New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney

If you were injured because someone else acted carelessly or failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. 

Examples include:

• You suffered severe injuries in a car crash caused by a reckless driver.
• You were hit by a vehicle while walking or riding your bike.
• You slipped and fell because a store owner failed to warn you about a slick floor.
• Your child was bitten by someone else’s dog.
• You lost a loved one in a fatal construction accident.

Even if you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, it’s worth speaking with an attorney as soon as possible. We can review the facts of your situation and help you determine whether pursuing a case is the right course of action.

Personal injury victims in New Orleans may be entitled to financial recovery for both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages represent the measurable financial losses resulting from your injuries, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning potential
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation or physical therapy
• Out-of-pocket costs

Non-economic damages recognize the ways an injury can affect your daily life that aren’t reflected by bills or receipts. Examples include:

• Pain and suffering
• Physical impairment
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Your claim should account for both the immediate and long-term consequences of your injuries to ensure that no losses are overlooked.

While every situation is different, taking the following steps after an accident in New Orleans can help protect your health and preserve crucial evidence:

• Prioritize your health. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if your injuries don’t seem serious at first. Some conditions may not become apparent until hours or days later.
• Report the incident when appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, this may mean notifying the police, a property owner or manager, an employer, or another party.
• Document everything you can. Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, any hazardous conditions, and property damage. If anyone witnessed the incident, try to obtain their contact information.
• Keep records related to your injury. Save medical bills, receipts, treatment records, photographs, and any communications related to the accident in one organized place.
• Be cautious when dealing with insurance companies. Avoid giving recorded statements, signing documents, or accepting a settlement before you understand your rights.
• Speak with a personal injury attorney. Getting legal guidance early can help you make informed decisions and avoid mistakes that could weaken your claim.

Taking these steps can make the claims process much smoother and help preserve the information needed to support your case.

It depends on your percentage of fault. Under Louisiana’s modified comparative negligence law, you may still recover damages if you were less than 51% responsible for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of blame. If you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you generally cannot recover anything.

For example, if you are awarded $100,000 but are deemed to be 20% responsible for the accident, you would be entitled to $80,000. 

The insurance company may try to shift more blame onto you in an effort to reduce or deny your claim. A careful investigation and strong supporting evidence can help ensure that fault is assessed fairly.