When you are injured in an accident, you might be concerned with affording the cost of your medical treatment or making ends meet during your recovery. In this time, you might need time off work or expensive medical care. Few people are prepared to cover these costs when they are hurt in an accident. If your injuries are due to another person’s negligent or intentional conduct, you could sue them for compensation under state personal injury laws.
A Covington personal injury lawyer could represent you in a lawsuit against the person responsible for your injuries. The Scott Vicknair team could also negotiate on your behalf to settle a claim before it goes to court. While no amount of money can reverse the physical and emotional pain you are experiencing, it can reimburse your expenses related to the accident.
State Personal Injury Law
In most cases, a person’s injuries are due to an accident but this does not mean the person who caused the harm is not legally responsible. Many personal injury cases are based on negligence. Proving another person was negligent requires demonstrating the existence of a legal duty, the breach of that duty, and resulting damages. Some examples of accidents that frequently involve negligence include:
- Car accidents
- Truck collisions
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle or motorcycle crashes
- Slip and falls
- Dog bites
- Nursing home abuse
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Maritime injuries
- Workplace accidents
In these cases, the at-fault party probably did not intend to hurt anyone. However, under Louisiana’s negligence laws, intent is irrelevant. If the injured person can prove that the party they are suing had a legal responsibility to protect them, they may succeed on a claim for negligence. Drivers on the road, doctors, and property owners all owe a duty of care to other people. A Covington personal injury attorney could work with someone injured by another person’s actions and determine if there is an applicable duty of care.
Compensation in Personal Injury Cases
After an accident, many people do not think their injury is worth pursuing legally. But make no mistake, if someone else caused harm, they are responsible. It is worth consulting an attorney even if the injury seems minor, because the costs of treating injuries and time off work can add up quickly. A successful personal injury claim can cover the cost of treatment, lost wages or earning potential, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
The at-fault party’s insurance may attempt to settle with the injured person to avoid litigation. This can be an efficient way to handle the case, but the offer does not always fully compensate the injured person. Insurance companies notoriously make lowball offers, so it is always a good idea to have a Covington personal injury lawyer review the offer before accepting.
Whether the injury occurred due to an accident or intentional act, those injured in Louisiana have a limited time to file their claim. Actions based on negligence must be filed within one year from the date of their injury. The statute of limitations here is much shorter than in other states, so it is crucial to reach out to a personal injury attorney early on to get the process started.
Contact a Covington Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance in Getting Compensated
An accident can uproot your life in a matter of moments. Hospital visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and other expenses add up quickly, and our clients are often overwhelmed by the cost of their treatment. Moreover, when an injury is severe, you might be out of work for an extended period of time. Do not let the financial impact of your injury burden you.
At Scott Vicknair, we have represented countless clients seeking compensation for financial and emotional losses. Whether your injury occurred due to someone else’s intentional or negligent conduct, we can help. To discuss the possibilities for filing a lawsuit and getting the financial help you need, contact a Covington personal injury lawyer for assistance.
