Serious Injury Lawyer New Orleans, LA

The Path Forward After A Serious Injury

There are many reasons to seek assistance from our New Orleans, LA serious injury lawyer after an accident. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we have seen first-hand the impacts that accidents can have on a person’s wellbeing, mental health, property, and finances. When a certain person, company, or other party is responsible for why an injury accident occurred, they should be held liable for the way others have suffered. If you aren’t sure whether your situation warrants contacting a lawyer, there is no risk in just getting a consultation. At least then you will know whether you have grounds to sue the at-fault person, and what steps to take next. If you want to reserve your appointment slot, please do not hesitate to reach out and set up a free consultation.

Types Of Serious Injuries

Serious injuries are a significant concern in our daily lives. Whether resulting from accidents, negligence, or unforeseen circumstances, these injuries can have profound impacts on the health, well-being, and financial stability of individuals and families. As legal professionals at Kiefer & Kiefer Group, we have encountered various types of serious injuries in our practice. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of these injuries, offering insights and guidance on navigating the aftermath.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Amputations
• Fractures and Broken Bones

Establishing Liability In Serious Injury Cases

Determining liability is a crucial step in securing justice in serious injury cases. Our experienced attorneys at Kiefer & Kiefer specialize in meticulously investigating these cases. We gather evidence, determine the responsible parties, and construct a robust argument to establish liability. Our expertise lies in proving that another’s negligence or deliberate actions led to your injury.

The Statute Of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a critical legal concept that sets the maximum time after an event within which legal proceedings may be initiated. This time limit varies depending on the type of case and jurisdiction. The purpose of this law is to ensure fairness and efficiency in the legal process. It prevents the indefinite threat of litigation and ensures that cases are brought forward while evidence is still fresh.

• Civil Cases: In civil law, the statute of limitations applies to cases ranging from breach of contract to personal injury claims.
• Criminal Cases: For criminal cases, this law limits the time in which charges can be filed against an individual.

Compensation For Serious Injury Victims

When dealing with a severe injury, the financial implications can be as daunting as the physical and emotional challenges. Our New Orleans serious injury lawyer understands that compensation in such cases must be comprehensive, addressing various aspects of the victim’s life impacted by the injury. These areas include:

Detailed Coverage Of Medical Expenses

Medical expenses form the core of most serious injury compensations. This not only includes immediate medical costs like emergency room fees, hospitalization charges, and surgical expenses but also encompasses long-term care needs. Ongoing treatments, physical therapy, costly prescriptions, and necessary medical devices or aids are integral parts of this compensation. We meticulously work to ensure that both current and future medical expenses are fully accounted for in your claim.

Recompense For Lost Income And Earning Potential

A serious injury can significantly hinder your ability to work, leading to lost wages. Our legal approach goes beyond just the immediate loss of income; we also consider the long-term impact on your earning capacity. This includes potential promotions, career advancements, and other income opportunities forfeited due to the injury. Our goal is to secure a settlement that reflects not just your present financial loss but your future financial stability as well.

Addressing Pain And Suffering

The physical pain and emotional trauma following a serious injury are profound and often the most challenging to quantify. We advocate for fair compensation that acknowledges the severity of your suffering. This includes the physical discomfort endured, the emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and the overall decrease in life quality post-injury.

Property Damage Reimbursement

In incidents where personal property, like vehicles, is damaged, we pursue compensation for repair or replacement costs. Our team ensures that all aspects of property damage, from tangible losses to the inconvenience caused, are fully compensated.

Claims For Loss Of Consortium

Serious injuries can disrupt family dynamics, leading to loss of consortium claims. This compensation is for spouses or close family members who suffer from the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the injury. We approach these claims with sensitivity, acknowledging the profound impact on family relationships.

Vital Evidence In Your Claim

Building a compelling serious injury case hinges on the evidence presented. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we focus on gathering a comprehensive set of evidence:

• In-Depth Medical Documentation

We collect detailed medical records that clearly outline the extent of your injuries, the treatments undergone, and the anticipated medical trajectory. This includes doctor’s notes, diagnostic results, and treatment plans, ensuring a clear medical narrative of your injury and recovery process.

• Photographic Evidence

Visual documentation through photographs of the accident scene, the injuries sustained, and any property damage serves as powerful evidence. These images provide a vivid portrayal of the incident’s severity and its impact.

• Witness Accounts

We gather statements from eyewitnesses, which can provide crucial perspectives on the accident. These firsthand accounts are invaluable in piecing together the events leading to your injury.

• Specialist Testimonies

Specialist opinions, be it from medical professionals, accident reconstructionists, or occupational therapists, lend significant weight to your case. Their insights can elucidate the extent of your injuries and the implications on your life.

• Official Accident Reports

We secure and scrutinize accident reports from law enforcement or relevant authorities. These reports often contain critical details about the circumstances surrounding the incident.

• Social Media And Communication Scrutiny

In today’s digital age, information from social media and other communications related to the incident can be pivotal. We carefully analyze this data to support your claim.

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Serious Injury Statistics

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year, more than 20 million people seek medical treatment because of accidental injury. Many of these incidents occur due to the negligence of another party and are often preventable if not for that other party’s negligence. Under Louisiana law, accident victims can pursue damages for the losses their injuries have caused. Call our office to speak to a New Orleans personal injury lawyer and find out how we can help.

FAQs

What qualifies as a serious injury in the context of a personal injury case?

Serious injuries can encompass a range of conditions, including but not limited to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations, severe burns, and injuries resulting in long-term disability. These injuries typically have a substantial impact on a victim’s quality of life and may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, resulting in lots of stress and hefty bills.

What should I do immediately after sustaining a serious injury?

Maintaining good health should always be a top priority. Seek immediate medical attention and follow the treatment plan provided by healthcare professionals. It’s crucial to document all medical records and expenses. Also, consult our New Orleans serious injury lawyer at Kiefer & Kiefer to discuss your legal options.

How can a serious injury lawyer assist me with my case?

A serious injury lawyer plays a pivotal role in securing your rights and advocating for your best interests. Kiefer & Kiefer’s legal team is well-versed in personal injury law, and we can investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong case for you.

What compensation can I pursue for a serious injury?

Victims of serious injuries may be entitled to compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs. What sort of specific compensation you might be eligible for depends on the specifics of your case.

How To Prove Negligence In A Burn Injury Case

According to our New Orleans, LA Burn injury lawyer, the first step in proving negligence is demonstrating that the responsible party had a duty of care. This means they were expected to act in a way that would prevent harm to others. For example, property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain safe conditions for guests, and employers are required to provide safe working environments. Whether the burn occurred due to a faulty product, a workplace accident, or unsafe premises, showing that the person or organization owed a duty of care is the foundation of a strong claim.

Showing A Breach Occurred

Once we establish that a duty of care existed, we need to prove that the responsible party failed to meet that duty. This is called a breach. In burn injury cases, a breach could take many forms—such as a landlord ignoring a broken smoke alarm, a restaurant failing to maintain safe kitchen equipment, or a contractor not properly training employees to handle hazardous materials. Our award-winning New Orleans burn injury lawyer looks for actions or lack of actions that directly contributed to the situation that caused the burn injury. This often involves reviewing safety records, incident reports, inspection logs, and witness statements.

Proving Causation And Harm

It’s not enough to show that someone acted carelessly—we also need to connect their actions to the injury. In legal terms, this is called causation. We work to prove that the breach of duty was the direct cause of the burn injury. Medical records play a major role here, as they document the severity of the injury and connect it to the specific event. Photographs, video footage, or forensic reports may also help demonstrate that the burn would not have occurred without the other party’s negligence.

Supporting The Claim With Evidence

Solid evidence is essential to prove negligence. In burn cases, this may include expert testimony from medical professionals or safety consultants, documentation from hospitals, and records of previous safety violations by the at-fault party. We may also gather testimonies from eyewitnesses or coworkers to support the timeline and circumstances of the incident. The stronger the documentation, the more convincing the case becomes. We work closely with our clients to collect and organize the right evidence to present a clear, persuasive case.

Demonstrating The Extent Of Damages

In order to receive full compensation, we must show not only that the injury occurred, but also the impact it has had on your life. This includes medical bills, lost wages, future treatment needs, and pain and suffering. Burns often require long-term care or result in permanent scarring or disability. We help build a full picture of how the injury has affected your quality of life, which supports the amount of damages we seek in the claim.

If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury due to someone else’s actions, our respected New Orleans burn injury lawyer is here to help you move forward. Reach out to Kiefer & Kiefer today to schedule your free consultation and discuss how we can support your burn injury claim and protect your right to fair compensation.

7 Things To Know When Working With Our Burn Injury Attorney

Burn injuries can leave lasting physical and emotional effects. Whether the result of a car crash, workplace incident, faulty product, or unsafe property, the recovery process can be long—and the legal side can quickly become overwhelming. At Kiefer & Kiefer, we’ve worked with many burn victims through every stage of a claim. If you or a loved one has been seriously burned, here are seven important things to keep in mind.

Common Causes Of Severe Burn Injuries

Burn injuries happen in a variety of settings, and often due to another party’s actions or negligence. Recognizing the cause helps determine who may be legally responsible. Common sources of burn injuries include:

• Auto accidents involving fire or explosions
• Electrical failures in homes, rental units, or businesses
• Dangerous workplace conditions or equipment
• Scalding water or surfaces in restaurants or care facilities
• Chemical burns from unsafe handling or storage
• Faulty consumer products or appliances

Burn Classification Affects Your Case

Medical professionals categorize burns by severity. This classification can impact the type of claim you file and the compensation that may apply. Basic burn classifications:

• First-degree burns: Affect the outer skin layer; usually mild
• Second-degree burns: Reach deeper layers; may cause blisters and scarring
• Third-degree burns: Penetrate all skin layers; often require surgery or skin grafts

More serious burns typically involve higher medical costs and a longer recovery, which increases the financial value of a case.

Financial Damages Go Beyond Medical Bills

Burn victims often face long-term consequences that go far beyond the emergency room. A strong claim includes all the ways the injury has impacted daily life. Additional damages may include:

• Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages or reduced ability to earn
• Pain and emotional trauma
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Home or vehicle modifications for accessibility

Evidence Collection Starts Immediately

The more documentation you have from the start, the stronger your case will be. Evidence helps confirm how the injury occurred and who may be at fault. Helpful evidence includes:

• Photos of the scene and injuries
• Witness statements or reports
• Fire department or OSHA reports
• Product packaging or manuals (if a product was involved)
• Medical records from initial treatment

Insurance Companies Often Undervalue Burn Claims

Insurance providers frequently downplay the seriousness of burn injuries to avoid large payouts. This can lead to low settlement offers that don’t reflect long-term needs. Tactics we often see from insurers:

• Pressuring victims to settle early
• Arguing that future care isn’t necessary
• Ignoring emotional or psychological damage
• Disputing how the injury occurred

Workplace Injuries May Involve Third-party Claims

Not all work-related burns are handled solely through workers’ comp. If someone outside your employer contributed to the injury, a separate legal claim may be possible. Examples of third-party liability:

• Faulty machinery or safety equipment
• Unsafe conditions created by outside contractors
• Defective cleaning or chemical products used on the job

Burn Injury Claims Take Time To Resolve

These cases require time to properly develop. From medical evaluations to determining liability, each step needs careful attention. What to expect during the process:

• Delays for full medical recovery or prognosis
• Investigation of all responsible parties
• Back-and-forth negotiations with insurance companies
• Documentation of long-term financial impact

Being patient through the legal process helps protect your rights and supports a stronger outcome.

Kiefer and Kiefer, New Orleans Serious Injury Lawyer

1100 Poydras Street., Suite 1300 New Orleans, LA 70163

Contact Our New Orleans Firm Today

If you have suffered a serious injury in New Orleans, Kiefer & Kiefer is here to provide the legal support you need. Our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to helping you seek the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you toward a brighter future.