In this article, you can discover… How Louisiana law defines a “pre-existing” medical condition Whether you can file a personal injury claim if the impacted body part was previously injured How an attorney can help you navigate pre-existing conditions as you file a claim What Is Considered A Pre-Existing Injury Under Louisiana Personal Injury Law? A pre-existing injury is an injury you suffered before the accident you are making a claim on that impacted the same body part. For example, if you were in a car wreck two years ago that injured your back and then re-injured your back in a new wreck, your back injury would be considered a pre-existing injury. However, if you previously injured your back in a car wreck and suffered a later wreck that impacted your arm, your back injury would not be considered pre-existing…Read More
Many of you know us for our work helping people injured in car accidents. But our firm also assists clients with estate planning and successions — an area of law that affects every family, regardless of age or income. A last will and testament is a legal document that clearly states how you want your property to be distributed after your death. Yet many people still believe they don’t need one. Common misconceptions include: “I’m too young to need a will.” In reality, you’re never too young to put basic plans in place. Creating an estate plan early gives you more flexibility and peace of mind. “I don’t have enough assets to justify a will.” The value of your property doesn’t matter — what matters is making sure it goes where you want it to go. “Everything will automatically go…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The definition of a “low-speed” car accident in Louisiana. The types of injuries common in low-impact car injuries. How an attorney can help you seek compensation after a low-speed accident. What Legally Qualifies As A “Low-Speed” Car Accident In Louisiana Injury Claims? Low-speed car accidents are ones where moderate to high speed is not a factor in the wreck. The driver could be traveling at 20 miles per hour or even 10 miles per hour, but the vehicle was still traveling fast enough to cause an injury. Low-speed car accidents are also identifiable by minimal property damage to the vehicles involved. Can Low-Speed Car Accidents Under 10 Mph Still Cause Serious Injuries? Absolutely. Many people don’t realize how dangerous vehicles are. The average vehicle weighs 4,200 pounds, and when it hits anything, damage is…Read More
In this article, you can discover… When a company vehicle is responsible for a driver’s negligence. The legal difference between an accident with a company car and a personal car. How an experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine liability. When Is A Company Legally Responsible For An Employee’s Negligent Driving In A Vehicle Accident? A company is legally responsible for the actions of its employees if the employee was acting in the course and scope of their employment. In other words, if the employee was performing a work function or a part of their job while driving and caused an accident, then the employer will be liable for that negligence. What Happens If The Driver Caused An Accident While Using The Company Vehicle For Personal Reasons? Generally, if a driver is using a company vehicle for personal reasons…Read More
In this article, you can discover… What documents to bring to your initial consultation with an attorney. The types of questions to ask the attorneys, and which questions they may ask you. How long your initial consultation may be expected to last. What Documents Should I Bring To My First Consultation With A Personal Injury Lawyer? You should bring as much documentation as possible, as this will help your lawyer evaluate your case. Bring your driver’s license, your auto insurance card, your health insurance card, and a copy of the police report or the report’s item number. Bring any pictures or videos of the wreck site, and bring any documents you have from the doctors you have seen since the incident. At My First Meeting, Will I Speak Directly With A Personal Injury Attorney Or A Staff Member? At your…Read More
Last month we explained liability coverage and reviewed what Louisiana’s minimum coverage limits ($15,000 / $30,000 / $25,000) mean. This month, we are focusing on another important topic, Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage, also known as UM and UIM. It is one of the most valuable protections you can have. What Is UM and UIM Coverage Louisiana law requires every driver to carry minimum liability insurance, but it does not require UM or UIM coverage. Some other states do. Here is how it works: Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage protects you if the person who hits you has no car insurance. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to pay for your damages or medical bills. A Quick Warning Some insurers sell what is called “Economic Only” UM or UIM coverage. It is cheaper,…Read More
In this article, you can discover… Who can be held liable for injuries suffered at a game or tailgate party. How to prove property owner negligence in a stadium or tailgate injury. The damages you may be able to recover for your injuries and losses. Who Can Be Held Legally Responsible For Injuries At A Football Game Or Tailgate Party? Who can be held responsible depends on several factors. These factors include who caused the injury, the circumstances surrounding the injury, whether there were any contributing factors to the injury, and where the injury happened. How Do I Prove That A Property Owner Was Negligent In A Stadium Or Tailgate Injury? An experienced personal injury attorney can prove property owner fault by conducting an investigation into what happened and how it happened. Your attorney will look into factors such as…Read More
We get calls all the time from past and current clients asking whether they have enough car insurance. And after a few of these conversations, we realized something: a lot of people just aren’t sure what kind of coverage they really have. Most simply buy whatever their insurance broker or agent recommends, without fully understanding the details. So this month’s legal tip is all about liability coverage — what it is, what those numbers on your policy mean, and why having only the state minimum may not be enough to protect you. What Are Louisiana's Minimum Coverage Limits? When you get a quote from an insurance company or broker, they’ll often base it on the state minimum policy limits. In Louisiana, that means: $15,000 / $30,000 / $25,000 But what do those numbers actually mean? Breaking It Down: Bodily Injury Coverage The first two numbers — $15,000 / $30,000 —…Read More
In this article, you can discover… The significance of independent medical exams in personal injury cases. What happens when an independent medical exam is at odds with your doctor’s diagnosis. What to do if you disagree with the diagnosis you receive from an independent medical exam. What Is An Independent Medical Exam (IME) In Personal Injury Cases, And When Is It Required? An independent medical examination (also known as a second medical opinion) happens when insurance companies hire a doctor to conduct a medical examination of you, the claimant. This doctor will examine you and then write a report with their opinion as to whether the injuries you suffered are related to the wreck. An independent medical exam is requested when the insurance company disputes that your injuries are related to the wreck or when they dispute the medical treatment…Read More
If you've been injured in an accident, you'll quickly find out that it’s not just medical bills and vehicle repairs you’ll have to deal with. You’ll also find yourself coping with the physical and emotional toll of your injuries. These effects, known as pain and suffering in Louisiana, are a legally recognized part of a personal injury claim. However, proving this type of damage requires clear evidence and a thoughtful legal strategy. We’ll address some key questions, such as… How pain and suffering are defined in Louisiana. How to gather evidence of your pain and suffering after an accident. Why it’s crucial to let an experienced attorney help you seek compensation for these losses. What Qualifies As Pain And Suffering In A Louisiana Personal Injury Case? In Louisiana, pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional distress caused by…Read More
