Shreveport PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS

In the state of Louisiana, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is one year per Louisiana Civil Code section 3492. Therefore, you must initiate a personal injury claim within one year of the plaintiff’s accident—otherwise, the court will not hear your case and you will not be eligible for compensation.

You can receive compensation for any losses or “damages” that are deemed both relevant to your accident and necessary for your recovery. This typically includes compensation for all:

• accident-related medical expenses,
• lost wages,
• property damage,
• pain and suffering,
• mental anguish,
• and other economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages refer to damages that can be objectively quantified and have a specific monetary value. These damages are intended to compensate the injured party for financial losses resulting from the injury. Examples of economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

Non-economic damages, on the other hand, are damages that cannot be objectively quantified and do not have a specific monetary value. These damages are intended to compensate the injured party for subjective losses resulting from the injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

It's important to note that the availability and amount of damages that can be awarded in a personal injury case depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation.

The value of your personal injury claim will depend on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery period, and the impact of the injuries on your daily life. Other factors that may influence the value of your injury claim include the degree of fault of the responsible party, the availability of insurance coverage, and the jurisdiction in which the claim is being pursued.

To accurately assess the value of your personal injury claim, it is recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help determine the appropriate amount of compensation to seek based on the specific circumstances of your case and can also negotiate with insurance companies or represent you in court to ensure you receive a fair settlement.

Presenting a strong case is the best way to win your claim. This includes evidence such as accident reports, pictures from the scene of the accident, expert testimony, and more. By working with a Shreveport personal injury attorney to build your claim, you increase your chances of winning your case by partnering with someone who understands the ins and outs of personal injury law as well as what factors may make or break a case.

The duration of a personal injury claim varies based on the unique factors of each case. The personal injury claims process includes many steps such as:

• an investigation,
• the discovery process,
• sending a demand letter to the defendant,
• filing paperwork, and more.

The duration of your case will be based on how long these processes take as well as other factors such as how cooperative the defendant is and whether your case makes it to trial. This means your case can take anywhere from several weeks to a few years to settle. Rest assured, if you work with our firm we will be able to provide a more accurate timeline based on your situation and will do our best to settle your case as quickly as possible.

The actions you take following a personal injury are essential to the overall outcome of your case.

1. Seek medical attention immediately. Even if the injury seems minor, it is important to get checked out by a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions or complications.

2. Report the injury to the appropriate authority. If the injury occurred at work, notify your employer or supervisor. If it was a car accident, notify the police. Reporting the injury can help ensure that the incident is documented and investigated properly.

3. Collect evidence. Take photos of the scene and any injuries sustained. If there were witnesses, get their contact information. Keep any medical records or bills related to the injury.

4. Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney can help evaluate your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected.

5. Follow the doctor's instructions and attend all follow-up appointments. This will help ensure that you receive the appropriate medical treatment and that your injuries are properly documented.

6. Keep track of all expenses related to the injury. This can include medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket expenses. This information will be important when seeking compensation for your injuries.

Many accident victims choose to go it alone when pursuing compensation for their injuries and other losses. While it may seem like an additional complication, hiring a skilled personal injury lawyer in Shreveport has many advantages that can make it worth your while, such as:

• Objectivity & Professionalism - While experiencing the debilitating effects of a serious injury, you may not be in the best state of mind to handle your injury claim. In fact, insurance adjusters often take advantage of this fact, getting the victim or their family to accept an offer that is well below the value of your case. However, your injury attorney can objectively consider all facts in your specific situation and determine how best to move forward on behalf.

• Gathering Evidence - It is often necessary to provide evidence that supports your claim, such as photos or video of the accident, medical records, witness statements, and even expert testimony. Your personal injury lawyer should have the resources to compile this evidence and prove your side of the story.

• Expert Negotiation - The opposition in your claim will be aiming to secure the best deal for their own interests, and you should expect them to come equipped with their own legal team. Your own attorney can stand up for your rights during negotiations and let them know you mean business.

• Higher Settlement/Verdict - While no attorney can guarantee a specific outcome to your case, they can improve your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. On average, people who hired a personal injury attorney received nearly three times more compensation than those who handled the case on their own.

By hiring a Shreveport personal injury lawyer, you can rest easy knowing your case is being handled by experts. The team at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers is eager to speak to you about your case and ensure you are receiving the help you deserve. Call us at (888) 492-5532 to arrange a free consultation!