There are plenty of qualified attorneys in St. Tammany Parish who serve the people of Covington. You are doing your research, which means something has happened. Something serious enough to engage legal counsel. No one reads lawyer websites until they need one.
Our clients came to us after they were injured, usually because of someone else's negligence. This page explains how personal injury claims work in Louisiana, what you need to prove, and what Morris & Dewett offers. Read it. Compare us to others. Make the decision that is right for your situation.
Injured in Covington, Louisiana?
In Louisiana, injured victims can pursue compensation when a negligent person or entity is responsible for their injuries. Personal injury lawsuits involve specific legal standards, deadlines, and procedures. The outcome of a case depends on how well those elements are handled.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we represent clients hurt by the carelessness or wrongdoing of others. Whether you were injured in a motorcycle crash or truck accident, our Covington personal injury lawyers provide legal counsel and representation throughout your claim.
Why Choose Morris & Dewett for Your Personal Injury Case?
When an injury results from someone else's negligence, the quality of your legal representation directly affects your case outcome.
The Covington personal injury attorneys, paralegals, and assistants at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers understand Louisiana personal injury laws and have a track record of results. View our case results for specifics.
We are members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and have recovered more than $450 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We have received an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and over 1,200 five-star reviews from our clients across our locations.
Our Covington injury lawyers have the resources, connections, and skills to prepare your case and pursue the best possible outcome. We are familiar with personal injury cases and are willing to go to trial when settlement is not adequate.
What Is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law covers harm caused by another person's or entity's act or omission. In a successful personal injury case, the person who suffered the injury (the plaintiff) has a right to pursue monetary compensation from the individual who caused the harm (the defendant). This compensation is intended to return the injured party to their pre-injury state.
The goal is to make you whole again, financially and in terms of non-economic losses.
What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Claims?
According to data published by the Louisiana Department of Health, injuries are the leading cause of lifelong disabilities and death in Louisiana among people 44 and younger. Our Covington personal injury lawyers handle a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to:
- Bus accidents
- Catastrophic injuries
- Industrial injuries
- Offshore accidents
- Premises liability
- Train derailment accidents
- Workers' compensation
- Car accidents
- Construction accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Product liability
- Truck accidents
- Wrongful death
The filing process differs for each case type. Our personal injury lawyers in Covington have the knowledge to assist you in pursuing your injury claim.
How Do You Prove Negligence in a Covington Personal Injury Case?
To win compensation in a Louisiana injury case, you must prove the accused was negligent when they caused your injury. Negligence is a tort defined as the failure to exercise a reasonable or appropriate level of care to ensure others do not get injured. It is the basis for most personal injury claims, from car to oil field accidents.
To prove negligence in Louisiana, you and your attorney must present evidence to demonstrate the following elements:
- The party in question owed you a legal duty of care.
- That party breached their duty of care.
- There is a sufficient link between that party's breach of duty and your injuries.
- You suffered verifiable harm because that party breached their duty of care.
A skilled personal injury lawyer in Covington can help you gather evidence to prove another party is liable for your accident.
Negligence Per Se
Some personal injury cases are based on the doctrine of negligence per se. In injury lawsuits based on this legal theory, the defendant is presumed negligent by violating a statute or regulation meant to safeguard public safety. You do not need to prove particular acts of recklessness or carelessness.
The defendant's law-breaking actions automatically establish that a duty of care was owed and a breach of duty occurred. For example: a drunk driver who causes a truck accident while driving under the influence of alcohol breaches Louisiana drunk driving rules. That violation itself establishes negligence.
Intentional Torts
An intentional tort is any deliberate act or omission that causes harm to property or a person. Examples of personal injury cases resulting from intentional torts include:
- Assault
- Sexual assault
- Wrongful death from intentional acts
Intentional tort cases are complex, and recovering damages can be difficult because insurance generally does not cover damages when a person commits an intentional tort. Our legal team handles these cases.
What Are the Common Injuries in Personal Injury Cases?
For every type of personal injury case (product liability, motorcycle crash, or construction accident) a wide variety of injuries can occur. If you suffered an injury because of a negligent person or entity, you may be entitled to compensation for those injuries.
Bodily Injuries
Bodily injuries are physical injuries that harm different parts of your body. Catastrophic injuries can require extensive medical treatment, intensive surgery, and years of rehabilitation. They may result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, or disability.
Common physical injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Skin damage and lacerations
- Severe burns
- Poisoning or toxic exposure
- Internal organ damage
- Lung damage
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
Psychological Injuries
Not all injuries are visible. A traumatic accident can leave you with both physical and psychological injuries that can have long-term effects on your life.
Common psychological injuries include:
- Increased anxiety
- Adjustment disorder
- Trouble sleeping
- Flashbacks accompanied by nightmares
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Vehophobia (fear of driving after an accident)
- Depression or suicidal thoughts
What Damages Are Available to Covington Accident Victims?
Whether it is a slip-and-fall accident or an offshore accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation from the individual or business legally responsible for your injuries. Compensation can take the form of economic damages, non-economic damages, or punitive damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to losses that have a verifiable monetary value. They are designed to compensate you for the financial harm you suffered due to the accident. They typically include:
- Current and future medical expenses, including hospital stays, ER visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and rehabilitation
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages do not have a verifiable monetary value, but they are equally important. They are intended to compensate you for subjective, non-financial harm you suffered.
Non-economic damages in Covington personal injury claims include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Grief
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium and support
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are common in intentional tort cases but are not always available in typical personal injury cases. They are awarded to the plaintiff to punish the defendant for malicious or egregious acts and to deter similar future conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What Is the Filing Deadline for a Covington Personal Injury Claim?
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Do not delay filing your personal injury claim in Covington. A filing deadline applies to every personal injury case. This is called the prescriptive period (what other states call the statute of limitations). According to [Louisiana Civil Code Section 3492](https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109532), the time limit for Louisiana personal injury cases is one year from the day the injury is sustained. Exceptions that extend the deadline are rare. If you do not file your lawsuit before the deadline, your case may be dismissed. Speak with a Covington personal injury attorney promptly to protect your rights.
- Q: Can I Afford a Personal Injury Lawyer?
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Yes. At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, you pay nothing out-of-pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we are paid only if we win your case. This allows injured people in Louisiana to obtain representation without upfront costs.
- Q: What Steps Can I Take After an Injury to Help My Case?
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Partnering with an attorney soon after your injury helps ensure you take the right steps early. Some steps to take include: - Get medical attention right away - Report the injury to the appropriate authorities - Exchange information with other parties and witnesses - Gather evidence - Consult an attorney
- Q: Will My Personal Injury Case in Covington Go to Trial?
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Most personal injury claims settle out of court. Whether your case goes to trial depends on the specific facts and details of your case. Our personal injury attorneys near Covington are experienced trial attorneys and negotiators. Whether the case resolves inside or outside of court, we prepare for both.
- Q: What Do Personal Injury Lawyers Do?
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Personal injury lawyers represent individuals who have been injured as a result of someone else's negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. They help clients seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. They investigate the case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent clients in court when necessary.
- Q: How Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Against a Louisiana Government Entity?
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You can file a claim against a Louisiana government entity, but the filing window is limited. The time limit may be as little as 60 days from the date of injury, so prompt action is necessary. The process of filing against a government entity differs from the standard process. Your notice of claim is the foundation of your case and should include: - Your full legal name - Your current address - The date and location of the accident - A detailed account of how the accident occurred - A thorough explanation of the government's negligence and how it caused your injuries - A detailed description of all injuries you suffered and supporting medical bills and records If you have been hurt on government property, contact us to determine your legal options.
These answers reflect Louisiana law as of . For case specific advice, consult with a Louisiana personal injury attorney who can evaluate your particular circumstances.