Catastrophic Injuries A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, serious health complications, or even a fatality. These injuries often affect critical areas such as the brain or spine and may involve skull or spinal fractures. Catastrophic injuries also typically require more intensive medical care, naturally resulting in greater financial and emotional impacts. Unique Challenges Catastrophic injury cases often face the challenge of medical bills far exceeding available insurance coverage. Another significant hurdle involves dealing with health insurance liens. When a health insurance company pays for medical treatment related to an accident, it can seek reimbursement from any settlement received by the injured party. An experienced personal injury attorney must notify the insurance company of the injury and manage these liens. Skilled attorneys can sometimes negotiate a reduction of the lien to maximize the…Read More
Calculating The Value Of A Personal Injury Claim The value of a personal injury claim is shaped by several factors, each contributing to the overall assessment of compensation. The severity of the accident serves as the foundation on which everything else builds, with more serious wrecks often leading to higher claims. Similarly, the extent of the injuries—both in their physical and long-term impact—plays a fundamental role in determining the claim’s worth. Another key element is the type and duration of medical treatment required. More intensive and prolonged care naturally increases the value of a claim, as does lost wages, which account for the income you were unable to earn while recovering. Out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a direct result of the injury also contribute to the final figure. Pain and suffering, though intangible, are also essential factors in calculating the claim’s…Read More
I recently received a letter in the mail that I had been selected to potentially serve on a Grand Jury for state court. Even as a lawyer, I was unsure what that meant. The letter said to call the jury line the day before to “ensure your appearance and participation is necessary.” I called and reached a recording that instructed me to show up at the time printed in the letter. I showed up, checked in with a clerk, and gave her the notice I received. An assistant district attorney came out and explained the process to everyone. The judge then came out and explained things in more detail. A Grand Jury is impaneled every six months. It’s made up of a cross section of the community. It plays an important role in the criminal justice system because the Grand…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The benefits of hiring a lawyer when injured during a New Orleans vacation. The risks of waiting until you get home to file a claim. How a seasoned attorney personal injury can help you both locally and remotely. Should I Hire A Local Lawyer If I’m Injured While Visiting New Orleans? Yes, you should. While you can make a claim with the other party’s insurance company itself, insurance companies don't usually play fair unless you have legal representation. A local attorney will be familiar with the New Orleans area and can easily travel to meet you at a hospital, private residence, or a hotel. And because the injury occurred in Louisiana, Louisiana’s state laws will apply. There’s no one better to represent you and help you understand these laws than a local attorney. What…Read More
Escalating A Claim To A Lawsuit When facing a personal injury case, there are key moments when filing a lawsuit may become essential. One scenario is when the client is still receiving medical treatment, and the two-year statute of limitations is approaching. Filing a lawsuit ensures the claim stays active while treatment continues. Another situation is if the insurance claims adjuster denies the claim or offers an unfair, lowball settlement. If negotiations fail to produce a reasonable offer, escalating to a lawsuit becomes necessary to pursue fair compensation through the courts. Fundamental Aspects Of The Trial Process The trial process begins with filing a lawsuit against the at-fault party and their insurance company. The insurance company then responds by filing an Answer, which is their formal response to the claims. Next is discovery, where both sides exchange information relevant to…Read More
Filing A Personal Injury Claim The process of filing a personal injury claim begins by contacting the insurance company to open a claim. Your attorney will then send a letter of representation to the insurer. After they receive it, the insurance company should only communicate with your attorney. Once your medical treatment is complete, your attorney will gather your medical records and bills. After reviewing and evaluating your case, they will submit all necessary documentation to the insurance company for further action. Filing A Claim Versus Filing A Lawsuit Filing a claim is an informal process where the attorney opens a case with the relevant insurance company, collects medical records, and negotiates a settlement with the claims adjuster. The insurance company typically responds within 30 days, and most claims are resolved through negotiation. Typically, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary if…Read More
When To Contact A Personal Injury Attorney You should contact a personal injury attorney immediately after being injured in an accident. Deciding to hire an attorney can be tough, but remember that insurance companies prioritize their own interests over yours. An experienced personal injury lawyer can dramatically improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries, and getting a lawyer involved as early as possible will make things much easier than the alternative. Dealing With Insurance Claims Adjusters You need to understand what exactly it is you’re dealing with when interacting with insurance claims adjusters. Their role, simply put, is to minimize the compensation you receive. Although they may seem friendly, they aren’t your friend—their job is to reduce the value of your claim. This doesn’t necessarily make them bad people, but it does mean you need someone on your side…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How negligence is understood in a motorcycle accident. The steps you can take to gather evidence of the other party’s fault. How an attorney can help you navigate pitfalls and challenges. What Is Negligence In The Context Of A Motorcycle Accident In Louisiana? When a person is negligent, it means they have behaved in a thoughtless or careless manner that has caused injury or harm to another person. For example, a person may run a red light, speed, or fail to yield to another motorist. Negligence may also result when a person drinks and drives or drives under the influence of illegal or prescription drugs. How Can I Gather Evidence To Prove That The Other Driver Was At Fault? If possible, take photographs or videos of the accident scene. This includes pictures of your…Read More
In this article, you can discover… How the severity of your injuries can impact settlement amounts. The impact of driver insurance on your claim’s value. How jaywalking might affect your accident settlement. How Does The Severity Of My Injuries Affect My Compensation? In Louisiana, the amount and type of compensation you can claim as a victim of a pedestrian accident depends on the severity of the accident and the type of injuries that you sustained. An insurance company will value your claim based on the severity of the accident and the type of injuries. While severe injuries are valued the highest, you can still receive compensation if your injuries are only “soft tissue”, such as sprains or bruising. When you reach out to a personal injury attorney, they’ll review your case and help you determine damages that you may be…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The significance of estate planning documents in Louisiana. What makes a will legally binding. The process of contesting a will and the grounds it might be contested. What Is A "Last Will And Testament," And Why Is It Important In Louisiana? A last will and testament is a legal document that tells people where you want your property to go when you pass away. A last will and testament simplifies things for your loved ones and clearly spells out your wishes for your assets, making family debates and confusion less likely. How Does Louisiana's “Forced Heirship” Law Impact The Creation Of A Will? In Louisiana, a “forced heir” is a child who is 23 years or younger and who is permanently unable to care for themselves and their estate due to a mental or…Read More
