Skilled Personal Injury Attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana
If you have been injured in a Lake Charles accident, you may be considering your legal options. Perhaps you have heard that it is possible to recover compensation for your injuries in certain situations. Internet research can provide you with a basic overview of your options, but you will receive the most accurate advice and guidance from a consultation with a real lawyer. These legal professionals can assess your unique situation and provide you with targeted advice.
Choose Simien & Simien, LLC to immediately get started with a solid action plan. Our law firm focuses on helping injured victims in Lake Charles, and we have considerable experience with these types of lawsuits. During your first consultation with us, you can ask as many questions as you like and learn more about how personal injury lawsuits work. From there, you can decide whether you would like to move forward.
How Can Simien & Simien, LLC Help Me Sue for My Injuries in Lake Charles?
Lake Charles has a population of about 85,000, making it the fifth-largest city in Louisiana. It is known for its petrochemical refining and other large industrial plants. But it also draws in many visitors each year due to its casinos and other tourist attractions. In addition, it attracts numerous students due to its universities, such as McNeese State University and Sowela Technical Community College.
Simien & Simien, LLC can help injured victims in a number of ways, including:
- Providing advice and guidance
- Helping negotiate settlements
- Gathering documents and evidence
- Filing appropriate documents with the court
- Representing injured victims during trials if necessary
Suing for Car Accidents in Lake Charles
Perhaps the most common type of injury lawsuit is an auto accident claim. Car accidents are unfortunately quite common in Louisiana, and they may come in various forms:
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Bus accidents
Regardless of which type of accident you have experienced, the general process remains the same: You need to show that someone else was to blame for your accident if you want to receive compensation. This is because Louisiana has an “at-fault” system when it comes to car accidents. While a few other states may have adopted a “no-fault” system, victims in Louisiana must establish negligence in order to file a lawsuit and recover compensation.
Note that you can still sue if you were partially responsible for a crash. As long as you can show that someone else contributed to your crash, it is possible to recover compensation. This is due to Louisiana’s “comparative negligence” system.
Suing for Premise Liability in Lake Charles
Another common type of personal injury lawsuit is a premise liability lawsuit. These lawsuits cover a range of injury-causing negligence that may occur on another’s property. These premises may include:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- Hardware stores
- Gas stations
- Malls
- Government facilities
Property owner negligence can lead to injuries in a number of different ways, including:
- Allowing spills to form
- Allowing ice or snow to accumulate
- Leaving wet spots or other obstacles on the floor
- Creating uneven walking surfaces
- Not fixing broken stairs
- Violating building codes
When you are on someone else’s property – whether that is a friend of yours or a business you are patronizing – you deserve to be free from the unreasonable risk of injury. If someone’s negligence led to your injuries, an experienced premises liability attorney in Lake Charles can help.
We Also Represent Our Services in The Following Cities:-
- Sulphurs
- Mossville
- Baton Rouge
- Opelousas
- Jennings
- Grand Coteau
- New Iberia
- St. Martinville
- St. Laundry Parish
- Sunset
Personal Injury Lawsuits Against the Government in Lake Charles
Lawsuits filed against the government are slightly different. They may have slightly different requirements, including specific paperwork. But perhaps the most important thing you need to know is that there are “damage caps” when you sue a government agency in Louisiana. Whether your claims are limited by this cap can be discussed after you speak to us and we are able to evaluate your claims.
Lawsuits against government agencies may take several forms, including:
- Lawsuits over police chases
- Lawsuits over excessive force
- Lawsuits involving government vehicle crashes
- Lawsuits involving premise liability on government or public property
A classic example of a lawsuit against a government agency is a slip and fall in the DMV.
Why Contact Our Lake Charles Injury Lawyers?
If you have been searching for an experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Charles, look no further than Simien & Simien, LLC. Contact us at (337)-226-0764 to book a consultation at our office, conveniently located in Lake Charles. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs pursue fair compensation. We know that you probably have many questions about the upcoming legal process. This is only natural, and you can ask any questions you like during your first consultation with us. Book your consultation today because the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long.
Frequently Asked Questions For A Lake Charles Personal Injury Attorney:
What Steps Should Be Taken After A Personal Injury?
If you have been injured in an accident it is important to ensure that your injuries are taken care of. If you have significant or life-threatening injuries you should seek medical attention immediately. If your injuries allow you to do so, it is a good idea to take photos of the scene of the accident, gather contact information and insurance information from the negligent party, and see if any witnesses are around before you get medical help. Depending on the type of accident you may need to file a police report as well. After your initial treatment for your injuries, you will want to reach out to a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer to see what legal options you have.
Do I Have To Hire An Attorney To Handle My Personal Injury Case?
While it is not required to hire an attorney to handle your personal injury case, it is recommended. Odds are this would be your first time handling a case like this or you have had very little experience doing so, meaning you might not be in the best position to negotiate against a skilled and well experienced insurance adjuster. This could mean that you will be taken advantage of by the insurance companies or you may miss important deadlines without even realizing it. Having a qualified attorney who has handled cases like yours before can increase the chances at the outcome you are looking for.
Do You Need To Have Car Insurance In Louisiana?
Yes, by law you need to have car insurance in Louisiana. If you do not have insurance you can be fined. The minimum car insurance you must have is the 15/30/25 liability limits. The 15 refers to $15,000 in case you injure one person, $30,000 if injury was caused to more than one person, and $25,000 for property damage.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Simien & Simien, LLC?
There are no upfront costs to hire Simien & Simien, LLC. We operate on a contingency fee. You don’t have to pay until we recover for you. This allows you to file your claim through us without costs and with the confidence that we are doing what we can to get you the outcome you deserve.
Is It Common For A Personal Injury Case To Go To Court?
Most personal injury cases will settle outside of court, but they sometimes go to trial. In the off chance that your case is on that needs to go to court, your Lake Charles personal injury lawyer will make sure you are prepared.
What Should I Bring With Me To My Initial Consultation With A Lake Charles Attorney?
When you first meet with your attorney you will want to be prepared to help your consultation be as productive as possible. You will want to bring with you any evidence that you have; police reports, medical records, and photos of the accident. You will also want to have documented the accident as well as your injuries. But, if you don’t have these things, your attorney will work with you or otherwise obtain them. It is also a good idea to bring a list of questions you have for the attorney.
Will I Need To Pay Taxes On My Settlement?
It depends on the type of settlement you received. In most instances your personal injury compensation will not be taxed at the state or federal level. But, to be sure, you will need to consult a tax specialist.
Do Personal Injury Cases Have Caps On The Compensation You Can Ask For?
Most personal injury cases have no caps on the compensation you can ask for so long as you have evidence to support the claim. However, there is a cap for medical malpractice claims and claims against governmental entities. We can assist you in determining whether your claims would exceed any applicable caps.
If My Child Was Injured In A Car Accident That I Wasn’t In, Am I Able To File A Claim For Them?
Yes, if you are the legal guardian of your child you are able to file a claim on their behalf. You would want to work closely with an attorney in Lake Charles to ensure your child’s injuries are compensated.
Note that this is not legal advice and should not be interpreted as such. For all legal advice, be sure to consult with an attorney and rely on that guidance alone.