Personal Injury

We handle individual and class action lawsuits for Accidental Death, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Maritime Injuries, and Products Liability

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A PERSONAL INJURY CASE?

1. You must have suffered a bodily injury or mental or emotional distress.

2. Your injury was someone else's fault.

3. Someone with the ability to pay for damages must be held responsible: typically, an insurance company, a business or an individual.

YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION IS FREE

We will discuss the facts of your case and give you an evaluation regarding the likelihood of a favorable settlement or court decision. We prepare each case for a maximum money award by settlement, litigation or mediation. If we believe that an offer is inadequate we take your case to court. You won't pay attorneys' fees unless you obtain money in a settlement or court order.

Types of cases:

Personal Injury/Accidental Death

Neck, Back & Spinal Cord Injury

Wrongful Death

Drunk Driving Accidents

Medical Malpractice

Traumatic Brain Injury

Nursing Home & Elder Neglect

Civil Rights & Police Abuse

Falling Store Merchandise

Unsafe Premises

Insufficient Security

Dog Bites

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Car Accidents

Drunk Driving Accidents

Motorcycle Accidents

Bicycle Accidents

Truck Accidents

Eighteen Wheeler Accidents

Whiplash

Recreational Vehicle Accidents

Boating Accidents

Maritime Injuries

Offshore Injuries

Injured Seamen

Oil Rig Injuries

Jones Act Cases

Tug Boat Features

Drilling Rig Injuries

Product Liability

Class Action

Asbestos Poisoning/Mesothelioma

Mass Torts

Medical Devices

Prescription Medication

Questions

What Constitutes a Personal Injury?

You or a family member suffers a physical, mental or emotional injury as a result of the negligence or intentional actions of an individual or business. Personal injury falls under tort law.

What is a Tort?

A tort is a wrong that is deemed by the law as grounds for a lawsuit. Torts usually fall into three main areas: intentional torts (intentionally causing someone harm), negligence and product liability torts (the manufacturing and selling of defective products).

How is Negligence Defined?

Any conduct that falls below a reasonable standard of care and which results in an injury to another.

Are There Time Limits on Filing a Claim?

In Louisiana, most cases are given one year from the date of the injury in which to file a lawsuit. Special circumstances and certain laws can alter this time limit.

What if an Insurance Company Contacts Me With an Offer to Settle?

After the emotional and physical stress of a personal injury accident this can be tempting, especially if it includes a substantial amount of money. However, if you have been approached with a settlement offer, it is most likely less than you deserve. An insurance company’s main objective is to settle for the least amount of money possible. If you need help determining whether or not to accept an offer call Howard & Reed to schedule a free consultation.

Do I Need an Attorney?

If you have suffered a personal injury due to negligence, you need to have a personal injury attorney on your side. Your attorney works to protect your rights and interests against big companies and the attorneys defending the responsible party.

When Should I Call an Attorney?

As soon as possible. In most cases personal injury suits can be won or lost based on the evidence alone. As soon as your attorney can begin the process of fact finding, gathering witness statements and documenting evidence, the better the chance of a judgement in your favor.

Can I Afford an Attorney?

At Howard and Reed, personal injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. Contingency means that you do not pay attorneys’ fees unless we secure a settlement for you or succeed in court. If there is no award or settlement, you pay no attorneys’ fees. Your initial consultation is free.

What Role Do I Play in My Lawsuit?

You will need to provide us with any evidence related to your case. Help us gain insight and understand how the injury has adversely affected you or your family member. You will likely be interviewed by the other party’s attorney in a deposition. We help prepare you for this interview and are by your side throughout the duration. If your lawsuit does go to trial, you will need to be part of that team effort.

How Do I Estimate the Value of my Lawsuit?

All cases are unique. Your free consultation includes discussing factors that determine the value of your case such as:

1. How severe are the injuries?

2. Is the injury permanent?

3. Do you need surgery?

4. How much are your medical bills?

5. Do you have any lost earnings or lost wages?

6. Will you require ongoing medical care and/or accommodations?

7. Have you been scarred, disfigured or paralyzed?

8. Did the injury cause severe emotional pain or mental anguish?

What is a Class Action?

A type of lawsuit that occurs when a large group of people have been aggrieved by the conduct of a common person, business, or group of entities.

How Long Does it Usually Take to Settle Cases?

It depends on the complexity of your case. There is no set formula used to determine how long it will take to prosecute a personal injury claim. You can be assured that the Attorneys at Howard & Reed will do whatever it takes to get your case efficiently and ethically settled.