Many car accident victims ponder the question of when and if they need to hire an attorney.  While the answer certainly depends on the severity of the accident, the following are general guides to help you determine the best course of action for your case.  For an exact answer, we highly suggest you seek the opinion of a competent personal injury attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  Keep in mind; auto insurance companies retain teams of attorneys and insurance adjusters that begin evaluation of your accident claim as soon as you submit the claim.  With this in mind, it’s essential that you consult a personal injury attorney if you are seriously injured in a car wreck to level the negotiating playing field.

Facing a team of experienced personal injury attorneys working for the billion-dollar insurance industry on your own is not a prudent move.  While it is possible to make an injury claim alone, you are accurately at their mercy; they could determine your case is worth a thousand dollars, a few thousand dollars, or flat out deny your claim.  It is up to their team to value your claim, since you probably don’t know your legal rights, alternatives, or what you can do to fight them.  Their only job is to argue claims on behalf of their employers.  Going it alone without experience has a predictable outcome.

This article also covers factors worth considering when considering the best personal injury lawyer for their relevant case. Such as, aren’t all personal injury law firms the same, and why it’s essential to your case - that you select a lawyer (or law firm) that has trial experience.  We seek to answer these and additional questions that may arise.

When Should You Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?
If you have been injured, you have one shot at obtaining compensation for your past, present, and future recovery needs.  Basing your decision to hire solely off a billboard, tv, or radio commercial is not the answer.  Not always, but many times these lawyers or firms operate in high volume cases and will not or cannot, for lack of experience, take your case to trial.  Instead, we suggest you seek an injury attorney or law firm with a great reputation and trial experience.  

Retaining competent and experienced counsel is crucial when you are seriously injured in a car or truck wreck.  Unfortunately, many victims attempt to represent themselves and commonly fail for a few clear reasons; insurance companies can afford to wait; their knowledge of similar settled claims, and they control the settlement offer.  They play the game of offering just enough to make you go away.  Often, the insurance company will make a settlement offer within days of your collision claim, hoping for settlement before your knowledge of the extent of your injuries. 

These offers are referred to a “nuisance value offers”.  The term used frequently by insurance claims adjusters to describe the “value” of the compensation they are willing to give you to make your personal injury claim go away. 

Once the settlement is accepted, there is little to no recourse for the victim if they discover their life-altering injuries.  A victim not represented by an experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Charles, La. is at a severe disadvantage when negotiating a settlement and at a greater disadvantage if the injury case should go to trial.  A claimant that represents him/herself lacks the experience necessary to negotiate with an insurance attorney effectively.  Claimants generally do not have a thorough understanding of negotiating medical bills incurred from their car accident injury, lack finances to retain medical experts, and generally cannot illustrate appropriate compensation commensurate with the injuries sustained and future medical need.

The short answer is:  You should hire a personal injury attorney when you are injured in an accident. Property damage and severity of injury aside, you want to engage your personal injury attorney as soon as you are mentally (and physically) able to do so.   Without intending to sound crass, the insurance industry is heartless. 

They do not care that you have a life to live, a family to provide for, or that your injuries sustained kept you out of college for a year.  Their only job is to minimize losses, and that is what your personal injury case is to the insurance adjusters and attorneys, a quickly settled, soon forgotten loss.  If you are seriously injured, you need an experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Charles, La. to gain the compensation you will need and deserve.

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Perhaps after years of hard work and dedication, your small business has grown, and you find yourself ready to level up. Purchasing commercial real estate may seem the logical next step, and most often is for a growing business; however, there are few considerations you should be aware of before you do.  

Residential real estate purchases are different from commercial real estate purchases. If you have bought a home or two and are endeavoring to purchase commercial real estate, you’ll soon find that purchasing commercial real estate requires more planning, research and can take longer to close.  

An experienced commercial real estate attorney and broker can prove invaluable when providing the commercial documentation lenders require.  Lenders want to know your business profits can pay for the commercial loan – and that future positive cash flow will not be interrupted.

What makes a piece of real estate commercial?  
Any property used to expand and support a business in incoming generating activity qualifies as commercial property. 

A few commercial real estate examples are office buildings, warehouses, retail shopping centers, manufacturing facilities, apartment communities, hotels, and land for commercial development. 

Most business owners start their business in a space that makes the most financial sense, including a home office, garage, or shop in their backyard, and only consider purchasing a commercial space after their business has expanded. However, purchasing commercial real estate has benefits beyond the additional space:

• Equity in commercial real estate can rise due to inflation
• Tax benefits of deprecation to offset income tax
• Freedom to customize your office or warehouse space
• Commercial tenants’ leases are longer than residential, providing 5+ year supplemental cash flow.  
• Commerce tax breaks for elevating surrounding property values

Once you’ve decided that purchasing commercial real estate is the right move, it’s time to gather a team. Unless you are a commercial real estate agent turned attorney with a background in accounting familiar with negotiating real estate, leasing and contract law, and exposing liability, you will want to assemble a team proficient in these areas.  

A successful team might include a commercial real estate attorney, commercial broker, certified public accountant, insurance broker, and a commercial lender. Your CRE broker and the attorney will need to supply the following services and documents to a prospective lender:  

Commercial Real Estate Broker

• Facilitates negotiations between you and the seller
• Provides business plans including current tenant rent roll
• Research costs associated with the commercial real estate, including current and future operating expenses
• Finds previous appraisals and environmental studies
• Helps secure a new appraisal(s) and environmental study

Commercial Real Estate Attorneys

• Prepares your purchase agreements
• Reviews environmental, zoning, and survey reports, as well as current licenses included with the purchase
• Reviews lender’s commitment and terms letter outlining conditions, rates, and covenants.
• Retains your “good faith” deposit
• Explains closing documents before and at the time of closing
  
• Ensures a clear title transfer of commercial property

 
In addition, a commercial real estate attorneys in Lake Charles, Louisiana can assist you with the following commercial activities:

• Lease negotiations
• Property management disputes
• Commercial development
• Construction disputes
• Contract negotiation and disputes
• Title insurance issues

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What is Maritime (Admiralty) Law?
Maritime, or admiralty law, is a body of laws – conventions - and treaties that govern private industry maritime business, and other nautical matters, such as transportation and shipping and infractions of law occurring on open water, including offshore injury. Law of the Sea – is a set of International rules that govern the use of seas and oceans.

Thousands of individuals work on the waterways in The Gulf of Mexico.  Louisiana, Texas, Alabama, Mississippi and Alabama residents work on maritime vessels including drill boats, supply boats, crew boats, tankers, cargo ships, barges, dredges, and offshore drilling rigs. The work they do is physically challenging and dangerous.

Offshore workers in The Gulf of Mexico and others on our nation's waterways rely on co-worker's safe work practices - proper vessel maintenance - as well as the equipment they use in this dangerous environment to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, crew members are frequently injured because they are provided poor working or under-maintained equipment or lack the equipment they need to safely do their jobs.

If you have been injured on our nation's waterways or are grieving a family member's death from an accident that occurred on navigable waters, take action to retain experienced maritime legal representation.

Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South aggressively pursue the best interest and rights of:

• Offshore drilling rig worker injuries
• Port Employee injuries
• Crew member injuries
• Deckhand injuries
• Commercial fishermen injuries
• Shrimpers & oystermen injuries
• Cruise ship, riverboat, and personal watercraft passenger injuries

The Most Common Causes of Offshore and Accidents
Catastrophic and fatal injuries occur frequently at and on offshore rigs, maritime vessels, and ports of call due to unsafe labor practices. The more common unsafe labor practices on offshore drilling rigs can include:

• Unseaworthiness:  Vessel maintenance and cleanliness 
• Improper, out of date, or missing equipment: 
• Equipment upgrades, maintenance, or requirements are ignored or missing
• Inadequate training:  Co-workers lack training in maritime equipment operation and safety procedures 
• Safety violations: To ensure safe working conditions, the maritime industry is highly regulated. Violations of industry, state, and federal safety guidelines have the potential to result in serious injury or death.

Knowing Your Rights
Depending on where the incident occurs, the accident could fall under maritime or Jones Act Law, while others are filed under Longshore & Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The outcome of your lawsuit hinges on finding an experienced maritime attorney familiar with an array of maritime injury claims. Our firm takes the time to understand your case, identify your goals, and enlighten you of your rights. Our team will pinpoint an effective strategy to pursue your personal injury claim and make certain you have the information you need to make a intelligent decision regarding filing an offshore injury lawsuit.

Contact the Maritime Injury Attorneys at Lundy Law
When you are injured in the maritime industry, laws surrounding your injury can be complicated, and gaining fair compensation can be difficult. For this reason, you need an experienced maritime injury law firm in Lake Charles Louisiana like Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South on your side. They are experienced in all aspects of maritime law and will ensure you are provided every protection afforded under maritime law.

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Commercial real estate attorneys operate to protect individuals and enterprises from financial pitfalls when buying, selling or leasing commercial property.  Most homebuyers rely on their realtor to ensure a reputable local attorney handles the contract's legal elements.  However, business owners should prioritize enlisting an experienced commercial real estate lawyer when buying, selling, leasing, developing, or engaging in commercial property transactions.

Why Hire a Commercial Real Estate Attorney
Closing a commercial real estate transaction can be complicated; from negotiating the purchase price to minimizing the buyer's or seller's risk, real estate attorneys protect their client's interest.  Below we offer a few reasons you should consider partnering with an experienced attorney when buying or selling commercial real estate.

Save Time
As a business owner, you probably lack the necessary time to discern the legalities of buying or selling commercial property, nor would you desire it.  It only makes sense to engage an attorney to perform due diligence, ask the right questions, look at the facts objectively, and take on your concerns, leaving you free to focus on what matters most, your business.

Protect Your Interests
When buying commercial real estate for your company, hiring an attorney protects your interests by ensuring the contract is fair.  In addition, a commercial real estate lawyer can protect your interest by negotiating exit procedures should the deal fall through and if hidden environmental or structural issues arise after closing the deal.

Deal Legitimacy
When considering a property that appears to be "too good to be true," an attorney can investigate on your behalf. For example, you find a commercial property that seems like a great deal, but what happens if the building has a tax debt of $125,000?  An experienced real estate attorney can research land or property for liens or tax debt, helping you avoid a bad investment, or negotiate a price reflective of the lien or tax debt.

Negotiate Price
Commercial real estate contracts can be quite extensive and wordy.  Unlike Realtors, real estate attorneys do not make a commission.  Your attorney works for you alone; they do not have a stake in whether the deal falls through or not as real estate agents do.  Real estate attorneys provide unbiased advice that serves your best interest, with the possibility of saving you money.  

Understand Zoning Laws
Maximizing your commercial investment means knowing when to buy and sell your property. Zoning laws determine which types of development are available on the property.  Knowing your property's zoning laws makes it simpler to find the right buyer when you decide to sell.

How Commercial Real Estate Attorneys Help Businesses
Commercial real estate transactions necessitate a comprehensive understanding of business and real estate law, real estate and financial transactions, and tax implications.  Astute real estate attorneys will keep you apprised of terms and legalities, inform you of potential challenges that may arise in the negotiation and purchase process, and help you obtain the best purchase terms to support your business goals.

Purchase and Sales Agreements
A well-written purchase or sales agreement clearly defines the buyer's and seller's obligations, rights, and liabilities.  The details of the contract will save you time, and money should conflict arise. 

Lease Agreements
A lease agreement outlines such terms as the lease start date, rent, renewal details, and additional liabilities.  Both tenants and owners benefit from enlisting a real estate attorney to review the details of the lease.

New Construction Agreements
Do you know your buyer rights when purchasing new construction?  A real estate attorney should review any documents or contracts prepared by a builder to ensure your buyer's rights are protected.

Eminent Domain
Under eminent domain, it is possible the government could take ownership of a commercial property for public use.  Property owner rights vary by state; an experienced real estate attorney can be a valuable asset when eminent domain issues arise.

Title Insurance or Title Exams
Title insurance is a critical element of a commercial real estate transaction.  A real estate attorney can negotiate the best deals to protect the buyer's assets.

Commercial Lease Disputes
When commercial real estate disputes arise, an attorney can help enforce your rights as defined in the lease agreement through negotiation or litigation if necessary.

When considering buying or selling commercial property, the commercial real estate attorneys in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Lundy, Lundy Soileau & South, LLC have more than 100 years of experience handling commercial and residential real estate issues.  Contact Lundy Law today to discuss your purchase or sales transaction.

Related information:
Real Estate Attorneys
Business Interruption Claims

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While many factors can contribute to commercial truck accidents, far too many are preventable.  Commercial trucks can have a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds, depending on the load they carry; while the average passenger vehicle only weighs 3,500 pounds.

In addition to the weight of an 18-wheeler, the cargo it carries can also be hazardous, possibly resulting in further injury if involved in an accident. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that of the approximate 500,000 18-wheeler accidents per year, 5000 result in death.  

Of the 5000 fatalities resulting from semi-truck accidents, seventy-two percent were occupants of other vehicles, 13 percent were pedestrian - motorcycle and bicycle riders, while 14 percent were truck drivers.  Commercial trucks represent 4 percent of registered vehicles, but they cause 9 percent of annual roadway collision deaths.

Truck driver drug and alcohol use is widely believed to be the culprit of these commercial truck accidents, but statistics disagree.  Roughly three percent of truck accident fatalities are the result of alcohol and drug use.  

CRUCIAL FACTORS IN TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
Driver fatigue ranks at the top of the truck driver accident list.  While governed by federal regulations that limit the number of hours truckers can legally drive, drivers often ignore these laws to meet the unrealistic deadlines set by the greedy company owners; that place profit above safety.  Investigation of these accidents implies 13 percent of U.S. trucking accidents are due to driver fatigue.  The number is likely higher than 13 percent; however, truck drivers rarely admit they fell asleep at the wheel or were overly tired.

DISTRACTED DRIVING
As with passenger vehicle accidents, distracted driving moves up the list of causes, becoming a significant factor in trucking accidents.  Distracted driving accounts for more than 18 percent of big rig accidents.  Distraction happens in many forms; visual distraction is when a driver takes their eyes away from the road to view their cell phone screen, changes the radio, programs new GPS coordinates, or focuses on scenery or other drivers.  Manual distraction is when the driver's hands are not on the truck's wheel or engaged in a task other than driving.  Just like their four-wheel counterparts, truck drivers are known to engage in eating while driving.  

A cognitive distraction occurs when a person's mind is on something other than driving and the vehicles surrounding them.  Cell phone use is named in three types of distraction, which is why it is especially dangerous.  In defiance of increasing cell phone driving laws, drivers continue to talk, text, video, skype, and zoom, as well as surf the web and watch programs while driving. 

TRUCK JACKKNIFE
Unfortunately, when an 18-wheel driver slams his or her brakes, the truck's trailer momentum does not follow at the same speed as the truck's front, causing the trailer to swing around, also known as a jackknife.   A truck that jackknifes poses an incredible danger to the vehicles surrounding the truck.  A jackknifes can occur for many reasons ranging from slick surfaces to insufficient tread on the tires or taking a turn too abruptly.  

TRUCK DRIVER INEXPERIENC
Commercial drivers in the United States are required to attend a thorough training program; many that share the roadway assume these drivers come out of the program fully trained with enough experience to get behind the wheel of a truck.  As with most things in life, there is a precipitous learning curve to driving an 18-wheeler.  Training usually includes general and specific instructions on maintenance of their vehicle, properly securing various loads, which types of loads increase the possibility of an accident occurring, and driving in various weather and traffic conditions.  Hazardous and toxic waste transportation requires additional training.   

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Transportation companies operating in the United States are responsible for ensuring their fleet is well-maintained.  Truck drivers are responsible for inspecting their vehicles, specifically the brakes and tires before driving on public roadways.  18-wheeler Accidents caused by failing equipment and poor vehicle maintenance are the responsibility of the company.  

Related Pages:
Personal Injury Attorneys Lake Charles, LA

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Steps to take after a car accident was written on behalf of Lundy Lundy Soileau & South, LLP. - personal injury attorneys in Lake Charles La.

In the seconds or even minutes after a car accident, it can be challenging to think clearly. With thoughts running wildly through your head, it can be difficult to focus on what to do next. Your primary concern should be your safety, your passengers, and drivers on the roadway. 

Traumatic emotions associated with a car accident cause many drivers to make mistakes that can limit their ability to gain compensation from their insurance company and the at-fault driver after the accident. Below are the steps to take after a car accident while protecting your rights.  

First Step: Make sure everyone is safe and seek medical attention for the injured:
Safety is foremost; you will want to ensure the safety of all involved. 

• Turn on your vehicle emergency flashers, and if possible, exit your vehicle. If the car wreck is more than a minor incident, or if someone involved is injured, call 911 promptly and ask for an ambulance to be sent as quickly as possible. Even when an accident is relatively minor, it is best to call 911, inform the dispatcher that the incident is not emergent; however, you would like to report an accident and have a police officer file a report.
• Stay at the scene of the car accident until you are released by law enforcement. 

Remember safety first; the health and safety of those involved take precedent over financial considerations. Take all necessary safety precautions immediately. 

Second Step:  Assess the situation at the scene. Once physical safety has been established, start evaluating the accident. Here is what to do next.  

• With a phone or camera, take pictures of the vehicles involved, auto, additional debris, and even skid marks around the accident.  
• After taking photographs of the accident, if it is safe to do so, move the vehicles involved out of traffic as soon as possible.   
• While you will be tempted to do so, never admit fault or apologize for the accident. While this can seem impolite, admitting fault can impact your case if it ends up in court.
• You may express concern over the accident and obtain medical attention without apologizing or accepting liability.
• If medical attention is unnecessary, you can exchange contact and vehicle insurance information with the drivers involved at the scene.  

 
Third Step:  Obtain pertinent insurance information from all accident involved driver(s).
You will need the following information to settle the accident:

• Driver’s name, address, and phone number
• Their insurance information, including their policy number.
• Driver license number.
• Vehicle(s) year, make, model, and license plate number(s).   

Additional items and information you will need to keep with the insurance information above:

• Photos of the accident scene, take collision photos before moving the vehicles, and a list of noticeable damage to the automobiles and property. 
• The accident report number.
• Law enforcement information, including their names and badge numbers.

By taking these initial steps, you are setting the stage for a successful case should legal action become necessary later.  

Fourth Step:  Call your insurance company to report the accident.
If possible, don’t delay in reporting the accident to your insurance company. It is always preferred if you are the first to initiate the accident claim with your insurance provider. Inform your insurance company of the details of the incident so they can start building your claim request. Your insurance company may decide to send an adjuster to the accident scene for assessment; This is why you should call them at your earliest convenience. 

Even minor incidents need to be reported within a reasonable time frame. 
The time frame can vary from company to company. Reporting the accident promptly will ensure your incident is compliant with insurance contract terms and thereby covered.    

Why do insurance companies require accidents to be reported as soon as possible?  
Too often, the injuries and effects of an auto accident are realized later in the day or days following the accident. Adrenaline released during the accident can prevent the body from experiencing pain, and only after the adrenaline rush subsides injuries become apparent. 

Reporting the accident at the scene or shortly after provides a timeline for the insurance company. If the accident is not reported promptly, it is possible the personal injury portion of your claim could be denied.

If your wreck is serious and injury is evident, we highly recommend calling an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Recovering compensation for serious injuries, more often and not, requires the assistance of a knowledgeable trial lawyer. When in doubt, always seek consultation, personal injury attorneys do not charge for case evaluation and are only paid when they win your case. Seeking the advice of a seasoned personal injury lawyer is the prudent thing to do.

Related Pages: 
Personal Injury Lawyers
Car Accident Attorneys
18-wheeler Accident Attorneys

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Why would an individual or a passenger need to hire a personal injury lawyer in Lake Charles Louisiana when injured in a car accident?  We offer examples of situations where victims could benefit from enlisting the help of a personal injury attorney.

In a recent report the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shared that vehicle collisions cause $871 billion in economic loss and societal harm every year.  Actual economic impact of car wrecks including medical expenditures are over $277 billion every year.   

Societal injury from pain, continued suffering, decreased quality of life and loss of life costs $594 billion.   Those responsible for these accidents should be made to pay these costs.  The victims of those killed in a car wreck have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim for compensation. 

The car wreck lawyers at Lundy, Lundy, Soileau and South, L.L.P. have helped Lake Charles car accident victims recover appropriate compensation for nearly 40 years.   

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reports, every 10 seconds someone in the United States is involved in a car accident.  Most of these accidents are avoidable, including those resulting from drunk driving, speeding, defective equipment, irregular or lack of maintenance, and other forms of negligence.  Rarely do the victims of car accidents receive just and equitable insurance settlements.  Your chances increase when you enlist the help of an experienced Lake Charles car accident law firm.

Our law firm can enlist the help of forensic accident specialist to identify the responsible party(s).  We use the word parties, because it is possible that an automotive defect or maintenance issue contributed to the accident.

In addition, we can also enlist the assistance of medical and economic experts to more accurately determine the long-term financial impact of a catastrophic or wrongful death accident.  Our Lake Charles personal injury attorneys give meticulous attention to every accident case we manage.  

Passenger Injury
Passengers of a car accident are also entitled to compensation for their injuries.  If you are injured as a passenger in a car wreck, see a doctor or go to the hospital immediately.  Your claim as a passenger may be against all negligent parties, this could include the driver of the car you were in when the accident occurred, and the driver of other vehicle(s) involved.  Information is critical as an injured passenger, .  notate as much information about the circumstances surrounding the accident as possible; identify the drivers of each vehicle, year – make and model of each vehicle, weather and road conditions, identify witnesses – obtaining their contact information (name, telephone, address and if possible their driver’s license number).  The information you gathered at the car accident scene may be key to you receiving compensation for your injuries.

Your Rights After a Car Accident Claim
Every driver in Louisiana is required to purchase auto liability insurance.  Auto liability insurance is required in Louisiana to cover the damage and losses of a victim(s) when the policyholder is the at-fault driver.   Victims should be fully compensated or “indemnified” for resulting economic and non-economic losses associated with the collision.

If an insurance company accepts their client’s responsibility, they will often settle a victim’s claim out of court.  When you enlist a personal injury attorney in Lake Charles Louisiana, your attorney can send a demand letter to the insurer entreating appropriate compensation for your losses.  Your attorney and the insurer will negotiate until a fair settlement is reached.  Your attorney then brings the offer to you to approve or disapprove.  If you agree to the settlement offer you may not change your mind after acceptance.  If at this point you have not enlisted the help of a Lake Charles personal injury attorney and you are still within the prescription period, consult with an attorney be accepting a settlement.  Insurance companies are notorious for pressuring victims of car wrecks into quick settlements for less than the value of their injuries.  Louisiana personal injury attorneys are here to protect your rights and fight for full compensation of your losses.

If time is closing on your prescription period and you have not reached an equitable settlement with the insurer, a personal injury - litigation attorney will suggest you take your case to court.  The serious injury attorneys at Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South are experienced trial attorneys.  

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Although you may have filed an insurance claim related to Hurricane Laura, any new property damage caused by Hurricane Delta will allow you to file a second insurance claim. 
 
A principle piece of information you need to know is whether your homeowner’s insurance policy carries a hurricane, named-storm or wind and hail deductible. Homeowner’s policies carry basic all peril deductibles which generally range from $250.00 to $2,000. However, after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, separate hurricane deductibles, named-storm deductibles, and wind and hail deductibles were common in coastal states. These deductibles typically range between two and five percent of the insured value of your home. For instance, if your home has an insured value of $200,000 with a two percent deductible, you agreed to pay $4,000 out of pocket before your insurance “kicks in.” This means if the damage to your home is $4,000 or less, the insurance company will not be responsible for paying on your claim. You can find your deductibles on the first page of your homeowner’s policy or call your agent for more information.
 
The Single-Season Hurricane Deductible Law was enacted in 2009, the year after back to back Hurricanes Gustav and Ike hit in 2008. A single-season hurricane deductible lessens the financial impact a policyholder must bear when multiple hurricanes cause destruction to an insured property during a single storm season (or calendar year). This law helps homeowners limit the cost of recovery if they are hit more than once during a hurricane season or calendar year.
 
The Louisiana Insurance Commissioner stated in 2018, that insureds are responsible for only one hurricane deductible per calendar year. That means, if additional damage makes it necessary to make a claim in connection with Hurricane Delta, the remainder of your hurricane deductible or your policy’s peril deductible, whichever is greater, will apply to the Hurricane Delta claim.

*Individuals insured under Surplus Lines Insurance Policies may incur a second hurricane deductible as insurance companies providing surplus lines of coverage are not prohibited by Louisiana State Law from assessing insureds additional hurricane deductibles. Review your policy and/or contact your agent if you are unsure whether you have a Surplus Lines Policy.
 
If your first claim falls below your deductible and must be paid out of pocket, document the damage of that storm with photographs and keep receipts for replacement purchases and repairs. The money spent on damages related to the initial storm or hurricane can be applied to the next deductible should you sustain damage in a second storm during that same season.   

Need help with your Hurricane Delta Insurance Claim?  Call Lundy Lundy Soileau & South, LLP.

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Recovering from a serious car accident can create a significant financial burden.  It is especially true when the accident requires an extended hospital stay followed by time off work to recover.  If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you are eligible for several types of compensation.  This compensation is meant to provide you with resources you will need to recover. 

Forms of Compensation Injury Lawyers Can Help You Recover?
There are four areas of compensation in a car accident claim:

Medical expenses
Reimbursement of your car accident medical expenses can include medical costs incurred during hospital stays, attending doctor's fees, medical equipment, medication, and physical therapy.  If your injuries require continuing medical care, you could be eligible for compensation to assist with future medical treatment and any necessary modifications to your vehicle or home after the accident.

Lost income.
Lost income compensation includes reimbursement of income for the time you were unable to work while recovering and possible future loss of wages.  For example, a contractor who suffers accident-related permanent damage in his hands or legs would likely be unable to continue building. If forced into a lower-paying job, he would likely be able to sue for future income loss. 

Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering refer to the emotional and physical distress the injured experienced in the course of the accident and the recovery process after.

Punitive damages
Punitive damages are infrequently awarded in cases involving car accidents.  Punitive damages are usually awarded only when the driver's conduct was exceptionally irresponsible.  An example would be if the perpetrator were a drunk driver, your injury lawyer in Lake Charles, Louisiana could ask the court, or jury, to award punitive damages to prevent the perpetrator from further dangerous behavior.

Who Pays for My Personal Injury Claim?
Most personal injury claims are paid by the at fault drivers liability insurance.  When the at fault driver fails to carry insurance or has inadequate insurance coverage, your UIM insurance (uninsured/ underinsured motorist) coverage kicks in to pay your expenses.

When Do I Need a Lawyer?
In a straightforward accident, when there is minor injury, minor property damage and fault is undisputed, your claim can mostly likely be settle without legal help.  However, when your accident requires hospitalization and extensive recovery is necessary – your injury compensation case can get complicated and require the help of an experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Charles Louisiana.  

Have You Been Injured in A Car Accident in Lake Charles Louisiana?
If you have been seriously injured in a car wreck you should seek the advice of an experienced car wreck lawyer as soon you can.  Consider the personal injury attorneys at Lundy Lundy Soileau and South.  Allow their legal team to help guide you through these difficult times; call 337-439-0707.  

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The bulk of civil cases in the US pertain to personal injury.  NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) reports an average of 6 million car accidents a year and another 1.5 million medical malpractice cases every year.

So how does the average person gain a fair chance at receiving compensation in a personal injury case?  Lake Charles Louisiana Personal Injury Attorneys discuss a few strategies below. 

Transparency is key when speaking with your attorney. 
Present all the facts, even those you think will disparage you, to your injury lawyer. Don't hide or forget to share details that you think will make you look bad or you deem unimportant. It's their job to decide if a detail is important or not.  Do include preexisting medical conditions as these will usually come out anyway.  Your personal injury legal team can only do their job effectively when provide with all relevant information.

Keep the details of your case to yourself. 
Don't talk about your accident until you hired an attorney who can guide you.  Somethings said loosely can be used on record and against you by the offending party's legal team.  Stray comments or offering information not asked for can dismantle your case.  

DO NOT speak to the insurance company representatives.
All comments made to the insurance company are on record.  Often, insurance company representatives will manipulate the conversation to extract information that can damage your case.  If an insurance representative calls, let them know you are working with an attorney and give them your attorney's information.  Your attorney will provide the details of the accident and arrange a call when he or she can be on the call with you.  

Do have what it takes for a legal battle.
Legal action takes time, do you have the time to battle the insurance company?  Many clients don't think about this before engaging in legal action.  

Research attorneys.
Avoid lawyers that promise large awards or big compensation without fully understanding your case.  Ostentatious attorneys can seem impressive with their legal speak, but this does not equate to skill in the courtroom or at the negotiating table,

Do Your Homework.
When doing due diligence on attorneys and cases like yours, consider the most recent cases closed (within the last 5 years).  This is a better gauge of what you can expect, and whether your claim will hold up in court.  

Obtain a professional medical opinion. 
Your attending doctor's medical opinion is critical to winning a personal injury case.  Ask him or her directly what their testimony would be if you need to go to court over your injuries.  If he or she implies injury is unrelated to the accident, your claim is in trouble.  Doctors are viewed and used as expert witnesses; their testimony can be paramount to your case's outcome.  Your doctor's reputation is also crucial to your outcome.

Document evidence of the accident.
Post-accident documentation is vital to securing compensation.  When possible, collect video and official written documents and statements.  The quality of documented evidence is everything using a camera or written official documents. Good-quality evidence is the foundation of any legal case.  Collect everything and allow your legal team to determine relevance to your case.

Avoid discussing your case, especially on social media.    
Many victims can't resist discussing the details of their case with friends and family, and even on social media.  We cannot overemphasize that this can be detrimental to your award or verdict.   When information is discussed in detail it can be taken out of context and most likely used against you.  The old adage - not your every friend wishes you well holds much truth.    

You and your legal counsel are a team.
Don't disagree with or try to upstage your attorney.  If you take issue or disagree with a statement made by your attorney, discuss it in private to reconcile your strategy.  The attorney and client need to be in consensus to be successful.

Be patient and trust the process.
Civil claims take time to resolve. Be patient; losing stamina can work against you.  Ask your attorney to keep you apprised of progress and strategy.   Impatience is a recipe for failure. You should have a general understanding of the timeline from your initial conversations with the legal team.   

Understand the potential outcomes of your case.  
Your legal team should be able to cover the range of possible outcomes of your case.  Armed with this knowledge, discuss your physical and financial ability to endure.  

A victim's character may be called into question.  
When large compensation is at stake, the defendant's attorneys are known for digging into the past of the victim to damage their reputation.  Be ready to have your life's choices questioned.  Character assassination, while unfortunate, is frequently employed to win a case.  Your attorney will advise you on steps that can help with this early in the consultation. 

When is settlement a good option?
A settlement can resolve your case sooner, providing financial compensation and often allowing you to move past the accident and on with your life.  Trusting your legal team is important when deciding to settle or continue the battle.  That is why interviewing and finding the best personal injury attorney in Lake Charles, Louisiana, for your case is of paramount importance.  You will need a legal team you can trust, with experience and knowledge to help you make educated decisions in your pursuit of justice.   

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SWLA is now faced with the devastation left by Hurricane Laura. Although a strong, resilient people, rebuilding can be a long, difficult road. No matter the size of your loss, Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South is here to help. Making a claim with your Insurance Company is vital to recouping your loss; however, the claim brings with it a home inspection with an Insurance Adjuster. 
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PREPARE for the Appointment with the Insurance Adjuster:

• Take/gather photos of damage to your home and personal property
• Copy receipts for related hurricane-related expenses (1 for you, 1 for the Insurance Adjuster)
• Copy any relevant documents (1 for you, 1 for the adjuster)
• Create and keep a running list of damages to point out to the Insurance Adjuster
• Create and keep a running list of questions to ask the Insurance Adjuster

 
PARTICIPATE in your Home Inspection:

• Walk through/around the home with the Insurance Adjuster
• Point out damage to your home and personal property-- each and every item, large and small
• Ensure the Insurance Adjuster takes photos of everything (including items you have already photographed)
• Make sure the Insurance Adjuster documents ALL of your damages

 
QUESTION the Insurance Adjuster as needed:

• What information do you need from me if any?
• What documentation do you need from me if any?
• What do I need to keep and/or send to the Insurance Adjuster or my Insurance Company?
• How do I get reimbursed for hurricane-related expenses I have already incurred?
• Can I begin repairing or replacing my property?
• Can the hurricane-related vendors, i.e. tarping company, invoice my Insurance Company directly or do I have to pay them and provide documentation for reimbursement to the Insurance Adjuster or my Insurance Company?
• When will you (the Insurance Adjuster) provide my damage estimate?
• Who should I contact with questions or to submit additional information as the claim progresses?
• How long does it take to get an insurance claim check from my Insurance Company?

 
REMEMBER:

• The Insurance Adjuster works for the insurance company (not for you)
• The information provided to and gathered by the Insurance Adjuster essentially IS your claim
• The information provided to and gathered by the Insurance Adjuster is transferred to your Insurance Company
• If the Insurance Adjuster does not have information regarding a particular damage, loss, etc., your Insurance Company does not have it before them when making decisions regarding your claim
• Keep notes regarding the inspection including any answers the Insurance Adjuster provides to your questions, what time the Insurance Adjuster arrives how long the inspection lasts, any damages the Insurance Adjuster refuses to include and/or any damages the Insurance Adjuster seems to discount.

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According to J.D. Power 2020 survey, homeowner's insurance claims satisfaction is higher than ever - a total of 88% - are satisfied with how their insurance underwriters handled their property insurance claims. The information above should read as great news for homeowners, but unfortunately, it is not 100 percent.  There are so many ways things can go wrong during a homeowners' insurance claim, and worse yet, there are dishonest tactics used by some insurers to try to sway an adjuster filing away from the homeowners' favor.
 
To keep your homeowner's claim on-track and under control, you may want to consider working with an insurance claims attorney from the start. 
 
An insurance claims attorney can help you with:
 
Expediting processes
Some insurance companies knowingly delay processing your claim.  This strategy is an attempt to wear on your patience with the process and perhaps encourage you to take a lower-settlement amount rather than delay payment by challenging the assessment.  A knowledgeable insurance claims attorney has countermeasures to encourage an insurer to act in a timelier manner.  Most notably, suggesting the use of litigation often puts the process back in motion.

Appealing denials
Homeowners' insurance claims are wrongfully denied and routinely.  Sometimes denial is based on bad or insufficient information, and other times it is the first defense of a bad faith insurer.  While you may challenge a denial by yourself, an experienced trial attorney will challenge the denial with an informed appeal, noting the potential of a lawsuit if the underwriter acts in bad faith.
 
Negotiating settlements
If you have done a little homework on replacement value, you will probably notice a lowball settlement offer.  Insurance companies will often propose a settlement below the claim's value, hoping you will accept it out of fear of receiving nothing at all or ignorance.
An experienced insurance claims attorney will know what a claim is worth and will act on your behalf to ensure your settlement is commensurate. 
 
Knowledge is key to success
Insurance companies expect layman not to know much about insurance claims process.  Surprise them by being prepared for the process should a dispute arise.
 
The first step is to discover the primary cause of the dispute by reviewing your initial claim and your insurer's responses.  Have copies of all relevant email communication, paperwork, and statements in chronological order.
 
Consult with an attorney as early in the insurance claims process as possible. 
An experienced Lake Charles insurance claims attorney can tell you whether you need assistance or not.  If you do need assistance, you will be glad you retained one early.  

If you have a substantial claim, as is usually the case with hurricane and flood damage, you will want a lawyer leading the way, especially if your insurer is offering a value substantially lower than your calculations.  Now, if the settlement is relatively close to the replacement value and you can afford to make up the difference, you may want to consider accepting the settlement to save time and begin the recovery process.   

If your home was severely impacted by Hurricane Laura call the insurance claims attorneys at Lundy Lundy Soileau & South for a free initial evaluation.  We have successfully settled hundreds of business and home insurance claims for Lake Charles residents during Hurricane Rita.

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Motorbikes account for only just about 3 percent of registered vehicles in the U.S. However, motorcycle riders are involved in approximately 15 percent of all traffic-related fatalities.  In addition, recent reports show that motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than passenger vehicle drivers.

Louisiana Motorcycle Laws
The statistics are frightening for bike riders.  Unfortunately, news outlets in Louisiana often report on lives lost in catastrophic motorcycle accidents.

Fortunately, Louisiana motorcycle laws are intended to keep motorcycle riders as safe as possible. If you plan to buy a motorcycle or you've recently purchased one, it's vital you understand Louisiana's motorcycle laws before hitting the road.  These laws must be observed, as they are intended to mitigate the risk of injury and save lives.

Below we have shared what you need to know to safely and legally ride a motorcycle in Louisiana.

Motorcycle inspection and licensing
Motorcycle riders are required to secure a motorcycle endorsement from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles before hitting the road.   A motorcycle endorsement is included on your primary driver's license after passing a motorcycle knowledge and skills test.  Your motorcycle needs to be inspected within 40 days of purchase and you will need to pay the applicable taxes before registering your bike.

Helmet laws in Louisiana
Louisiana law requires both operators and passengers wear suitable helmets while the motorcycle is moving. Under LA R.S. 32:190, appropriate and approved protective gear is defined as having:

1. Adequate padding designed to weaken the force of a head collisions
2. Lining for comfortable around the head
3. A protective visor for the eyes
4. A secure chin strap that holds the helmet to the rider's head

The helmet is a life-saving device.  Countless studies show that wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by nearly 70 percent and fatality by 42 percent.

Eye protection laws
Riders do not necessarily need to be involved in a collision to injure their eyes.  Tires from other vehicles are known to pick and throw road debris.  If road debris makes its way into your eye while traveling at high speeds, it could restrict or damage your vision and ultimately end in an accident.

Louisiana law (LA R.S. 32:190.1) requires protective eye gear if your motorcycle does not have a windshield high enough to protect your face fully.  In addition, it is illegal to use tinted protective eye-wear at night.

Traffic lane Laws
Per LA R.S. 32:191.1, motorcycle operators have full rights to use of traffic lanes.  However, motorcycle operators may not ride side by side in a single lane (aka two abreast in a single lane).  It is against the law for a passenger vehicle to deprive you of the full use of the lane.

In addition, it is illegal for a motorbike rider to:

1. To deprive a passenger vehicle of full use of their lane, you may not pass in the same lane a passenger vehicle occupies.  The only exception is a police officer performing official duties.  
2. Operate your motorcycle between traffic lanes or between rows of passenger vehicles
3. Operators may not carry anything that prevents them from the use of both hands on the handlebars
4. When driving the motorcycle, drivers and passengers must straddle the bike, meaning one leg on each side of the bike and forward-facing.

Footrest and handlebar laws
Louisiana law (LA R.S. 32:191.3) provisions dictate that a motorcycle operator and passengers have a footrest.  Additionally, your handlebars must fall below or level with your shoulders when seated on the motorbike.  This law is intended to ensure control of the motorcycle; handlebars higher than shoulder height makes maintaining control more difficult.

Riding with children
Perhaps you are thinking you would like to share the open road experience with your child.  Unfortunately, Louisiana law (L.A. R.S. 32:191(E)) prohibits riding with children who legally must be secured in a child safety seat.  To ride a motorcycle in Louisiana, a child must be five years or older, fit properly in the passenger seat, and wear an appropriately sized helmet.

Seating requirements
According to Louisiana motorcycle law provisions L.A. R.S. 32:191, your motorcycle should have a permanent and a uniform seat (if intended for two passengers).  Seating can be a single seat with a capacity of two riders.  Additionally, passengers can only ride on bikes designed for passengers.

Injured in a motorcycle accident while obeying Louisiana motorcycle laws?
While Louisiana motorcycle laws are intended to protect riders' from accidents, accidents still occur.  Generally, accidents happen when passenger vehicle drivers act negligently.  If you are injured in an accident due to another driver's carelessness, you have the right to compensation for the damage they caused. 

Contact Lundy Lundy Soileau & South's personal injury attorneys in Lake Charles at (337) 439-0707 to request a free case evaluation by a trusted Lake Charles motorcycle accident lawyer.

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The nature of business scams takes different forms. But mostly these can be linked to financing and charity, technological scams, sales schemes, medical assistance, etc. Some of the more common business scams include:

• Imitating organizations

Hackers use calls and messages to impersonate global organizations. They may ask for your personal information, providing which may lead to serious consequences.

• False supply schemes

Several online platforms selling essential products are coming up. Some of these are fake websites which after payment, never deliver the product or completely shut down their sites.

• Health and treatment frauds 

There have been different health-related scams. These include claims of false vaccines for COVID-19, medicines, masks, sanitizers and even testing kits. There are also instances of people impersonating doctors and healthcare workers to trap people into spending money online for treatment.

• Educational scams

With online classes being adopted by every institute, frauds are hacking into the student information available on online applications. There are sites that trick parents into buying study materials at discounted prices but after payment, they receive no outputs.

• Donations and fundraisers

As organizations are collecting funds to meet the demands, several illegal practices are being adopted. This includes directing users to duplicate links, hacking into their bank accounts, getting personal details, etc. in the name of charity.

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A "wrongful death" is when someone dies from the negligence or misconduct of another.   In the case of wrongful death, the surviving members of the victim's family may bring a suit for wrongful death against the plaintiff.   Many wrongful death lawsuits ensue in the wake of a criminal trial, using parallel evidence but with lower requirements of proof.  

While a prosecutor many are not able to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, the surviving family members may still win a civil trial because the plaintiffs were able to prove the defendant was responsible for a preponderance of the evidence.

A wrongful death suit can only be brought to court by a relative or a representative of the deceased's estate.  Each state has a civil wrongful death statute, or series of statutes, which determine the procedures for taking actions.  Actions for pain and suffering, personal injury and expenses incurred prior to the deceased's death can also be brought by the family representative.  The awards from the action(s) will be appropriated to the estate and could flow to designated parties as directed by the deceased's will.

Aspects of a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
To bring a successful action of wrongful death, the following components must be present:

• Death of a person.
• Another's intent to cause harm, or negligence that caused harm.
• The surviving family members have or will suffer monetary injury as a result of the untimely death, and.
• The selection of a personal agent for the deceased's estate.

Many circumstances can lead to a wrongful death claim, such as:

• Occupational exposure to hazardous substances or conditions.
• Wrongful death during a supervised activity.
• Medical malpractice resulting in death.
• Vehicular or aircraft accident.
• Criminal conduct.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit
Economic injury is the core measure of damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.  Courts have interpreted "economic injuries" as loss of support, lost prospect of inheritance, lost services, and medical and final expenses. 

The law provides that the damages awarded for a wrongful death will be just and fair compensation for the economic injuries resulting from the deceased.  In addition, if the plaintiff is responsible for the deceased's medical care and funeral, they may be compensated for those expenses. Ultimately, a damage award will include interest from the date of the decedent's death.

Determining Economic Loss
When determining economic loss, it is appropriate to consider the age, nature, and condition of the deceased, life expectancy, earning capacity, health, and education, as well as the circumstances of the surviving family members. This determination may seem uncomplicated, but it often becomes a convoluted inquiry, keeping in mind that the measure of damages is actual economic loss.

The principal consideration in awarding damages is the deceased's circumstances at their time of death. As an illustration, if an adult income earner with dependants dies, the critical areas of the recovery are: loss of income and loss of parental guidance.  A jury considers the deceased's income at the time of death, or the last known income if unemployed, and potential future income.

Adjustments in the Jury's Award
In a wrongful death lawsuit, a jury determines the extent of the damages awarded after hearing the evidence.  The jury's determination is not always the final word.  The size of the award can be adjusted down or up by the court for an array of reasons. For instance, if the deceased routinely wasted his income, this could reduce the recovery.  Likewise, the courts could diminish a jury's award if the decedent had inadequate income, even if he were young, had good earning potential, and supported multiple children.  Concurrently, a jury can award lost income despite the deceased being unemployed; if the plaintiff can present evidence, the deceased worked in the past and can present evidence of the deceased's typical earnings while employed.  If the plaintiff is unable to present evidence of the deceased's typical earnings, the court may dismiss the jury's damage award and order a new trial.

Using Expert Testimony to Determine Economic Loss
The surviving family representative can present expert testimony of economists to establish the economic value of the deceased to his family.  Until recently, expert testimony was inadmissible when a housewife died, but that statute has changed. When a homemaker, not employed outside the home, dies - the economic impact on the survivors is absent. However, there is an increase in expense to substitute the services she provided or would have provided if she had lived can be considered.  If jurors are not knowledgeable about the monetary value of a housewife's services, expert testimony may support the jury in this evaluation.

Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded if serious or malicious misconduct is found, to punish the transgressor, or as a deterrent to keep others from behaving similarly.  In most states, plaintiffs can not recover punitive damages in a wrongful death lawsuit.  However, some states award recovery of punitive damages.  In state's that do not explicitly exclude punitive damages in wrongful death cases, courts have held punitive damages applicable.   A wrongful death attorney  can advise you on your state's position on punitive damages.

Survival Actions for Personal Injury
In addition to wrongful death damages, plaintiffs may be able to recover personal injury damages.  These damages are called "survival actions" because the personal injury action survives the person who suffered the injury.  The deceased's representative can bring survival action jointly with the wrongful death action, for the benefit of the deceased's estate.
In a survival action for a deceased's conscious pain and suffering, the jury may make inquiries to help determine the value of damages, including:

• The deceased's degree of consciousness.
• The severity of pain experienced by the deceased, and
• The trepidation of impending death, along with duration of suffering by the deceased.

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Investing in commercial real estate can be a tricky endeavor.  Even cash sales run into financing, zoning, and environmental issues.  In addition, there may be dozens of laws and regulations that must be met to complete a valid transaction.  A local commercial real estate lawyer in Lake Charles Louisiana can take care of many of these steps for you.  Not only will they be familiar with environmental and zoning issues, they can consult with you on construction and financing contracts, as well as tax obligations, use of land and development.  

From negotiating the sale to analyzing the purchase agreement and final contract, a real estate lawyer does more than facilitate a closing.   They work in a specialized field and are trained to recognize suspicious contract language and identify potential pitfalls.  An experienced commercial real estate attorney assists you at every step of the process, answering questions as they arise and making recommendations along the way.  Involving a real estate attorney in the purchase process will leave you feeling confident in the sale and relieve the bulk of stress that is sure to arise.

Public entities and landowners often seek consultation when negotiating tax abatement arrangements (LERTA) and tax incremental financing (TIF).   When a law firm has attorneys experienced in banking, finance, construction and contract law, they are better able to represent their clients, providing favorable deals.

Furthermore, commercial real estate law firms help clients negotiate and draft development and construction agreements, ground leases, property management contracts, and sale contracts; they can help with title insurance and conduct closings in the states they are licensed to do so.

DO I NEED A LAWYER TO REVIEW A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT?
Most states do not require that a commercial real estate attorney review your contract before a purchase. However, it would help if you understood that a purchase agreement is legally binding. If you do not understand any section of the contact, you should consult with an experienced commercial real estate attorney immediately.

WHAT DOES A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY DO FOR A BUYER?
The core role of your real estate attorney is to ensure the sale or purchase of the commercial property goes smoothly and equitably.  However, there are differences in the roles a real estate attorney takes on when representing the buyer versus representing the seller.   As a buyer’s agent, the attorney will guide you through different processes depending on the purchase.  The process is different for an apartment building than it is for an industrial complex or even a bank owned property.   If you are purchasing a property in a flood zone, the structural integrity might be compromised or the property could have been exposed to hazardous materials, a real estate attorney can provide advice that would allow the purchase to move forward. 

In summary, commercial real estate attorneys offer a range of legal services that can help identify development opportunities while managing risk.

WHAT DOES A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY DO FOR A SELLER?
There are unique benefits to employing a real estate attorney as a buyer and as a seller.  A commercial real estate attorney can help a seller work through issues that would typically impede a sale.  Examples include properties with a lien, properties with structural damage, properties with existing leases, or when selling a property with multiple owners.  If any aspect of a commercial property sale gives you pause, we suggest speaking with a commercial property attorney in Lake Charles Louisiana to clear up your reservations.

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​​While each state has its own set of laws governing wrongful death claims, in this article, we will look at Louisiana's definition of a wrongful death claim, and who can bring this type of lawsuit to one of Louisiana’s district courts. We will also cover damages available in a wrongful death case as well as discuss the time limits that affect these claims.

A wrongful death lawsuit seeks compensation when "a person dies as the result of another’s fault," according to Section 2512.2 of the Louisiana Civil Code. A wrongful death claim can be the result of wrongdoing by an entity or an individual. A wrongful death may be caused by purposeful action or an accident. In other words, wrongful death can range from intentional conduct to negligence or recklessness.  

A wrongful death claim is often the surviving family member's only recourse for the untimely death of a loved one.

Eligibility for Filing a Wrongful Death Case in Louisiana?
State law establishes specific categories of persons who can bring a wrongful death claim to court when an injury is fatal. The following parties are entitled to file a wrongful death claim:

• The children or surviving spouse of the deceased person.
• Provided there are no surviving spouse or children, the surviving parents or parent can file.
• Provided there are no surviving parents; the surviving siblings can file.
• Provided there are no surviving siblings, surviving grandparents of the deceased person can file.

In addition, adopted family members in the categories listed above may file a wrongful death claim. If no surviving family members exist to bring a wrongful death claim, a deceased person's estate could potentially bring a wrongful death claim to court.

If a parent is determined to have abandoned the deceased person during his or her childhood, that parent cannot file a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death claim may, in some instances, also include a criminal lawsuit filed by the district attorney's office. In cases where the at-fault driver is found to be driving recklessly or impaired, the D.A. Office may file homicide charges against the at-fault driver. 

A criminal case does not preclude the filing of a wrongful death claim, but the surviving family should understand the differences between these two categories of claim. The prosecutor’s office will file a criminal case, while it is up to the surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim. In a criminal wrongful death case, the fault is punished with penalties such as probation, fines, or confinement or prison time. In contrast, in a wrongful death case, liability is conveyed solely in terms of monetary damages. For further clarification, we encourage you to speak to a Louisiana wrongful death attorney about how the two classifications of cases can influence each other.

Damages in a Wrongful Death Case
Reparations (Damages) in a wrongful death claim can include noneconomic and economic losses. Economic losses include specific, measurable losses, including:

• Burial and funeral expenses.
• Lost wages and benefits of the deceased.
• Medical bills, including emergent care related to the deceased’s fatal illness or injury.
• The dollar value of lost services to the household and/or damaged property.

Non-economic losses include losses suffered due to a wrongful death that cannot be verified with a receipt or bill. The non-economic losses that can be addressed in a wrongful death claim include:

• Pain and suffering of the deceased their final moments.
• Loss of guidance, companionship, emotional support and suffered by family members as a result of the deceased’s untimely death.

Surviving family members of the deceased should seek both economic and noneconomic damages when filing a wrongful death claim. If surviving family members are not capable of bringing the claim to court, an executor or representative of the deceased person's estate can bring a claim to seek economic damages for the losses suffered by the estate.

Statute of Limitation (Time Limit) for Filing a Louisiana Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The statute of limitations in Louisiana for wrongful death claim is one year starting from the date of the death. You must file a wrongful death claim by this deadline to ensure your case will be recognized.  Contact our Lake Charles Louisiana wrongful death attorneys for a free consultation on your claim. 

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Car accidents are an unfortunate risk we take every time we get behind the wheel of a vehicle. If you happen to be involved in one, you should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer in Lake Charles that will ensure you are justly compensated. 

This article will help you to decide if you need to contact a personal injury attorney. Most personal injury law firms fees are contingency-based, so there is never a disadvantage in at least consulting a personal injury attorney in Lake Charles. So now, let us take a look at the reasons you should contact a personal injury attorney. 

More often than not, accident victims should consider calling a personal injury lawyer in Lake Charles for the following three reasons:

• Injuries sustained are serious.
• The pressure to settle the accident in advance of recovery
• The settlement offer does not fully compensate you for your injuries and losses. 

Serious injuries
Often, car wreck victims do not contact a personal injury lawyer at all. They think their injuries are mild, go away without medical attention, and often forgo a medical evaluation. But gradually, with an increase in pain, they realize that they have underestimated their injuries. These untreated injuries can cause short or long term damage that can linger, causing the injured to unnecessarily live with pain.   

While your injuries may not be severe enough to rush you to an emergency room, you should understand that car accident injury may take a while to develop. Not seeking medical attention immediately following an accident can decrease your chances of getting compensation for the medical claim. 

While you are busy trying to be optimistic about your accident, make sure that you are not causing long term damage to your body. Seeking medical attention following an accident allows a physician to ask questions about the accident, helping determine the appropriate test to ensure you are indeed injury-free. A personal injury attorney in Lake Charles will usually encourage you to seek medical attention for your protection.  

Stress and paperwork
With a car accident comes lots of paperwork. Phone calls and interviews with insurance companies, an ever-increasing pile of forms and affidavits, none of which leave you time to process the accident or begin recovery.  
 
Even if your injuries were not severe, merely navigating the paperwork and phone interviews can be stressful. The opposing insurance company's job is to limit their liability, and their questions are geared to do just that. It is advisable to get the help of a Lake Charles personal injury attorney. Our attorneys are acquainted with the insurance adjusters and lawyers' mode of questioning and can help you avoid pitfalls of the interviewing process. Our injury attorneys Lake Charles act as your representative, take care of the paperwork, filings, work with your medical providers on billing, and call the insurance companies involved in the claim.  

Financial crisis
Yes, accidents are indeed unfortunate, but the trail of events that follow an accident can be even more hapless. The most frustrating of them is the expense. Recovering from a serious car accident can result in tens of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.   

The accident might not seem very serious at first, but slowly you realize its financial impact. 
There are many types of damages and expenses in a car accident injury:

• Property damage
• Medical bills and expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Missed income, past and future

Mentioned above are the most common financial effects of an injury that take a toll on your financial stability. If you have been involved in a  car accident in Lake Charles Louisiana , consider contacting our Lake Charles personal injury attorneys.

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​When you have incurred an injury, you may find you need to consider legal options, especially if you are seriously injured in a slip and fall accident on a residential or commercial property.  Seeking guidance is acutely critical in instances where the accident resulted from the property owner’s negligence.

Should you decide to file a slip and fall lawsuit, you should be familiar with the rules and regulations that can affect your claim. A skilled Lake Charles Louisiana slip and fall lawyer can help you understand the nuances of these laws and help you build a solid claim.

The Prescriptive Period for filing a Slip and Fall lawsuit
Lawsuits for an injury in Lake Charles need to be filed within a year of the accident.   The prescriptive period also includes claims for property damage or an injury filed by any person involved in a slip and fall on a dangerous property.  If an injury lawsuit is not filed before the deadline, the court may disallow the case even if the injury case is valid.

Even when you believe the at-fault driver’s insurance will pay the claim, you should allow enough time to initiate a lawsuit on the off-chance you are unable to reach a settlement.  Consulting a Lake Charles Louisiana slip and fall lawyer can prove helpful when faced with a filing deadline.

Comparative Negligence Rule in Lake Charles
When a victim has been found partially negligent or contributed to the accident in any way, Louisiana’s comparative negligence rule will assign a percentage of negligence that will affect the amount of compensation a victim is eligible to receive. Louisiana Civil Code - Article 2323 defines this rule.

The central portion of this statute states that if an individual sustains an injury, loss, or death owing partly to their personal negligence and partially due to the fault of another person or persons, the total of damages recoverable will be reduced proportionately to the degree or percentage of negligence ascribable to the individual who sustained the injury, loss or death.

When a slip and fall injury case goes to trial in Louisiana, according to Article 2323, the jury or the court will first determine the amount of losses sustained by the victim (such as lost income and medical expenses). After the dollar amount is determined, the attributable negligence of each party will be defined as a percentage.  After the award has been determined the injured plaintiff’s percentage of negligence will be subtracted from the award.  This means an at-fault plaintiff can recover compensation for their injuries but reduced in proportion to their at-fault percentage.

Confused by the idea a plaintiff can be partially at-fault?  Below are a few ways the property owner can argue their case:

• The victim was not paying attention while traveling
• The property was in a visibly dangerous condition
• The victim entered a section of the property where visitors are not permitted or expected to venture when they were injured

Get in Touch with a Lake Charles Slip and Fall Attorney Today
Slip and fall claims can be challenging to navigate due to Louisiana’s Comparative Negligence clause and the relatively short prescriptive period.  If you were injured in a slip and fall due to a Lake Charles residential or commercial property owner’s negligence, you may have a claim for compensation even if you were partially at-fault.

Building a strong case against the property owner is essential when seeking compensation for your injuries.  If your serious injuries require compensation, consider consulting with an experienced Lake Charles slip and fall attorney to learn how to build a strong slip and fall claim.  

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Accidents never come with a warning, and that’s why you usually can’t avoid them. Some accidents might lead to a minor injury, but in other cases you may be confined to your hospital bed for a few days or weeks. Accidents that require a hospital stay will lead to loss of wages, suffering, and increasing medical bills. But if someone else is responsible for the accident, then you are not liable to pay for these losses. According to Louisiana State Law, if the accident has occurred because of carelessness, intention, or ignorance of someone else, then you are eligible for compensation for injuries and damages incurred.

In order to obtain compensation, you will need to file a case with the help of a car accident attorney in Baton Rouge. Your attorney will help you determine the amount of compensation commensurate of your injuries, and you and the other party will present your case in court. You should know that in order to gain full compensation you deserve, you will need to prove that the other person is solely responsible for the accident, and for that, you will need indisputable evidence.

So, let’s discuss what can be used as evidence in a personal injury case.

Police report
A principal article that can act as evidence in court is the police report. You should never forget to file the report with the authorities. When you appear in court with your personal injury case, the first thing that the judge will ask for is the police report. The police report contains a detailed description of the accident, and acts as a record of evidence in court. From the timing of the accident to the persons involved in the accident, police reports are a written record of the officer at the scene of the accident.  .

Photos
In addition to the police reports, it is best if you can provide photos of the accident scene. Photos provide a visual that words simply can not do justice, full compensation may depend on your ability to photograph the scene adequately.  Photos should include the other vehicle involved in the accident and its vehicle identification number (license plate). If you can, also provide images showing the weather at the time of the accident, the condition of the road, and the surrounding area. If your injuries are clearly visible, you should also take pictures of the injuries, as it can help you prove the severity of your accident in court.  If possible, these pictures should be gathered by you and submitted to your car accident attorney in  Baton Rouge in order to strengthen your case.

Eye witness
Eyewitnesses can play a very important role in your case. If you have noticed a particular eye witness of your accident, you or the officer at the scene should approach them for a recorded statement. You should note their name, address, phone number, and email address of the eye witness. If possible, the authorities should get a written statement from the eye witness as it will help strengthen your case in the court. If an eye-witness statement can not be obtained at the scene, your attorney can contact them to give eye-witness testimony in the court.

Gathering the right pieces of evidence is vitally necessary in order to recover the just compensation you deserve in a car accident.  Presenting the collected evidence in court will usually require a car accident attorney in Baton Rouge familiar with precedent. ​

While Louisiana is best known for its festivals, we might well be known second best as the state with the highest insurance rates. If you’ve been in a fender bender or worse, you will be thankful that in Louisiana, insured drivers are aptly able to recover damages. Below you will find important information on car accident compensation laws.​

Louisiana utilizes the 'fault' system for its insurance claims. In a fault system, you are required to prove that the other driver was at fault before compensation can be recovered for injuries suffered in an accident.

Unfortunately, Louisiana’s 'compulsory coverage' rule (a.k.a. as 'pay to play') stops an injured party from recovering compensation of the first $15,000 of bodily injury, and the first $25,000 in property damage if the injured party doesn’t have insurance.

Although the compulsory coverage rule may seem unjust to the injured, the 'pure comparative fault' system LA. uses is quite substantial. Under this rule, if a driver is less than 100% at fault - they may recover some portion of damages. As an example, if a driver is found to be 98% at fault and suffers losses equal to $10,000, they might recover $200 in damages—quite a contrast to other states where a driver over 50% at fault recovers nothing.

Types of Damages
Auto accident damages are generally categorized as one of two categories: economic and non-economic damages. Financial damages are called economic damages that include repair or replacement of the damaged vehicles, lost income, medical expenses - past and future, and additional out-of-pocket costs. Harder to determine damages, such as emotional suffering, pain, disability, or disfigurement, are defined as non-economic damages.

Common car accident damages can include:

• Car, truck or motorcycle repair or replacement
• Limits on Damages
• Rental cars
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship or affection

For the most part, Louisiana does not cap on damages in injury or car accident cases – with the notable exception of car accidents involving a government agency. The state has imposed a total limit of $500,000 on damages awards. In addition, Louisiana has a relatively short statute of limitations of one year.

And while generous with most auto accident cases, serious injuries that require hospital stays are further obstructed by a state-imposed medical malpractice cap. If by some extraordinary series of misfortunes, a medical professional exacerbates the injury, the medical professional can only be held liable up to $100,000 in damages, with a total recovery of $500,000. The additional $400,000 is paid by the Patient's Compensation Fund.

Armed with the information above, you can see why it is in your best interest to speak with a Car Accident Lawyer when involved in an accident in Lake Charles, Louisiana. 

 If you are involved in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident in Louisiana, consider calling an experienced car accident attorney for a free evaluation of your case, even if you are partially at fault. With a medical malpractice cap, the short statute of limitations and the compulsory coverage rule, it can be difficult to recover compensation for damages and injuries. Contact a Louisiana car accident attorney as early as possible to ensure you are educated on your legal options.

E-cigarette companies like Blu, JUUL, and NJoy have been on the market for nearly a decade, establishing their brands of cartridges, pods and delivery devices early with little to no FDA oversight.  In 2016, the FDA granted retailers and companies with these products on the market two years to submit applications for evaluation. The applications are due in May 2020, and while under review, these companies can continue to sell their products.
 
Are E-cigarettes less harmful than smoking?

• E-cigarettes nearly always contain ingredients that are harmful, including nicotine.
• Many e-cigarettes contain acrolein, an ingredient known to cause irreversible lung damage. In addition, exposure to nicotine during adolescence can harm brain development.
• Experts are working to determine the cause of respiratory illnesses and related deaths, but believe acrolein and formaldehyde could be to responsible, in addition to vitamin E acetate (a component of vegetable oil frequently used to turn THC or nicotine into the aerosol users inhale).
• The most popular product among teens is JUUL. According to manufacturer JUUL, a single JUUL pod can contain as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes.  
• Currently, the FDA has not found any e-cigarette to be a safe and effective way to help smokers quit.

 
American Cancer Society 
Are there any differences between e-cigarettes and JUULing?

• No. JUULs look different, but they are a type of e-cigarette.
• JUUL's design looks like a USB drive.
• E-cigarettes are battery-powered and deliver nicotine through a liquid, which turns into an aerosol.
• E-liquids come in mint, mango, cream, cucumber, menthol, Virginia tobacco and classic tobacco, flavors that appeal to youth.
• JUUL's cartridge-based e-cigarettes contain nicotine salts that do not produce a plum of visible smoke vapor, which may make the JUUL's product even more enticing and addictive.
• The manufacturer JUUL claims that some of its products have roughly as much nicotine as an entire pack of cigarettes.

 
American Cancer Society
Formerly employed at the FDA, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, believes that counterfeit pods are responsible for the respiratory illnesses and deaths. He stated that he believes the manufacturers are culpable if their products are being used, regardless if the liquids are counterfeit or real. “Ultimately, they are responsibility lies with keeping their products out of the hands of kids.” Business Insider
 
The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine released a consensus study report in January 2018 that reviewed over 800 individual studies. The report was clear: e-cigarette use causes health risks. E-cigarettes contain and emit a number of conceivably toxic substances. The report also asserts there is moderate evidence that youth who use e-cigarettes are at increased risk for asthma exacerbations, coughing and wheezing.

• A University of North Carolina study found the two primary ingredients found in e-cigarettes - vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol - are toxic to cells and when more ingredients are added to e-liquid, the greater the toxicity.
• E-cigarettes contain several dangerous chemicals including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and Acrolein. Aldehydes can cause lung disease and cardiovascular (heart) disease.
• E-cigarettes also contain Acrolein, an herbicide primarily used to kill weeds. It can cause acute lung injury, asthma, COPD and possibly lung cancer.

• The U.S. Surgeon General and the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine have issued warnings regarding the risks of inhaling secondhand e-cigarette emissions.
• The Surgeon General concluded in 2016, that secondhand emissions contain ultrafine nicotine particles from flavorings such as diacetyl. 
• Diacetyl is linked to serious lung disease; as well as volatile organic compounds such as benzene, which can found in car exhaust and heavy metals, such as tin, lead, and nickel. 
• The Food and Drug Administration has yet to find an e-cigarette that is safe and effective in helping smokers quit. Recommending instead that smokers who want to quit smoking call 1-800-QUIT NOW or speak to their doctor about available solutions using FDA approved methods, treatments, and counseling.

 
American Cancer Society.
One e-cigarette study found users were inhaling nickel, lead, manganese, and chromium in concentrations that neared, met, or exceeded limits the EPA defined as safe. Business Insider, Sept. 19, 2019.
 
The Numbers

• August 2019 - first vaping-related death was reported
• August 22 - 193 potential vaping-related illnesses in 22 states
• September 13, 2019 - Six deaths and 450 cases of reported lung illness
• September 17, 2019 - 530 reported cases of vaping-related illnesses in 38 states and 7 deaths in 6 states (California, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota and Oregon). [According to NBC News, “several” of the deaths were adults.]

The CDC has advised against using e-cigarettes and vaping devices, especially those “purchased off the street,” as investigators are unable to identify a specific product, devise or ingredient as the source of the respiratory illnesses thus far. If the products in question were purchased from unregistered retailers and manufacturers,’ outbreak detectives will have a harder time pinpointing the product or chemical culprit... Kaiser Health News.
 
Not just respiratory issues
Some e-cigarette users have reported vomiting, feeling nauseous, or have diarrhea. Similar to the lung conditions, the cause of digestive system reactions is unknown. The numerous chemicals, including nicotine, in e-liquids are likely linked to the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea reported after vaping too much. Toxic exposure to metals like lead are also present, as the metal coils in e-cigarette devices are used to heat the vape juice into a vapor.
 
Litigation       
Juul and e-cigarette users report experiencing:

• Severe addiction
• Nicotine poisoning
• Seizures
• Stroke
• Lung or respiratory failure
• Cardiovascular disease
• Heart attack or heart problems
• Mental health or behavior issues
• Pregnancy complication or birth defects
• Other complications

 
To date, over 30 lawsuits related to vaping-related injuries around the country have been filed, including both individual lawsuits and class actions. The suits target Juul Labs Inc, which dominates about 75% of the e-cigarette market. Some also named Altria Group Inc., which has a minority stake in Juul, as a defendant. Altria is the parent company, Philip Morris, a tobacco giant. The plaintiffs claim Juul failed to warn consumers about their dangers, illegally marketed their products to minors, and that the products were defectively designed. Vaping users suffered seizures, strokes and became seriously addicted to nicotine, according to the filed suits.
​
Source: Factbox: U.S. lawsuits take aim at vaping, Reuters, Sept. 16, 2019.