Shreveport sits at the center of the Arkansas-Louisiana-Texas region, bisected by Interstate 20 and inhabited by nearly 200,000 residents. The city is known for its beautiful gardens, historical museums, and Cajun restaurants. But it’s not immune from accidents or incidents that result in personal injuries. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck or car accident, dog bite attack, or slip and fall incident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Contact a Shreveport personal injury lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm today and let’s discuss your case.
Shreveport Personal Injury Guide
- Why Choose the Personal Injury Lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm?
- Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
- Personal Injury Claims We Handle
- Common Personal Injuries We Help With
- Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?
- What is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
- What Types of Damages are Available to Victims of Personal Injury?
- Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
- What if I’m Partly to Blame for the Accident?
- How Can a Lawyer Help Me with a Personal Injury Claim?
- Contact the Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm Today
Why Choose the Personal Injury Lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm?
Wright Gray Law Firm was established when two experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyers teamed up to form one powerful legal force. With more than 60 years of combined legal experience, our personal injury law firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. We know the tactics insurance companies use to shortchange personal injury victims, and we know how to beat them at their game. Our personal injury attorneys are committed to helping our clients get the maximum compensation they deserve so they can get back on their feet again. Let us handle all aspects of your personal injury case so you can focus on your own recovery.
Do I Have a Personal Injury Claim?
Personal injury is an element of civil law. Personal injury law allows someone injured because of another person’s negligence or ill intention, they can bring a personal injury claim against the at-fault party, and often their insurance company, to request compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Personal Injury Claims We Handle
Our personal injury law firm handles a variety of accident claims, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Slip and fall incidents
- Dog bite attacks
If you or a loved one was in an accident and suffered injuries, contact the legal team at Wright Gray Law Firm to discuss your legal options. We offer free consultations and case evaluations. You pay no money unless we recover compensation for you.
Common Personal Injuries We Help With
Some accidents can cause serious or catastrophic injuries. Some common injuries we see include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries (paralysis)
- Wrongful death
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer From the Insurance Company?
In cases involving personal injury, an insurance company frequently offers compensation to the accident victim to cover medical expenses and any lost income. Their goal is to swiftly resolve your claim. Never accept a settlement offer from the insurance company without first consulting with a personal injury attorney. Insurance companies often fail to account for the complete scope of your losses. Should you accept their payment, you forfeit the opportunity to seek additional funds in the event that your injuries require further medical treatment or you are unable to work longer than anticipated.
A personal injury lawyer with Wright Gray Law Firm can determine the full value of your claim by assessing the scope of your damages and how it’s affected your life and the lives of your family members. Having legal representation can dramatically improve your chances of recovering maximum compensation in your personal injury case.
The Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyers with Wright Gray Law Firm provide personalized representation for your personal injury claim.
What is My Personal Injury Claim Worth?
Several factors can affect the value of your claim, such as:
- The level of your pain and suffering
- The severity of your injuries
- Your current and future medical expenses
- Whether your injuries are permanent, disabling, or disfiguring
- Whether you are able to return to your job in the same capacity as before the accident
- The strength of the evidence in your case
- The strength of your eyewitness and/or expert testimonies
- Whether other people or parties may be held liable for the accident that injured you
What Types of Damages are Available to Victims of Personal Injury?
Victims of personal injury may be eligible to seek various types of damages, which are intended to compensate them for the losses and harms they have suffered due to the negligence or wrongful actions of another party. These damages can generally be categorized into two main types: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses: This covers the costs of medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and any other related healthcare expenses incurred due to the injury.
- Lost Income: If the injury has resulted in the victim being unable to work, they can seek compensation for the wages or income they have lost as a direct result of the injury.
- Future Earnings: If the injury leads to long-term or permanent disabilities that affect the victim’s ability to earn a living, they may be entitled to compensation for the future income they would have earned.
- Property Damage: In cases where personal property is damaged or destroyed due to an injury-causing incident (e.g., a car accident), the victim can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering: This type of damage compensates the victim for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress they have experienced as a result of the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Separate from pain and suffering, emotional distress damages specifically address psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional effects stemming from the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment: If the injury has impacted the victim’s ability to enjoy life and engage in activities they once participated in, they may seek compensation for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: This type of damage applies when the injury negatively affects the victim’s relationship with their spouse or family members, leading to a loss of companionship, support, or services.
- Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the at-fault party’s behavior was particularly reckless or intentional, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
Proving Negligence in a Personal Injury Case
The four elements of negligence are the foundational components that need to be established in order to prove a case of negligence. These elements are common in personal injury cases and must be demonstrated to hold a defendant legally responsible for the injuries or damages suffered by the plaintiff. The four elements of negligence are:
- Duty of Care: The defendant (the person or entity being accused of negligence) must have owed a legal duty of care to the plaintiff (the injured party). This duty typically involves acting reasonably to prevent harm to others. The level of care expected can vary based on the circumstances, such as a doctor’s duty to provide a certain standard of care to a patient.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant must have breached their duty of care by failing to act in a manner that a reasonable person would have in similar circumstances. This breach can involve actions taken or actions not taken that result in harm. It’s essentially a failure to meet the expected standard of care.
- Causation: There must be a direct link between the defendant’s breach of duty and the injuries or damages suffered by the plaintiff. This involves proving that the defendant’s actions (or lack thereof) were the cause-in-fact and proximate cause of the harm. In other words, the harm would not have occurred “but for” the defendant’s breach, and the harm was reasonably foreseeable.
- Damages: The plaintiff must have suffered actual damages as a result of the defendant’s breach of duty. These damages can be economic (e.g., medical expenses, lost wages) or non-economic (e.g., pain and suffering, emotional distress). Without measurable damages, a negligence claim may not be viable.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for the Accident?
Louisiana follows a comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases. Comparative negligence is a legal principle that determines how damages are allocated when both the plaintiff (injured party) and the defendant (alleged wrongdoer) are found to have contributed to the accident or injury. Louisiana’s specific form of comparative negligence is often referred to as “pure comparative negligence.”
Louisiana’s pure comparative negligence system allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for their injuries and damages even if they were partially responsible for the accident. However, the amount of compensation they receive will be adjusted according to their level of fault. For instance, if a plaintiff is awarded $10,000 in damages but is found to be 30% at fault, they would receive $7,000 ($10,000 – 30%).
How Can a Lawyer Help Me with a Personal Injury Claim?
A personal injury lawyer from Wright Gray Law Firm can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process of pursuing a personal injury claim. Here are some ways in which a lawyer can help you:
Case Evaluation
A lawyer will assess the details of your case to determine its strengths and weaknesses. They can provide an honest evaluation of your claim’s potential for success and the estimated value of your damages.
Legal Expertise
Personal injury laws can be complex and vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. A lawyer who handles personal injury cases in Shreveport understands the relevant state and local laws, regulations, and legal procedures, ensuring that your claim is handled correctly and efficiently.
Investigation
Lawyers have the resources and experience to conduct thorough investigations into the accident or incident that led to your injuries. This includes gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, and reconstructing the events to build a strong case.
Claim Evaluation
Determining the true value of your case involves assessing both current and future damages. A lawyer can help ensure that you are not only compensated for immediate losses but also for the potential long-term effects of your injuries.
Negotiation
Most personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation with insurance companies or the responsible party’s legal representatives. A skilled lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair settlement that covers your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Advocacy
If negotiations break down, a lawyer can represent you in court. They will present your case to a judge and jury, providing compelling arguments and evidence to maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Paperwork and Documentation
Personal injury claims involve a significant amount of paperwork, including legal documents, medical records, and correspondence with insurers. A lawyer can manage this documentation, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
Legal Strategy
Every case is unique, and a lawyer can develop a tailored legal strategy that best suits your specific circumstances. They can anticipate potential challenges and devise effective solutions.
Protecting Your Rights
Insurance companies and opposing parties may attempt to exploit your lack of legal knowledge. A lawyer will protect your rights, prevent you from making mistakes that could harm your case, and handle communication with other parties.
Offer Peace of Mind
Dealing with the aftermath of an injury can be emotionally and physically taxing. Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your recovery while they handle the legal aspects of your claim.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. This can make legal representation more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
Contact the Shreveport Personal Injury Lawyers at Wright Gray Law Firm Today
Hiring a Shreveport personal injury lawyer can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a fair settlement or favorable court verdict and relieve you of the burdens associated with navigating the legal process on your own. If you or a loved one was injured in an accident in Shreveport, LA, our personal injury law firm can help. Contact us today.
Wright Gray Trial Lawyers – Shreveport Office
520 N Market St Suite A
Shreveport, LA 71107
P: (318) 524-7122
