Lake Charles Personal Injury Lawyer

Trusted Personal Injury Attorney in Lake Charles, LA Fighting for Your Recovery

A serious accident can cause life-threatening injuries, and being hospitalized and unsure of your future can be intimidating. Financial burdens can mount quickly, leading you to wonder how you’ll pay the bills. If another party caused your injuries, a Lake Charles personal injury lawyer from The Roach Law Firm can help you file a claim. Our personal injury team wants to help you get back to your life.

Understanding Personal Injury and The Impact of Local Crash Statistics

Personal injury is a legal concept describing injuries that result from another person, company, or entity. Typically, plaintiffs secure compensation for their injuries through settlement negotiations, but some cases go to litigation. Personal injury claims are civil, not criminal cases. The main distinguishing factor between the two is that civil cases could force a defendant to pay the plaintiff compensation, whereas criminal cases impose criminal penalties on the defendant, like jail time.

Traffic accidents continue to pose a serious public safety concern in Calcasieu Parish and the city of Lake Charles. The 2023 data highlights the impact of these incidents, including the role of alcohol in many crashes.

Calcasieu Parish

• Suspected Injury Crashes: 1,711 (4.49% of Louisiana’s total suspected injury crashes)

• Fatal Crashes: 40 crashes resulting in 42 fatalities

Lake Charles (City Limits)

• Suspected Injury Crashes: 888

• Injured Individuals: 1,396

• Fatal Crashes: 7 crashes resulting in 8 fatalities

Alcohol-Related Crashes in Lake Charles (2023)

• Fatal Crashes Involving Alcohol: 2

• Injury Crashes Involving Alcohol: 48

All figures are compiled from data produced by the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS) at Louisiana State University, the agency that develops the official Louisiana Traffic Records Summary Report 2023.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle in Lake Charles, LA

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, leaving you with unexpected physical, emotional, and financial issues that can last for years. If you were injured or you lost a loved one in an accident in Southwest Louisiana, The Roach Law Firm can help get your questions answered and your injury claim underway. Our Lake Charles-based attorneys handle injury claims and wrongful death claims resulting from accidents, including:

• Auto accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injury. If a negligent driver injured you, we can fight for compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other damages.
• Motorcycle accidents: Motorcycle riders can be especially vulnerable in accidents because of their lack of protection. In many cases, other drivers fail to see motorcycles. As a result, they might turn left in front of them or fail to yield, leading to a collision. These cases often involve catastrophic injuries and require large compensation packages. Our team can help you navigate these unique factors.
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents: Roads should be safe for pedestrians and cyclists. Aggressive auto drivers easily infringe on their right to share motorways. Due to weight and speed differences, collisions involving motor vehicles and cyclists or pedestrians can be catastrophic.
• 18-wheeler or semi accidents: The immense weight of 18-wheelers means severe damage to anything they collide with, and many crashes result in fatalities. These cases can involve the driver, company, truck manufacturer, and loading dock operators.
• Boating accidents and maritime offshore accidents: Maritime employment can turn tragic quickly. Boating accidents caused by reckless operation, defective equipment, or alcohol intoxication are among the many cases we have dealt with at The Roach Law Firm. We have successfully represented many people in maritime and offshore accidents and navigated the unique federal and international challenges that tend to arise.
• Aviation accidents: While airplane crashes are rare, they still happen. When these accidents occur, they can be devastating. Investigating these accidents can require a thorough understanding of aviation regulations.
• Defective product injuries: Some products are defective but do not result in harm to consumers. Other times, a product’s defect causes serious injuries. Product liability law cases can hold manufacturers, distributors, or retailers accountable for placing defective products in the marketplace. If a defective product injures you, we can fight for compensation.
• Dog bites: Dog owners are responsible for controlling their pets and preventing them from attacking innocent bystanders. Dog bites can cause severe injuries, especially to young children.
• Slip-and-fall accidents: Property owners are legally required to keep their premises safe for lawful visitors. When these people refuse to maintain a hazard-free environment or warn of dangers, we fight for our clients’ rights.
• Swimming pool accidents: Pool owners should attempt to ensure swimmers’ safety. When a drowning, slip and fall, or other pool-related injury occurs as a result of their negligence, you may have a personal injury claim.

It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive. Many other accidents can lead to personal injury claims, and we can assist you with any one of them. If you have a unique claim, contact us to discuss your case and explore your options.

Comparative Negligence in Louisiana Personal Injury Cases

In Louisiana personal injury cases, comparative negligence plays a critical role in determining how much compensation an injured party can recover. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, the state follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that even if you were partially responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, you can still pursue compensation—but the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were awarded $100,000 in damages but were found to be 30% at fault for the accident, your compensation would be reduced by 30%, leaving you with $70,000.

Comparative negligence often becomes a point of contention in personal injury cases, especially when insurance companies try to shift blame onto the injured party to minimize payouts. That’s why having experienced legal representation is so important. At The Roach Law Firm, we thoroughly investigate your case, gather evidence, and work to limit your assigned fault—ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Understanding how comparative negligence impacts your case can be the difference between a fair settlement and one that leaves you financially vulnerable. Whether you were injured in a car accident, slip-and-fall, or another incident caused by someone else’s negligence, we’re here to protect your rights and guide you through every step of the claims process.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Personal Injury Case?

Liability in a personal injury case isn’t always limited to one person. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may share responsibility for your injuries. Commonly, the at-fault party is another individual—like a negligent driver, property owner, or business. But in many cases, liability can also extend to employers, manufacturers of defective products, or even government entities responsible for road maintenance or public safety.

For example, in a car accident, the driver who caused the crash may be liable—but if they were working at the time, their employer might also share responsibility. In a slip and fall case, a property manager or landlord could be held accountable for unsafe conditions. And in product-related injuries, manufacturers or distributors may be liable for selling something dangerous or defective.

Determining who is legally responsible requires a close look at the facts and applicable laws. That’s why it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can identify all potential sources of liability. The more clearly liability is established, the stronger your case—and the better your chances of recovering fair compensation.

The Emotional Toll of Personal Injuries

While physical pain and limitations can be devastating, a severe injury can also take a significant emotional toll on many victims. They can experience immense amounts of anxiety and depression, and they may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Grappling with the trauma of an accident can imbue uncertainty about your future, which can add more stress to an already difficult situation. Our team understands your emotional challenges, and we seek to help them overcome them.

If you were injured or you lost a loved one in an accident in Southwest Louisiana, The Roach Law Firm can help get your questions answered and your injury claim underway. Our Lake Charles-based attorneys handle injury claims and wrongful death claims resulting from accidents, including:

Auto accidents

• Motorcycle accidents
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents

18-wheeler or semi accidents

• Boating accidents and maritime offshore accidents
• Aviation accidents
• Defective product injuries
• Dog bites
• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Swimming pool accidents

To help you claim the compensation you are eligible for, we are ready to mount a detailed investigation, work closely with your doctors, consult with your family members and interface with insurers on your behalf. We prepare every injury case as if for trial, and because of that, our clients’ legal opponents know we mean business — and most cases settle out of court.

No Matter The Injury, We Can Help

We know firsthand how life-altering a severe injury can be. With more than 50 years in practice, we have seen and handled just about every type of injury claim imaginable. Just a few include:

• Broken bones
• Burn injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

• Spinal cord injury
• Neck injury
• Road rash
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Others have suffered soft tissue injuries such as joint, neck and back injuries — some more serious than others, but all painful, debilitating and costly. Even in difficult cases, we understand what it takes to gather evidence, get testimony from expert witnesses and put together a strong claim on your behalf. Whatever the details of your accident, we are more than capable of helping you with your claim and, if necessary, a lawsuit.

Wrongful Death

In some tragic cases, a personal injury leads to the victim’s death. Luckily, their family can file a wrongful death claim. Much like a typical personal injury claim, they’ll have to prove that the defendant’s negligence or intentional acts led directly to the decedent’s injuries and death. If successful, they could receive compensation for funeral and burial costs, medical expenses, loss of consortium, and more.

The Roach Law Firm understands how difficult it can be to see a path forward after an injury. When the accident was not your fault, and the liable parties attempt to evade responsibility, you could be left with life-altering injuries in addition to struggling finances. Our dedicated team wants to help you get through this time of your life.

We commit ourselves to helping you in every way we can, including:

• Conducting a thorough investigation into your case
• Working closely with medical providers to assess your injuries
• Consulting with family and friends to understand the changes in your life
• Negotiating with insurance companies to ensure fair settlement offers
• When necessary, advocating for you in court to get what you deserve

Injuries We Commonly See in Lake Charles Accidents

We know firsthand how life-altering a severe injury can be. With more than 50 years in practice, we have seen and handled just about every type of injury claim imaginable. Just a few include:

• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injury
• Neck injury
• Road rash
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

Others have suffered soft tissue injuries such as joint, neck and back injuries — some more serious than others, but all painful, debilitating and costly. Even in difficult cases, we understand what it takes to gather evidence, get testimony from expert witnesses and put together a strong claim on your behalf. Whatever the details of your accident, we are more than capable of helping you with your claim and, if necessary, a lawsuit.

FAQs About Lake Charles Personal Injuries

Q. What should I do after a serious accident in Lake Charles?

A: These are the general steps you should take after a car crash, premises liability accident, dog bite or any other accident:

1. Get medical attention immediately.
2. Contact the police to have them fill out an accident report.
3. Get the identifying information of the other party involved as well as any witnesses.
4. Take pictures of the accident scenes and any injuries you have.
5. Speak with a personal injury lawyer.

If you have the composure to follow these steps, please try to, as doing so can make a significant difference in your financial settlement or award.

Q. What Compensation Can You Recover After an Accident in Lake Charles?

A: Damages refer to the money owed to someone as a result of another party’s harm. Some common damages in injury claims include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income
• Loss of earning potential
• Physical rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Punitive Damages in Gross Negligence Cases

We can assess your unique circumstances to give you an accurate idea of what to expect from your claim – including the damages you could recover.

Q. Why isn’t my insurance company helping me?

A: You purchased insurance thinking your policy would cover your damages. However, insurance companies have only one purpose: To make money. Your insurance provider will do anything it can to avoid paying the full value of your claim. You will almost certainly need an attorney who can advocate for your rights, communicate with the insurance company representatives effectively and make sure no one takes advantage of you.

Q. How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana?

A: The time you have to file a personal injury claim in Lake Charles depends on when the injury occurred.

• If the injury happened before July 1, 2024, you have 1 year from the date of the injury to file.
• If the injury happened on or after July 1, 2024, you have 2 years from the date to file.

If you don’t file within these time limits, your case will likely be dismissed.

Q. Is it worth it to hire a personal injury lawyer in Lake Charles, LA?

A: Without a doubt, yes. There is extensive evidence that injury survivors who work with an attorney recover significantly more compensation than those who do not. Having a lawyer to handle the legal process also reduces your stress as you focus on your physical healing process.

Q. What Percentage Do Most Lake Charles Personal Injury Lawyers Take?

A: The percentage most personal injury lawyers take from a claim depends on the attorney, the case details, and whether or not the case goes to trial. A personal injury attorney aims to protect your rights and advocate for the compensation you need. Most work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect no payment if unsuccessful. The percentage they ask for when your case succeeds helps pay for their time and effort, the other staff working to maintain the law firm’s success, and other costs.

If you have worries about the cost of an attorney, speak with them about pricing before you make a decision. Asking important questions during an initial consultation can give you the understanding you need to have peace of mind.

A serious accident can change you in a flash. One day, you are active and vibrant. The next day, you are injured, hospitalized, sidelined and wondering how to move forward. Soon comes the harsh reality of financial woes brought on by an accident. Suddenly, a whole family can be thrust into uncertainty and fear as medical bills mount up and the injured person is unable to work for a long time — if ever again.

Personal Injury Testimonial: What Our Clients Say About Us