If you’re considering filing a claim after an accident, you’re likely wondering: Do I need a personal injury lawyer? While you are not necessarily required to hire a personal injury lawyer, it’s recommended that you do secure legal representation for these types of cases.
A West Bank personal injury attorney can evaluate your case and walk you through your options for recovery. That way, you can recover the full scope of your losses.
Do I Need a Personal Injury Lawyer in Louisiana?
If you’re purely talking about legal requirements, you do not have to hire a personal injury lawyer to file a claim in Louisiana. It’s not a legal requirement to work with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer, but it is widely recommended that you consult an attorney about your case.
Every year, it’s estimated that 450,000 Louisianans visit emergency departments for injuries and 22,000 are admitted to the hospital. Many of these injuries are from preventable accidents involving another party’s negligence or misconduct. In these situations, injured parties may have grounds to file a personal injury claim to recover damages for their losses.
Every personal injury case is unique. That said, establishing fault is the key to any personal injury case. Serious injuries from things like head-on car accidents need evidence like medical records to prove the scope of your injuries.
This involves gathering evidence that demonstrates the scope of your losses and proves that your injuries were the result of another party’s negligence or intentional actions. In defective product cases, the grounds are typically strict liability instead.
A West Bank personal injury lawyer can use their knowledge and resources to collect key pieces of evidence to support your claim. They can also negotiate with insurance adjusters, counter low settlement offers, and take matters to court if they’re unable to reach an agreement without litigation.
Common Mistakes Made in Louisiana Personal Injury Cases
While the claims process in Louisiana is fairly straightforward on paper, claimants are not guaranteed fair settlements just because they file a claim. It’s easy to make missteps along the way that delay or even stop the recovery process. A West Bank personal injury attorney can help you avoid the worst of them.
One common mistake Louisianans make in personal injury claims is accepting the first settlement offer from an insurance company. Insurers are likely going to try to save money by offering the minimum settlement amount. Be ready to negotiate.
Along a similar vein, another mistake injured parties make after an accident is giving too many details to their insurance provider. In many cases, the at-fault party’s insurance handles your compensation. However, if your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy is covering your damages, they can use any information you give them to lower your settlement amount.
An attorney knows how to speak to insurance companies to preserve the value of your claim. They can even do so on your behalf.
FAQs
How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Louisiana?
How long you have to file a personal injury claim in Louisiana depends on the nature of the claim. Under Louisiana law, you have two years to file a claim after sustaining an injury. However, the statutes of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim and survival action are different.
It’s helpful to contact a West Bank personal injury attorney as soon as possible to help you file all the necessary documents on time.
What Damages Are Recoverable in a Personal Injury Case on the West Bank?
What damages are recoverable in a personal injury case on the West Bank hinges on the details of the accident and the victim’s losses. Claimants can recover economic and non-economic damages, which cover direct costs and other losses.
Common recoverable damages in personal injury cases include:
- Disability and disfigurement
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Medical expenses and rehab costs
- Pain and suffering
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
How Do I Prove Fault in a Personal Injury Case on the West Bank?
How to prove fault in a personal injury case on the West Bank depends on the evidence available and the cause of the accident. Legal grounds for filing a claim in Louisiana include negligence, intentional harm, or strict liability.
The more evidence you have to support your claim, the better. Helpful pieces of evidence can include:
- Detailed notes
- Doctor’s notes
- Forensic evidence
- Medical records
- Pictures and videos
- Surveillance footage
- Witness testimonies
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer on the West Bank?
The cost to hire a personal injury lawyer on the West Bank can depend on the complexity of the case and how much you recover through your settlement. Louisiana personal injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis.
Claimants don’t pay anything upfront or out of pocket for their legal team. Instead, the attorney collects their fees as a percentage of the total settlement won.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Help With Your Case on the West Bank
Time is of the essence in personal injury cases. If you’re injured and seeking compensation, it’s wise to contact a West Bank personal injury attorney as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
Our team at Ron Austin Law brings over 88 years of combined personal injury experience to the table. We’re comfortable navigating all the stages of the claims process, and we’re not afraid to be aggressive advocates for our clients.
Over the years, we’ve recovered more than $1 billion for our clients through settlement negotiations and court judgments.* As a nationally recognized leader in personal injury and mass torts, we’re confident we can support you through your case. Our experience spans multiple districts and states, and we’re familiar with navigating litigation through the 2nd Parish Court and 24th Judicial District Court.
Attorney Ron Austin is the Bellwether Co-Chair of the Plaintiff Steering Committee and an AV Preeminent® peer-rated attorney through Martindale.** If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, our Louisiana personal injury attorneys are here to help.
Contact the team at Ron Austin Law and set up an initial appointment to discuss your case in more detail today. We’re conveniently located right off US-90 on the West Bank of the Mississippi River to serve our clients throughout southeast Louisiana.
*Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different and must be evaluated on its own merits.
**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
