Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyer

Lafayette Personal Injury Attorney

Dealing with the aftermath of a personal injury can be overwhelming. Not only are you coping with physical and emotional pain, but you also have the added stress of seeking compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. In this difficult time, it is crucial to have a lawyer who will stand up for your rights and fight on your behalf. If you are in need of a local Lafayette personal injury lawyer, look no further.

I am attorney Chris Villemarette, and I am dedicated to helping accident victims like you recover the maximum compensation they deserve. At the law office of Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer, we specialize in protecting the rights of personal injury victims and their families. I have been representing clients across Louisiana since 1994.

When you choose us, we will:

1. Ensure you receive top-quality medical treatment from the very beginning.
2. Seek opinions from medical experts to assess your long-term recovery process.
3. Utilize accident reconstruction techniques to determine liability and establish the responsible party’s obligation to compensate you for your injuries.
4. Assembling the necessary evidence to prove your claim in anticipation of a favorable verdict at trial or fair settlement.
5. Preparing from the beginning as though the case would be presented to a jury to ensure that we are prepared to try your case or resolve it before trial regardless if your injuries resulted from a car accident or medical malpractice.

What to Do After A Personal Injury Accident in Lafayette, LA

In the aftermath of a traffic accident or any personal injury in Lafayette, the immediate concern is the well-being of those affected. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an incident, here are some crucial steps to take:

• Dial 911 and ensure that anyone injured receives prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
• Capture photographic evidence of your injuries, the accident scene, and any relevant surroundings. If you’re unable to do so, ask someone else for assistance.
• Collect contact information from eyewitnesses and confirm the location where your vehicle has been towed.
• Provide basic information to first responders and representatives from your auto insurance company. However, refrain from discussing the accident’s causes or your medical condition without the guidance of an attorney.
• Remember that the insurance companies involved, whether yours or another party’s, are interested in minimizing your recovery.

An attorney by your side will prioritize your well-being and long-term interests. Working with a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette ensures that you receive the maximum compensation to aid your recovery. I am here to be the strong advocate you need.

For exceptional results, entrust your personal injury case to a lawyer who will fight for your best interests. Contact me, Attorney Chris Villemarette, to discuss your situation and start the journey towards obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Qualifications of a Valid Personal Injury Case

You may be wondering if your particular case is eligible to be filed as a formal personal injury claim. In order to be able to file a personal injury claim, the defendant must have caused you to suffer physical, emotional, or financial detriment. The three main ways in which this occurs are:

• Negligence: Negligence is the active failure to take care of a person or property that results in damage to that person or property.
• Strict Liability: This concept most commonly applies to the sale and use of products. A defective product that causes harm or loss will be substantial evidence in a personal injury claim, and manufacturers may be held strictly liable.
• Intentional Harm: If someone has intentionally done you or your property harm, you are able to file a personal injury claim and seek compensation for the damage caused by their purposeful actions.

Aggressive and Experienced Lafayette Personal Injury Attorney

Looking for a Lafayette personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights? With a client-focused approach, I am dedicated to providing diligent trial advocacy to individuals who may find themselves unable to defend themselves.

My areas of expertise in personal injury law include:

• 18-wheeler accidents and other commercial vehicle accidents. Commercial vehicles are large and can impose life-altering effects when involved in a crash. If you are the victim of a commercial vehicle accident, seeking assistance from a personal injury lawyer can ensure that you receive full compensation.
• Car accidents, including collisions involving drunk driving and hit-and-run incidents. Many car accidents are the result of negligent driving, making victims eligible to file personal injury claims to seek compensation for the resulting damages. Negligence doesn’t imply malice or intentional harm, so compensation can still be granted in the case of true accidents.
• Boating accidents. Just because an incident didn’t happen on the road doesn’t mean you don’t deserve compensation for your losses. Although there aren’t always clear rules and regulations laid out for vehicles on the water, a personal injury attorney can help you recover any losses accrued in regard to your boat.
• Accidents caused by defective products. Even if a person did not cause you harm, maybe a product did. Numerous laws have been set in place in order to protect customers from defective products. If you believe you or your property may have been damaged by a defective product, allow a personal injury attorney to determine if you can file a formal claim.
• Trampoline accidents, playground accidents, and other recreational accidents. Physical damage to one’s body can affect their future and finances. In these cases, it is important to know how much compensation you may be entitled to.
• Elevator accidents. Elevators can, at times, malfunction or break. However, there may be compensation awaiting you if you have experienced loss or damage due to these circumstances.
• Work-related accidents. If you have been hurt on the job, there is a good chance that you qualify for compensation. Many Louisiana laws have been set into place to protect individuals in the workplace. While you may be unable to file a personal injury claim, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation.
• Maritime law/Jones Act claims. This type of case may be relevant to you if you are an oil or gas worker and have been hurt while at work. Maritime law is complex, so it’s wise to work with an attorney who has experience in the field.
• Medical malpractice claims and pharmaceutical error cases. Medical malpractice has been the cause of many wrongful death and personal injury cases over the years. For the sake of your well-being, don’t let your medical malpractice claim go unfiled. Let a Lafayette personal injury lawyer help you obtain just compensation.

I have gained actual courtroom trial experience over the last 29 years representing people against insurance companies. I have been honored by having received accolades for my work and ability to be creative with novel arguments and methods of presenting evidence to overcome various legal challenges involving complicated legal issues in personal injury cases, trucking accidents and uninsured or underinsured motorist claims.

When the day comes, I am prepared to try your case. My attention to detail has allowed me to achieve numerous successful verdicts and outcomes for my clients.

How You May Be Compensated

Because each accident is different, the amount of compensation in each claim will be determined on a case-by-case basis. There are many factors that influence the damages you may be able to claim, including your age, the extent of recovery time required by your injuries, the emotional turmoil you have endured, and your percentage of liability for the accident.

For this reason, it is crucial that you seek legal counsel. Personal injury lawyers are equipped to make sure that you receive just compensation that fully covers all the damages you incurred, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages v. Non-Economic Damages

The main difference between economic and non-economic damages is the ability to itemize these losses. Economic damages are determined by using receipts or other documentation of expenses. They are easy to prove by providing exact dollar amounts. The most common economic damages can include:

• Car repairs or replacements
• Medical bills, including surgery, hospital visits, doctor visits, medical transportation, etc.
• Medication
• Lost wages
• Loss of work benefits

Non-economic damages are harder to evaluate and prove but are still considered compensable. In some cases, non-economic damages may impact your future. For example, in the case of the loss of a basic bodily function such as seeing or walking, all future losses can be calculated. Additional non-economic damages can include:

• Pain
• Diminished quality of life
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Mental and emotional damage

Compassionate Legal Support After a Personal Injury in Lafayette, LA

Losing a loved one due to a devastating accident is an unimaginable tragedy. If your family has experienced such a loss, I am here to assist you in bringing a wrongful death claim against those responsible. Recognizing the difficulties families face during this time, my legal team and I will handle all the necessary legal details and investigative work, keeping you informed every step of the way.

While no amount of money can bring back your loved one, a successful claim can provide your family with the financial stability needed during this challenging period. You can rely on my dedicated representation, tailored to your unique needs.

FAQs

Q: What Is Another Name for a Personal Injury Lawyer?

A: A personal injury lawyer may also be referred to as a trial lawyer or plaintiff lawyer. Someone in this position is responsible for representing individuals who have suffered physical or economic damage as a result of another’s lack of care or precaution. They will help their clients seek compensation for damages in a personal injury claim.

Q: What Is a Personal Injury Claim?

A: A personal injury claim is filed in order to gain compensation for physical or economic injury. These claims may be filed in response to car accidents, falls, medical malpractice, property damage, and even wrongful death. If you or a loved one have suffered due to what you believe may be a result of another’s negligence, contact our law offices today.

Q: What Is the Limitation for Personal Injury Cases?

A: The state of Louisiana requires that a personal injury claim be filed within one year of the occurrence of your accident. Other than in rare or extreme cases, claims made after the one-year deadline will be dismissed in court. Therefore, contacting a lawyer as soon as possible after your injury occurs is vital.

Q: How Much Compensation Do You Get for a Fall?

A: When you file a personal injury claim, losses such as medical bills, lost wages, emotional discomfort, and others are taken into account. Your percentage of responsibility for the accident is also taken into consideration, as well as the cost of filing your claim. Consequently, the amount of compensation you receive depends on your circumstances.

Q: Will My Car Insurance Rates Go Up if I File a Claim?

A: It is illegal in the state of Louisiana for your insurance company to raise your rates for an accident or incident for which you are not at fault. However, this will not necessarily apply if you are at fault for the accident in question. Normally, those filing a personal injury claim are seeking compensation from the liable party.

Contact Chris Villemarette, Trial Lawyer

Get in touch with me, a compassionate Lafayette personal injury lawyer, by calling 337-232-3100. I offer a consultation to all new clients and handle personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis, so you do not owe any fee unless you win. Together, we can work to right the wrong that has been done to you.