Imagine a sunny day in New Orleans. You’re walking down Bourbon Street, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city. Suddenly, you slip on a wet patch of sidewalk and fall, breaking your arm. You’re in pain and you’re not sure what to do.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Louisiana, you may have a personal injury case. A personal injury case is a legal claim that you can file against the person or entity responsible for your injuries. If you win your case, you may be awarded compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in Louisiana
There are many different types of personal injury cases, but some of the most common in Louisiana include:
- Car accidents: Car accidents are Louisiana’s leading cause of personal injury claims. In 2021, there were over 380,000 crashes in the state, resulting in over 220,000 injuries and 712 deaths.
- Slip-and-fall accidents: Slip-and-fall accidents can happen anywhere, but they are especially common in places like grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels. In 2020, there were over 23,000 slip-and-fall accidents in Louisiana, resulting in over 6,000 injuries.
- Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider makes a mistake that results in injury or death to a patient. In 2019, there were over 1,000 medical malpractice claims filed in Louisiana.
- Wrongful death: Wrongful death occurs when someone dies due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of another person or entity. In 2020, there were over 1,100 wrongful death claims filed in Louisiana.
Louisiana Personal Injury Laws
Louisiana has a number of laws that apply to personal injury cases. Some of the most important laws include:
- The Louisiana Civil Code: This code sets forth the general principles of tort law in Louisiana.
- The Louisiana Products Liability Act: This act applies to claims against manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of defective products.
- The Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act: This act applies to claims against healthcare providers.
- The Louisiana Wrongful Death Act: This act applies to claims against the person or entity responsible for the death of another person.
How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Louisiana
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Louisiana, you should take the following steps:
- Get medical attention: The first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries. This will help to create a record of your injuries and the cause of your accident.
- Contact an attorney: An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and options under the law. They can also help you gather evidence, file your claim, and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
- File your claim: You must file your personal injury claim within one year of the date of your accident.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Louisiana, you may have a personal injury case. Don’t hesitate to call us to discuss your rights and options.
