It is natural to have questions about your rights if you have been injured in Metairie, Louisiana. A Metairie personal injury lawyer can advise you on potential compensation after an accident and answer common questions during a free consultation. These include some of the most frequently asked questions:
What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?
You may have a personal injury claim if you were injured due to another person’s negligence or intentional actions.
Common types of personal injury claims in Metairie include:
- Car accidents: Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can be involved in car accidents due to reckless driving, distracted driving, or drunk driving.
- Slip and fall accidents: Property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions to prevent slip and fall accidents due to wet floors and other hazards.
- Medical malpractice: Patients may be injured due to surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or improper treatment.
- Product liability: Manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can be held responsible for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products.
- Dog bites: Animal attacks can cause serious physical and emotional injuries, particularly from dogs. Dog owners may be liable if their pet attacks someone.
An experienced Metairie personal injury lawyer can help you determine the best course of action.
What Should I Do After An Accident in Metairie, Louisiana?
The steps you take after an accident in Metairie can impact your ability to recover compensation.
After an accident, consider:
- Seeking medical attention: Get checked out by a doctor, even if you do not think you have been seriously hurt. Some injuries may not be obvious.
- Documenting the scene: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage. Get contact information for any witnesses.
- Reporting the accident: Report it to the police or call 911. Make sure an official report is filed.
- Tracking expenses and medical records: Maintain thorough records of your medical bills, lost wages, and other costs related to your accident. This will help you calculate potential damages.
Contacting a Metairie personal injury lawyer can improve your chances of building a strong case.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Claim in Metairie, Louisiana?
You may be entitled to compensation for your losses after an accident, also known as damages.
These generally fall into two categories:
- Economic damages: These are quantifiable financial losses. They include medical expenses, lost wages or earning capacity, and property damage.
- Non-economic damages: These compensate you for more subjective losses, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the at-fault party’s behavior was reckless or malicious. Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
What if I’m Partly Responsible for My Accident in Metairie, Louisiana?
Yes, Louisiana follows a comparative negligence system. This means that if you are partly responsible for your accident and injuries, your compensation may be reduced in proportion to your share of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault for a car accident, and your total damages are $100,000, your total compensation may be reduced to $80,000. Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence rule applies even if you are more than 50 percent at fault.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Metairie Personal Injury Case?
There is no set “average” settlement for personal injury cases in Metairie. This is because the facts and damages in every case are unique.
The value of your personal injury claim and potential settlement will depend on several factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of your medical bills
- Whether you can return to work
- The impact of the injury on your daily life
- The degree of fault of the other party
- The strength of your evidence
Settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to millions for more serious cases involving permanent disability or wrongful death. An experienced Metairie personal injury lawyer can help evaluate the specifics of your case and estimate potential compensation.
How Long Do I Have to Bring A Personal Injury Claim in Metairie, Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is two years. This means you have two years to file a lawsuit after your accident. If you fail to do so in time, you may lose your right to pursue compensation in court.
Some exceptions apply to Louisiana’s statute of limitations, so speak with a Metairie personal injury lawyer to help protect your rights and avoid missing the deadline.
What Does a Metairie Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
A personal injury lawyer in Metairie can help you with every aspect of your claim, including:
- Investigating the cause of your accident and gathering evidence
- Identifying potentially liable parties
- Negotiating settlements with insurance companies
- Filing lawsuits and representing you in court, if necessary
- Advising you on the legal process and your rights
- Helping you calculate your damages
A personal injury lawyer’s goal is to protect your rights and maximize potential compensation.
How Much Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Cost in Metairie, Louisiana?
Most Metairie personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any upfront or hourly fees. Instead, they only get paid if they win your case. Our fee is a fixed percentage of the settlement or judgment we win on your behalf.
Will My Case Go To Trial?
Most personal injury cases settle out of court. However, if the at-fault party or their insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement or disputes liability, you may need to fight for fair compensation in court. Our Metairie personal injury lawyers are experienced trial advocates who can argue your case before a judge or jury.
Injured in Metairie? Schedule a Free Consultation with A Metairie Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in Metairie, Louisiana, it is recommended to speak with a Metairie personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury lawyer can assess your case and help you understand your right to potential compensation. Contact us today at (504) 500-5000 to schedule a free initial consultation with The Law Office of John W. Redmann, L.L.C. to discuss your case with no obligation.