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Personal Injury Lawyer in Lake Charles

Cases We Handle

Car Accident

At the law firm of , our Lake Charles car accident lawyers handle personal injury and wrongful death cases for the people of Lake Charles…

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Truck Accident

Driving west on I-10 toward Texas, the last major town you’ll pass through is Lake Charles. It’s a bustling city of nearly 100,000 people known…

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Maritime

Louisiana’s position on the Gulf of Mexico, and its control of rivers like the Mississippi and Calcasieu, means that a number of industries are high-performing…

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Workers’ Compensation

Have you been hurt on the job in Lake Charles and are now facing denial of your workers’ compensation claim? If your benefits are being…

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Wrongful Death

Losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence can be one of the most traumatic experiences you can go through. If this has happened…

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Lake Charles is a charming city nestled in the heart of Calcasieu Parish, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and exciting outdoor adventures. Known as the Festival Capital of Louisiana, Lake Charles hosts a variety of events throughout the year, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and diverse community. From the lively Mardi Gras celebrations to the Cajun and Creole music festivals, there’s always something exciting happening in this dynamic city.

While Lake Charles is a wonderful place to live and visit, accidents can happen, and personal injuries can occur, disrupting lives and causing physical, emotional, and financial distress. If you find yourself in such a situation, seeking the guidance and support of skilled personal injury lawyers is essential. At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, our dedicated team of Lake Charles personal injury attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling a wide range of personal injury cases. We are here to advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Defining Personal Injury: Understanding the Basics

Personal injury refers to harm caused to an individual due to another party’s negligence or wrongful actions. It includes various situations like car accidents, slips and falls, workplace injuries, medical malpractice, and more.

Importance of Personal Injury Law

Personal injury law ensures justice and accountability for those harmed by negligence. It allows injured individuals to seek financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Our Success: Experienced Lake Charles Personal Injury Attorneys

Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have 679+ years of combined legal experience. We have helped thousands of clients recover, winning over $3 Billion in compensation. With our skilled team, you can trust us to fight for your rights. Lake Charles personal injury lawyers play a vital role in helping victims recover their losses and achieve justice in the face of adversity.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

If you’ve been injured in Lake Charles, due to someone else’s negligence, Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can assist you. Our skilled Lake Charles personal injury lawyers specialize in a variety of cases, including:

  • Car Accidents: Let us handle the complexities of insurance claims and prove liability for fair compensation.
  • Slip and Fall Accidents: Hold negligent property owners accountable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions.
  • Workplace Accidents: We can help with workers’ compensation claims or personal injury lawsuits against responsible parties.
  • Medical Malpractice: Seek compensation for harm caused by healthcare negligence.
  • Product Liability: Hold manufacturers accountable for injuries caused by defective products.
  • Assault and Personal Attacks: Pursue legal action and seek compensation for physical and emotional damages.
  • Trust our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers to fight for justice and fair compensation on your behalf.

Common Causes of Personal Injury in Lake Charles

Negligence as a Common Cause: Negligence is a leading cause of personal injury in Lake Charles. Whether it’s a negligent driver, property owner, employer, or healthcare professional, our Lake Charles personal injury lawyers can help establish negligence and seek compensation on your behalf.

Intentional Acts Leading to Personal Injury: In some cases, personal injuries in Lake Charles may result from intentional acts, such as assault, battery, or intentional infliction of emotional distress. Our experienced lawyers can help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice against those responsible.

Strict Liability Situations: Strict liability applies in cases where the responsible party is held liable for injuries regardless of fault or negligence. Examples include cases involving defective products or dangerous activities. Our Lake Charles personal injury attorneys can help determine if strict liability applies to your case and pursue compensation accordingly.

If you’ve been injured in Lake Charles, don’t hesitate to contact a skilled personal injury lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, 337.888.8888. We have a proven track record of helping clients recover substantial settlements.

Legal Elements of a Lake Charles Personal Injury Claim

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, it’s crucial to understand the concept of negligence in personal injury cases. Negligence refers to the failure of an individual or entity to exercise reasonable care, resulting in harm or injury to another person. In personal injury cases, negligence is a key factor in determining liability and seeking compensation for your damages.

Proving Negligence: Burden of Proof

In personal injury cases, the plaintiff carries the burden of proof to establish the defendant’s liability and show that they are responsible for the injuries. This means providing sufficient evidence to prove negligence. To establish negligence, certain elements must be proven: 

1.Duty Of Care refers to the legal obligation of individuals or entities to act reasonably and prevent harm.

  1. Breach Of Duty occurs when someone fails to fulfill their duty, acting recklessly or negligently.
  2. Causation shows that the negligent actions directly caused the harm suffered.
  3. Damages encompass the physical, emotional, and financial losses resulting from the injury.

Our experienced Lake Charles personal injury attorneys have helped numerous clients recover the settlements they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, our lawyers will fight for your rights and help you seek rightful compensation.

Examples of Establishing Liability in Personal Injury Cases

  • For car wrecks or truck accidents, the other driver may be liable if they were speeding, driving under the influence, distracted, or violating traffic laws.
  • In workplace injuries, the employer may be liable for a workers’ compensation claim if they failed to provide necessary protective equipment.

Establishing liability can be complex in cases involving defective products, slips and falls, or medical malpractice, highlighting the importance of hiring a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer.

Damages and Compensation in Lake Charles Personal Injury Cases

Types of Damages in Personal Injury Claims:

In personal injury cases in Lake Charles, various types of damages may be sought by the injured party. Damages compensate the victim for their losses and injuries. Types of damages include:

Economic Damages

These are quantifiable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage directly related to the injury.

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for subjective losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to economic and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are not intended to compensate the victim but rather to punish the at-fault party for their egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. 

Factors Affecting Compensation

Several factors influence the compensation awarded in personal injury cases in Lake Charles. These include:

  • Severity of Injuries: The extent of injuries and their impact on the victim’s life can affect the compensation amount.
  • Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including past and future expenses, is considered when calculating compensation.
  • Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation may be awarded for lost wages and potential future income lost.
  • Comparative Fault: The comparative fault rule means, if the victim shares responsibility for the accident, their compensation may be reduced.
  • Insurance Coverage: The insurance policies and coverage limits of involved parties can affect available compensation.

Consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Lake Charles is crucial to understand how these factors apply to your case.

How It Works

Filing a claim with Gordon Mckernan Injury Attorneys is easy! Simply follow the steps below.

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Get Your Free Consultation

Fill out our quick and easy form to find out if your case qualifies. Our consultations are free and confidential, and we are here to help whether you hire us or not! 
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An Attorney Will Reach Out

Our team will evaluate your case and decide on the best course of action. One of our lawyers will get back to you promptly and begin the process of winning your case! 
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Get Gordon! Get It Done!

Once your case has been evaluated and deemed a good fit for our firm, our team will go to work immediately on gathering evidence, building your case, and getting you the compensation that you deserve. 
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Injured? Get Free Consult Now!

Contact our Lake Charles Personal Injury Lawyers Today!

Lake Charles Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Cases:

Time Limits for Filing a Personal Injury Claim

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Lake Charles is generally one year from the date of the accident or injury. This means that individuals must initiate legal proceedings within one year or risk losing the opportunity to seek compensation for their injuries and losses.

Exceptions and Extensions to Statute of Limitations

There are a few exceptions to the one-year statute of limitations in Lake Charles. If the injured party is a minor or legally incapacitated, the statute of limitations may be paused until they reach adulthood or regain capacity.

Each states has their own specific rules and exceptions for personal injury cases. Therefore, consulting with a qualified Lake Charles personal injury lawyer is advisable to understand the details and circumstances that apply to your case.

Importance of Seeking Medical Treatment:

Recieving medical treatment as soon as possible after an accident or injury is crucial for several reasons.

1. Documenting Injuries and Establishing Causation

Documenting injuries and establishing a connection between the accident and the need for medical care is essential to your claim. Proper documentation strengthens personal injury claims and increases the chances of fair compensation.

2. Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Prompt medical treatment allows for early diagnosis and treatment of hidden injuries. Timely intervention improves recovery prospects and reduces the risk of long-term complications.

3. Impact of Delayed Medical Treatment on Claims

Delayed medical treatment can harm personal injury claims. Insurance companies and legal systems consider timeliness when evaluating claims. Significant delays may devalue the claim, although not all delays have the same impact.

4. Overall Well-being

Seeking prompt medical treatment is crucial for the individual’s well-being. It prevents complications, promotes faster recovery, and minimizes pain and suffering.

Hiring a Lake Charles Personal Injury Attorney

Benefits of Legal Representation:

Hiring a Lake Charles personal injury attorney provides numerous benefits for your case. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to protect your rights and navigate the legal process. Here are key benefits:

  • Legal Expertise: Personal injury attorneys specialize in this area and understand the complexities of the legal system, offering valuable guidance.
  • Case Evaluation: An experienced attorney assesses your case’s merits, determines its potential value, and advises on the best course of action.
  • Negotiation Skills: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who advocate for a fair settlement covering medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
  • Legal Strategy: Attorneys develop tailored strategies, gathering evidence, consulting experts, and building a strong case on your behalf.
  • Court Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, attorneys represent you in court, presenting your case and fighting for your rights.

Contact Gordon McKernan’s Lake Charles Personal Injury Attorneys

When you choose Gordon McKernan’s Lake Charles personal injury attorneys, you gain access to our extensive resources and deep knowledge of Lake Charles personal injury law. With a track record of over $3 Billion won for our clients, we have the experience and expertise to handle your case from the initial insurance claim all the way to courtroom representation. And the best part is, we operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys, we understand the impact a personal injury can have on your life. That’s why we are committed to providing swift and competent legal counsel to our clients. Our G Guarantee ensures that you won’t owe us a dime unless we win your case. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and helping you recover the compensation you deserve.

Lake Charles Personal Injury Team

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