Personal injury laws cover a wide range of cases resulting from harm people sustain because of someone else’s negligence. Nearly half of personal injury cases involve vehicle collisions, and the remainder cover a range of lawsuits from defective products to medical care provider negligence.
You have the right to pursue legal action after suffering bodily harm and financial damages because of the thoughtless or reckless actions of another. Speak to a skilled lawyer at Damon J. Baldone & Associates to ask questions and review your case.
Examples of Lawsuits
Other than car accidents, examples of lawsuits in which injured people seeking damages under the law include the following:
- Dog bites and animal attacks
- Nursing home neglect or abuse claims
- Motorcycle crashes caused by negligent motorists
- Boat accident injuries caused by negligent boat operators
- Pedestrian and bicyclist injuries caused by reckless drivers
- Medical malpractice against certified healthcare professionals and facilities
- Premises liability cases resulting from accidents caused by negligent property owners
- Product liability cases and injuries and losses caused by dangerous and defective products
While many lawsuits are settled through negotiations and insurance company settlements, parties go to civil court when they cannot reach an agreement. A Metairie personal injury attorney could help navigate the process with sound legal advice and services.
Recoverable Damages for Personal Injury Claims
After proving another person’s negligent or intentional actions caused the injured party to sustain bodily harm and financial losses, the court may award damages to cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Mental distress and anguish caused by the traumatic event
- Past, current, and ongoing medical costs for injuries related to the accident
- Loss of the enjoyment of life or the ability to do the things they liked before the accident
- Home renovations, transportation costs for doctor appointments, medical equipment, and prescriptions
- Lost pay, reduced earning capacity, and other benefits they received through their employer and lost after the accident
The monetary damages the plaintiff recovers in court can vary greatly, depending on the details of the accident. When someone suffers a catastrophic injury leading to long-term or permanent disabilities, the award can be substantial. The civil court will also consider the defendant’s actions leading to the accident and evidence of the plaintiff’s total damages, including monetary and non-monetary losses.
Civil Laws Limit the Time for Filing Lawsuits
The statute of limitations is legislation that sets a deadline of one year for petitioning the civil court for delictual actions, which are lawsuits resulting from someone causing physical, psychological, or financial harm to others as defined in Louisiana Civil Code § 3492.
The window of time to file a lawsuit starts the day of the accident, except for cases involving minor plaintiffs. When children suffer bodily injuries in the cause of action, the time does not begin counting down until their 18th birthday. Missing the court-enforced deadline usually means losing the opportunity to hold the liable party financially responsible for their actions. A personal injury lawyer in Metairie could answer questions and ensure the case complies with state rules and regulations.
Schedule a Meeting With a Knowledgeable Personal Injury Attorney in Metairie
When negligent people or businesses cause harm to others, injured parties are allowed to seek compensation to cover their losses. While the laws make legal action possible, these cases are often complex and require strong knowledge of the legal process to recover damages successfully. A hard-working and experienced personal injury lawyer in Metairie could help you through the process and reach a favorable outcome. Call soon to review your case and begin preparing your claim right away.
