Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lafayette

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Lafayette, Louisiana?

  To reach the Lafayette Police Department, you may call (337) 291-8600.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Lafayette, Louisiana?

  To obtain a copy of a police report from the Lafayette Police Department, you may call (337) 291-8600 for information.

• What could happen if you immediately accept an insurance company's offer for a personal injury in Lafayette?

  If your Lafayette attorney has seen the amount offered and given you their legal opinion that it should be enough to cover all your expenses and more, then all is good. However, you may be put at a great disadvantage if you accept a quick offer on your own, as there is a likelihood that the insurance company may have given you less of what you truly deserve. It will be difficult to ask for more once you have already agreed to the offer.

• Is it possible to sue a Lafayette doctor who failed to detect cancer in its early stages?

  This is possible if it can be proven that the Lafayette doctor failed to utilize the full extent of his resources to make a proper diagnosis. However, it is also true that not all types of cancer can be detected in their early stages, such as those that grow in the pancreas and the ovaries. It is best to consult with an attorney for a proper investigation.

• Why do insurance companies in Lafayette deny "hurricane insurance" coverage?

  "Hurricane insurance" does not exist. What Lafayette homeowners can rely on instead are policies that cover damages that a hurricane may cause. When a natural disaster hits, it is understandable that multiple policyholders will file a claim which puts tremendous pressure upon insurance companies to try to avoid paying out a huge amount. They could use excuses like your house not being properly secured, that the property was already damaged, and that you do not have proper documentation.

• How much will it cost to hire an attorney for a personal injury case in Lafayette?

  Some personal injury attorneys in Lafayette charge about $148 to $349 per hour. However, if money is a problem in the meantime, you can find attorneys who work on a contingency basis. This means that you will not have to pay anything until you win the case. After that, they are entitled to receive around 33% of the recovered amount.

• How do personal injury attorneys in Lafayette help injured bicyclists build a strong case for their claim?

  Personal injury attorneys in Lafayette conduct exhaustive investigations that include reviewing the evidence, interviewing witnesses, and employing the expertise of professionals who can help establish the innocence of the injured and the long-lasting impact of the accident on their lives. Some of these people include medical professionals, economists, and accident reconstructionists.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.