor may be partially negligent and responsible for some of their damages. For example, if a speeding driver is struck by another driver who ran a red light, both drivers may be partly responsible for the incident. In these cases, Louisiana follows a principle of “comparative negligence” or “comparative fault.”
According to Louisiana Civil Code § 2323, any negligence on the plaintiff’s part results in a proportional reduction in their final damage award. For example, if a jury decides that a plaintiff is 20% responsible for the accident, their damage award would be reduced by a corresponding amount.
The problem with this civil code is its inconsistency, according to the Louisiana Law Review. A personal injury lawyer in Lafayette could provide additional information on comparative negligence and whether it may apply to your case. Our legal team will make sure you are treated fairly under the law.
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Compensation You Can Recover After the Accident
After a personal injury accident, you may recover several types of compensation. In most cases, you can access compensatory damages. These aim to compensate the plaintiff for harm suffered due to the defendant’s actions. These include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
The consequences of an accident may vary from case to case. However, current and future medical bills are often extensive and may pose a severe financial hardship. These typically form the foundation of a settlement demand or civil court case.
While paying the medical expenses, you may experience a loss of potential income. In addition, if an injury is substantial enough to prevent you from working, this may induce a heavy financial burden.
Other economic losses you may recover include property damage and additional expenses related to the accident. We will determine your eligible damages and help you earn maximum compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Beyond the financial losses associated with an accident, psychological and emotional difficulties may also exist. This could include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
A Lafayette personal injury lawyer will investigate your case, catalog your damages, and pursue compensation for all the losses you have suffered.
What To Expect From the Personal Injury Claims Process
The claims process in Lafayette can be intimidating. However, once you understand what to expect, you will feel more confident about seeking justice. Here is a basic idea of what to expect after hiring a personal injury attorney to take on your case:
- We begin investigating the accident.
- We gather your medical records and other vital evidence to prove liability.
- We calculate the value of your damages.
- We prepare to file your claim with the insurance company.
- We handle the insurance negotiation process.
- We prepare your case for a jury trial.
- We advocate for your right to maximum compensation in court.
Remember that the claims process varies considerably on a case-by-case basis. For example, some accident victims may settle their case outside of court with the insurance company, while others may need to bring their case to court to recover total compensation.
You will get a better idea of the claims process for your case when you contact an attorney for help.
Should I Get Legal Representation?
The first step towards recovering monetary compensation is deciding whether to hire a lawyer in Lafayette. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit against the responsible party, speak with a personal injury attorney about your options.
You don’t want to go through the entire process without legal guidance. That’s why you should speak with a professional before making any decisions. At our personal injury law firm, we work hard to ensure that our clients receive the best possible representation.
You can trust us to handle your claim quickly and efficiently. We’ll take care of everything so you focus on recovering.
Will I Get a Bigger Settlement With a Personal Injury Attorney?
When you’ve been hurt in an accident, you may wonder if hiring an experienced attorney will help you get a bigger settlement. The answer is often yes; having an experienced Lafayette personal injury lawyer on your side can positively impact the outcome of your case.
An experienced attorney understands the ins and outs of the legal system and will help you build a strong case. They also know the tricks insurance companies employ to avoid paying full damages. Your lawyer will negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to get you the best possible settlement.
We Protect Your Interests Before Insurance Companies
When dealing with insurance companies, having a lawyer to protect your interests is important. Insurance providers have teams of lawyers and adjusters who are trained to minimize their liability and payouts.
Insurance agents settle claims by preying on desperate victims during their most vulnerable moments. They know you need money to cover your bills, so they’ll offer you less than you need for a full recovery to close your case. We won’t let them get away with it.
Do I Have To Go to Court After an Accident?
Whether or not you go to court will depend on the circumstances of your case. For example, in some instances, the insurance company may be willing to negotiate a settlement with you outside of court. This can be beneficial because it allows you to avoid the time and expense of a trial.
If, during the settlement process, the at-fault party is unwilling to negotiate, you may need to take your case to court. When this happens, having an experienced accident attorney ensures your rights and interests are properly represented.
We understand the stress and difficulty of going through the legal process, especially after a devastating accident. That’s why we’re here to help. We’ll work hard for you and will answer all your questions every step of the way.
Common Injuries Suffered by Accident Victims
Often people who suffer injuries due to another person’s negligence are unsure if they have grounds for a claim. For example, you may believe your condition is not severe enough to warrant legal action.
Remember that your injuries will not necessarily determine whether you have the right to financial compensation. Instead, your attorney will need to carefully review how your life has been negatively affected by your injuries or the accident to determine whether you have grounds for a claim.
Some physical injuries appear more frequently in Lafayette claims than others. These include:
- Organ failure
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations, contusion, and abrasions
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Paralysis
- Compound fractures and broken bones
- Whiplash
- Sepsis
Accident victims may also suffer from psychological injuries, which are often overlooked. However, the emotional impact of an accident can be significant and long-lasting, with victims experiencing symptoms such as:
After your accident, you should contact a healthcare professional for medical treatment or psychological assistance. You might still recover compensation if you suffered another injury not listed above.
Contact a Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyer Today
In the event of a personal injury, getting immediate and thorough medical attention is your best bet for a speedy recovery. Afterward, call a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette to see if you can collect compensation.
A skilled attorney at Laborde Earles could review your injury claim and conduct any necessary investigations. In the process, we will advise you of your legal options and advocate throughout every stage of the case.
We will put our knowledge and experience to work on your legal claim, allowing you to focus on your recovery. So call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation and see what we can do for your case.
Office Information
Address Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers1901 Kaliste Saloom Rd,
Lafayette, LA 70508, United States
24/7
Phone: (337) 777-7777
Get The HelpYou Need(337) 777-7777To Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION
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