FAQs

Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. handles a wide range of personal injury and criminal defense cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bus accidents, pedestrian accidents, premises liability, slip and fall accidents, product liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, offshore and maritime injuries, DWI defense, drug possession, misdemeanors, probation violations, embezzlement, shoplifting, and assault and battery. We serve clients in Opelousas, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Houston.

For personal injury cases, we work on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover on your behalf. For criminal defense matters, fees vary depending on the complexity of the case. We offer free initial consultations so you can discuss your situation with no financial obligation.

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is one year from the date of the accident or injury. This is one of the shortest deadlines in the country, so it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident. In Texas, the deadline is generally two years from the date of injury. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, regardless of how strong your case may be.

After a car accident, you should first ensure your safety and call 911 if anyone is injured. Move your vehicle out of traffic if possible and turn on your hazard lights. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, photograph the scene, vehicles, and any visible injuries, and gather contact information from witnesses. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine — many injuries have delayed symptoms. Avoid admitting fault or making statements to insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney. Then contact Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, loss of enjoyment of life, and in some cases punitive damages. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence supporting your case. Our attorneys will evaluate every element of your damages to pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you could recover $80,000. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule but bars recovery if you are found to be more than 50% at fault. Our attorneys will work to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your recovery.

The timeline for a personal injury case varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate, and whether the case proceeds to trial. Some cases settle within a few months, while others involving serious injuries or disputed liability may take a year or more. Our attorneys will keep you informed throughout the process and work efficiently to reach the best possible outcome.

The majority of personal injury cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, our attorneys are fully prepared and experienced in taking your case to court. We will advise you at every stage whether a settlement offer is fair or whether proceeding to trial is in your best interest.

Be very cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters — even your own insurance company. Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to minimize the amount they pay on claims. Avoid giving a recorded statement, signing any documents, or accepting a settlement offer before consulting with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim. Contact Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. first and let us handle all communications with the insurance company on your behalf.

Truck accident cases are significantly more complex than standard car accident claims. Multiple parties can be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, and the vehicle manufacturer. Trucking companies are also subject to strict federal regulations, and violations of those regulations can strengthen your claim. Evidence in truck accident cases — such as black box data, driver logs, and inspection records — must be preserved quickly. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling truck accident cases and will move swiftly to investigate and build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

Yes. If a family member was killed due to another party's negligence, you may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim. In Louisiana, eligible family members include surviving spouses, children, parents, and siblings. Compensation in a wrongful death claim can include funeral and burial expenses, lost income and financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, and the pain and suffering your loved one experienced before death. Our attorneys handle wrongful death cases with the care and compassion these difficult situations demand.

Premises liability refers to the legal responsibility that property owners have to maintain a reasonably safe environment for visitors. When a property owner's negligence results in a dangerous condition that causes injury — such as a wet floor, broken stairs, inadequate lighting, or an unsecured area — the injured party may have a premises liability claim. Common premises liability cases include slip and fall accidents, inadequate security, dog bites, and swimming pool accidents.

If you are charged with a DWI, it is critical to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do not answer questions from law enforcement beyond providing your basic identification without your attorney present. A DWI conviction can result in fines, license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and jail time — and can have serious long-term consequences on your employment and personal life. Our attorneys will review every aspect of your case, including the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of the breathalyzer or field sobriety test, and any procedural errors made during your arrest.

A misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense that typically carries penalties of fines and up to one year in jail. Common misdemeanors include minor drug possession, shoplifting, simple assault, and first-time DWI offenses. A felony is a more serious offense that can result in more than one year in state prison. Felonies include charges such as aggravated assault, major drug offenses, embezzlement, and repeat DWI convictions. Both misdemeanors and felonies can have lasting consequences on your record, employment prospects, and personal life.

A probation violation can result in serious consequences including revocation of probation, additional fines, extended probation terms, or incarceration. Common violations include failing a drug test, missing a meeting with your probation officer, failing to complete community service, or being arrested for a new offense. If you have been accused of violating probation, it is essential to contact an attorney immediately.

Yes. Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. has extensive experience representing offshore and maritime workers injured on the job. Workers injured in offshore accidents may have rights under the Jones Act, the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, or general maritime law — each of which provides different protections and remedies. Our team has successfully recovered significant settlements for offshore workers injured due to unsafe conditions, negligent employers, and defective equipment.

Our main office is located in Opelousas, Louisiana. We also serve clients in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Houston, Texas. Regardless of which location is most convenient for you, our entire team is committed to providing the same level of dedicated, personalized representation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at the location nearest you.

Contact us online or call (888) 533-6055 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our attorneys. We will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal options. There is no cost to speak with us, and for personal injury cases you pay nothing unless we win.