Personal injuries can be shocking and overwhelming, especially those that leave you in debilitating pain. When you are hurt because of someone else’s actions, it can increase the frustration and stress of the situation. Knowing what to do in these situations and when you can begin a personal injury claim can be very helpful. Some of the most common personal injury claims in Lake Charles, LA, include:
- Car accidents. Individuals and families throughout Lake Charles drive each day, commuting to and from work, going shopping, and navigating other aspects of daily life. Car collisions are one of the most common causes of personal injuries, and even seemingly minor accidents can cause injuries with serious complications.After the majority of car accidents, injured drivers and passengers can file injury claims with the insurance provider of the driver who was to blame for the crash. This may be the result of negligent actions like speeding, failing to yield, or not using a turn signal, or it may be due to misconduct like driving under the influence. After a car collision, it is crucial to have an attorney protecting your financial interests during an insurance claim.
- Truck accidents. Accidents involving commercial trucks can involve numerous vehicles and lead to serious destruction. Many truck accidents result in disabling injuries if not fatal injuries.Claims for collisions with commercial vehicles are more difficult to pursue for many reasons, including the substantial value of the damages they cause. They also involve commercial insurance providers, which are more aggressive and have more resources to protect their interests.If you have been involved in an accident with a truck, an attorney is essential to helping you navigate the complicated claim and get the financial recovery that you are owed.
- Motorcycle accidents. When motorcyclists are in collisions, they suffer the brunt of the damages. Injuries from a motorcycle accident can be life-altering, causing immense physical and psychological harm. When drivers fail to take proper care around motorcyclists, they should be held liable for those injuries.
- Product liability. Defective and dangerous products can include pharmaceutical drugs, household tools and appliances, and children’s toys. When manufacturers fail to uphold their duty of care to consumers and fail to warn of potential danger or allow dangerous defects, they can be held accountable. A knowledgeable attorney is crucial to uncovering manufacturer negligence and helping injured consumers recover the cost of their losses.
- Premises liability. Premises liability claims frequently result from slip and fall accidents but can also occur due to other property hazards like falling objects, electrical dangers, improper maintenance, or a lack of necessary security. Property owners can be held liable for not keeping their premises reasonably safe; they should have been aware of a foreseeable unreasonable hazard before an injury occurred.
- Industrial accidents. Industrial plants are some of the most dangerous worksites. Employees may operate heavy machinery, work near and with dangerous chemicals, and navigate other hazards.When employees are injured in accidents while on the job, they can file a workers’ compensation claim. However, it is not always the only option for recovering compensation. If a third party was negligent, an employee could recover more damages. An attorney is essential for determining the available options for compensation.
- Maritime accidents. Maritime employment is crucial in Louisiana, and it is also exceptionally dangerous. Maritime employees, when they are injured while working, may have options outside of workers’ compensation through the Jones Act. This act and other regulations can enable seamen and other maritime employees to file civil claims against negligent employers.
- Construction accidents. Construction accidents can involve employees and bystanders. These accidents can be the result of failure to follow safety standards and other acts of negligence. It is important to work with an experienced attorney.
- Wrongful death and survival actions. Any accident has the potential to result in death or injuries that cause complications and fatality. When someone’s death or fatal injuries were caused by the negligence of another person, their surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim or pursue a survival action.
FAQs
How Is Pain and Suffering Compensation Calculated in Louisiana?
Pain and suffering damages in Louisiana require you to calculate intangible losses, including emotional and psychological harm. There are multiple ways it can be calculated, but it is typically directly tied to the value of your economic damages.
More serious injuries tend to cause greater economic damage, impact your daily life, and cause you more intangible losses. Non-economic damages can be calculated based on the value of your economic losses, the amount of time you spent recovering from your injuries, or both.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Case in Louisiana?
Every personal injury case in Louisiana is unique, and each will have its own timeline. More complex cases tend to take longer, often requiring more investigation and more time to gather evidence and calculate losses. Settling the claim outside of court can speed up the process, but taking the claim to court may secure you more compensation than you can get in a settlement.
A personal injury case taking time is often beneficial for you, because your attorney is negotiating a fairer settlement.
How Much Are Most Personal Injury Settlements?
Every personal injury settlement is unique, and the settlement value is based on the damages suffered, as well as other factors. Some accidents, like collisions with commercial trucks or industrial workplace injuries, typically result in more severe injuries and, therefore, have higher settlements.
The value of settlement also depends on whether the injured party had any comparative fault in the accident. Injured individuals are also more likely to get maximum compensation when they work with an attorney.
How Much Do Lawyers Take From a Personal Injury Settlement in Louisiana?
How much a lawyer takes from a personal injury settlement in Louisiana depends on the lawyer’s skills and abilities, their experience in similar cases, and other factors about the specific attorney. The value of a contingency fee also relies on the complexity of a case, the resources it needs, and whether the case is settled or goes to trial. You should always discuss an attorney’s fees with them prior to hiring them, and discuss other costs like court costs.
Sanchez Burke, LLC: Dedicated and Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys in Lake Charles
The support of skilled legal counsel can improve your chances of securing the maximum compensation possible and recovering medical treatment costs, lost income, and other damages. Contact Sanchez Burke, LLC today.