Lafayette Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
Did you or a family member suffer a catastrophic injury in Lafayette, LA? Our team at Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers can help. Call (337) 473-2991 today to learn more about how a Lafayette catastrophic injury lawyer can help you maximize the value of your claim. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of collective legal experience to the table.
Why Call Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers to Help Me Recover Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury in Lafayette?
At Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers, we know how important your financial recovery is to your future. Members of our team have been recognized by Super Lawyers as “Rising Stars,” by Avvo with its Client’s Choice Award, and by the American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys as one of the 10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction. Our Lafayette catastrophic injury attorneys have proven our skill both in the courtroom and at the negotiating table.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?
When it comes to catastrophic injuries, no exact definition exists. The key factor is the impact the injury has on the victim’s life. Catastrophic injuries are fundamentally life-changing — many victims face lifelong medical needs and may be unable to return to their prior employment or work at all.
How Much Is My Lafayette Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
It depends on the facts of your case. As we assess your case value, our attorneys will carefully evaluate:
- The precise nature of the harm you’ve suffered
- Your current medical treatment costs
- Your future medical needs
- Whether you’ll ever be able to live independently again
- How your quality of life has changed
- Whether you’ll ever be able to earn a living
- Expected future costs associated with ongoing treatment and care
- Available sources of compensation, including insurance coverage
What Types of Damages Are Available to Catastrophic Injury Victims in Lafayette?
Economic damages cover your quantifiable financial losses, both past and projected future, including past and future medical expenses, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, medicines and medical devices, physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, mental health treatment, long-term care, home and vehicle modifications, and property damage.
Non-economic damages cover losses that are more personal and difficult to prove, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, reduced quality of life, physical disfigurement and scarring, loss of enjoyment of life, and damage to relationships.
How Much Money Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer to Handle a Catastrophic Injury Case in Louisiana?
Nothing up front. Contingency fee arrangements are the most common fee structure for personal injury law firms. We charge zero fees to secure our legal services and you never have to cover attorneys’ fees if your attorney fails to recover compensation.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for My Catastrophic Injury in Louisiana?
First, don’t panic if someone is trying to pin the blame on you. It’s a common insurance tactic. Under Louisiana’s comparative negligence laws, your damages will be reduced to the extent you share fault, but you typically do not lose your right to damages unless you were fully responsible.
Common Catastrophic Injuries in Lafayette, Louisiana
Some examples of injuries that have the potential to be catastrophic and life-altering include:
- Severe traumatic brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Chest and thoracic injuries
- Severe burns
- Vision loss
- Hearing loss
- Internal organ damage and failure
- Multiple and complex fractures, including non-healing fractures
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Louisiana
Some common causes of catastrophic injuries include car accidents, firearm violence, dangerous property conditions, slip and fall accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, construction accidents, industrial accidents, defective products, and medical malpractice.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Catastrophic Injury in Louisiana?
You must file your lawsuit within two years of the date the injury occurred. Under Louisiana law, you can lose your right to damages entirely once the statute of limitations expires. Exceptions are extremely rare. It’s critical to act quickly to preserve both evidence and your right to compensation.
What Do I Have to Prove to Recover Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury in Louisiana?
Four elements are generally required to prove a negligence claim:
- Duty of care: the defendant owed you a duty of care
- Breach: by failing to exercise reasonable caution, they breached that duty
- Causation: the breach directly caused your injuries
- Damages: you’ve suffered physical, mental, and/or financial losses due to the injury
Contact a Skilled Lafayette Catastrophic Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation Today
After a catastrophic injury, you don’t have to handle a legal battle on your own. Our legal team is here to handle your case from start to finish. Call Mansfield Melancon Injury Lawyers to arrange your free case evaluation today.