An unexpected injury can turn your life upside down, leaving you to deal with not only doctor appointments, pain, and medication but also medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. At Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates, our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers help injury victims fight for the compensation they deserve.
Whether you were hurt in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace incident, we’re here to guide you through every step of the legal process.
Types of Personal Injury Cases
After an accident, you might expect the insurance company to cover your losses fairly, but that’s rarely how it works. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, often offering quick, lowball settlements or using your statements against you. They could even downplay your injuries, dispute liability, or delay payments in hopes that you will settle for less than you deserve.
That’s where the team at Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates steps in. We take on those antagonistic insurance companies to make sure you get the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Personal injury law covers a wide range of accidents and situations where someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing causes harm. From car accidents to slip-and-fall incidents, each case is unique. Understanding the different types of personal injury cases can help you determine whether you have a valid claim and what kind of legal path you may need to follow.
Some of the most common personal injury cases that cross our desks include:
- Motor vehicle accidents. Car, truck, and motorcycle crashes are among the leading causes of serious injuries in Lake Charles. With major highways like I-10, I-210, and Highway 171, accidents are all too common. Whether another driver was distracted, drunk, or reckless, we help injured victims recover damages for their medical expenses, lost income, and emotional distress.
- Workplace injuries. Lake Charles has a strong industrial workforce, with many people employed in oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and maritime industries. Unfortunately, Louisiana reported 104 fatal occupational injuries in 2023.
When workers are injured due to unsafe conditions or negligence, they may be entitled to compensation beyond standard workers’ compensation benefits. This includes third-party claims against negligent contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other responsible parties.
- Slip-and-fall accidents. Property owners have a duty to keep their premises safe. If you slip on a wet floor at a grocery store, trip over uneven pavement in front of a business, or fall due to poor lighting in an apartment complex, you may have a premises liability case. These injuries can lead to broken bones, head trauma, and long-term complications.
- Industrial and plant accidents. With facilities like Sasol, Citgo, and Phillips 66 operating in and around Lake Charles, industrial accidents are a serious risk. Chemical burns, explosions, equipment malfunctions, and exposure to toxic substances can cause life-changing injuries. Determining liability in these cases can be complicated, as it can involve multiple parties and regulatory issues.
- Defective product injuries. Defective products can cause serious harm, whether it’s a faulty part of a vehicle, a dangerous pharmaceutical drug, or defective industrial equipment. If a product fails due to a design flaw or manufacturing defect, the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer may be held liable.
No matter the type of personal injury you’ve suffered, seeking legal guidance is crucial to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether it’s a motor vehicle accident, workplace injury, or defective product case, each type of claim has its own set of challenges and opportunities for recovery. With the help of Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates, you can navigate the process with confidence and focus on healing.
Compensation Available
Personal injury cases are comprised of work-related injuries, big trucking accidents, car and motorcycle wrecks, property-related injuries, & wrongful deaths. When pursuing a personal injury claim, compensation is typically divided into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses, which are measurable expenses that directly impact your finances.
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of an injury, and while harder to quantify, these damages recognize the long-term effects an injury can have on your well-being. Both types of compensation play a crucial role in helping injury victims recover and rebuild their lives.
Unexpected injuries can throw your life into chaos. What happened is no fault of yours and we work hard to get our clients what they deserve
- Pain and suffering
- Property Damage
- Income loss
- Medical bills
- Other loss
At Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates we understand the importance of a personalized approach to each case because every accident is different. When you hire us, you are putting your trust in a firm with more than 80 years of combined experience and a proven-track record. Results matter to us. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can help get you the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Yes, Louisiana follows comparative fault laws, which means you can still file a claim, even if you were partially at fault for an accident. That said, any compensation you’re awarded can then be reduced by your percentage of fault. It’s important to reach out to the team at Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates as soon as possible to help minimize the impact your percentage of fault could have on your compensation.
If you were injured by an uninsured driver, you can file a claim under your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Your insurance policy may cover the cost of your injuries, depending on the terms of your coverage. However, if you don’t have this type of coverage, we can help you navigate this process and explore other avenues for compensation if necessary.
The length of a personal injury case can vary depending on factors like the severity of the injury and how willing each party is to settle. Cases can be resolved in a few months, or they could take over a year, especially if the case goes to trial. At Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates, our lawyers can provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation.
In cases where a third party is responsible for your workplace injury, you may be able to file a third-party liability claim in addition to workers’ compensation. This could involve contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. Our team can help you identify all potential sources of compensation and pursue the appropriate legal avenues.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve With Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates
If you’ve been injured and need help navigating the complexities of a personal injury claim, the team at Fitz-Gerald, Hebert & Associates is here to support you. With over 80 years of combined experience, we understand the challenges you face, and we’re committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Results
That Matter.
More Than 80 Years Combined Experience