Imagine this: you’re sitting in a lawyer’s office, discussing your car accident case. The lawyer starts throwing around terms like “negligence,” “liability,” and “damages.” You nod politely, but inside, you’re thinking, “What in the world are they talking about?”

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Legal jargon can be confusing, especially when you’re already dealing with the stress of an injury.

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we’ve been helping injury victims in Louisiana for 30 years. Our promise is “I’ll be with you every step of the way,” and that includes explaining the legal process in plain language.

Common Legal Terms in a Personal Injury Case

Here are some of the most common legal terms you might encounter in a personal injury case:

• Negligence: This is the big one! Negligence basically means someone acted carelessly and caused your injury. To prove negligence, we have to show that the other party had a duty to be careful, they breached that duty, and their actions directly caused your injuries.
  
• Liability: This means legal responsibility. If someone is found liable for your injuries, they’re responsible for paying you compensation.
  
• Damages: Damages are the losses you’ve suffered because of your injury. This can include things like:
  
  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage

• Statute of Limitations: This is the deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Louisiana, it’s generally one year from the date of the accident. Don’t miss this deadline!
  
• Settlement: This is an agreement reached between you and the at-fault party (or their insurance company) to resolve your case outside of court. Most personal injury cases settle before going to trial.
  
• Trial: If you can’t reach a settlement, your case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide if the other party is liable and how much compensation you should receive.
  
• Comparative Negligence: Louisiana has a “pure comparative negligence” rule. This means that even if you were partly at fault for the accident, you can still get compensation, but it will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  
• Insurance Adjuster: This is the person from the insurance company who investigates your claim and decides how much to offer you.
  
• Demand Letter: This is a formal letter we send to the insurance company outlining your damages and demanding a fair settlement.
  
• Deposition: This is a pre-trial procedure where you and other witnesses answer questions under oath.
  

Why Understanding Legal Terms is Important in Your Personal Injury Case

Knowing these legal terms can help you:

• Understand your rights: You’ll have a better grasp of what’s happening in your case and what your options are.
• Communicate effectively: You’ll be able to talk to your lawyer and understand what they’re telling you.
• Make informed decisions: You’ll be able to make informed decisions about your case, such as whether to accept a settlement offer or go to trial.

Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers: Your Guide Through the Legal Maze

At Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers, we understand that legal jargon can be confusing. We’re here to explain everything in plain language and answer all your questions.

• 30 Years of Experience: We’ve been helping people in Louisiana for over 30 years, and we know the ins and outs of personal injury law.
• Compassionate Representation: We understand that this is a difficult time for you, and we’ll treat you with compassion and respect.
• No Fee Unless We Win: You don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation for you.

Don’t Face This Alone – Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Lafayette, LA

If you’ve been injured in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact Bart Bernard Injury Lawyers. We’ll explain the legal process, answer your questions, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this difficult journey alone. We’re here to help you every step of the way.