Bossier City Personal Injury Lawyer
An accident often takes place over just a few seconds. But the consequences can last a lifetime. For example, if you are involved in a car accident, you may have sustained injuries that require surgery and extensive physical therapy. This recovery time can mean you are unable to work and earn enough money to pay your bills, much less the full costs of your healthcare if you are not fully insured.
Many accidents are nobody’s fault. However, if the accident was the result of someone else’s negligent or reckless conduct, you have a legal right to seek compensation. At Rice & Kendig, LLC, our experienced Bossier City personal injury lawyers can represent you in dealing with an insurance company or filing a lawsuit. We understand that your injuries are serious and that you should not be expected to bear the costs alone.
How Personal Injury Law Works in Louisiana
Negligence does not mean that someone intended to injure you. Rather, it means they breached a legal duty of care that they owed to you, and in doing so caused your injury. A duty of care often refers to a legal obligation, such as the duty to obey traffic laws when driving. It can also refer to a property owner’s duty to keep their premises in reasonably safe condition for invited guests.
As the person bringing a personal injury claim, the burden of proof is on you to establish both the duty of care and its violation. This is why it is essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We know what it takes to prove and win a case.
One thing that is critical to know about Louisiana law is the rule of comparative fault. Basically, if you sue someone for causing an accident, they can turn around and argue your own actions were to blame for what happened. The court will then apportion the relative fault of all the parties involved. If you are found partially responsible–even just 1 percent–that amount must be deducted from your personal injury award. Fortunately, Louisiana follows a “pure” comparative fault, so the other side has to pay you something no matter what your share of the fault might be.
What Damages Are Available in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
There are special rules that apply to certain types of personal injury cases in Louisiana, such as auto accidents and medical malpractice. But generally speaking, the plaintiff in a personal injury case may seek compensation in the form of monetary damages. A court will divide an award into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages is essentially any loss that can be easily quantified in dollar terms. This includes your out-of-pocket medical bills, the wages you lost for missing work, and even projected future financial losses. Non-economic damages are injuries that are intangible and thus cannot be precisely quantified, such as your pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. It is usually left to a judge or jury to decide how much in non-economic damages is appropriate given the facts and circumstances surrounding your injuries.
So if you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else, it is in your best interest to consult with a qualified Bossier City personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contact Rice & Kendig, LLC, today to schedule a free initial consultation.
