Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyers

Injured in Lafayette, LA? Call Us for a Free Consultation

After a serious accident or injury, you are likely to face significant physical, mental, and financial challenges. From making sure you get the right medical care to managing your day-to-day expenses while out of work, getting back on your feet can be extremely difficult.

At Doran & Cawthorne, our Lafayette personal injury lawyers believe that you shouldn’t have to face these hardships on your own—and the law agrees. If someone else’s negligence or wrongful conduct caused your injuries, you can file a personal injury claim or lawsuit and seek financial compensation for your losses.

Our attorneys can help you navigate the legal process, as well as fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. We have helped countless individuals and families here in our community, recovering millions of dollars in compensation on their behalf.

We invite you to contact our office in Lafayette, LA to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. When you work with our firm, you do not pay any attorney fees unless/until we win your case.

To learn more, call (337) 222-3526 or contact us online.

How Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. Can Help

Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys at Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C. have extensive experience handling a wide range of personal injury and wrongful death claims.

We focus our practice on:

No matter how serious your situation may be, our team is here to help you protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. We know that no two cases are exactly alike, which is why we develop innovative and highly personalized legal strategies for every client.

Do I Have Grounds for a Personal Injury Case?

Under Louisiana law, you may file a personal injury claim or lawsuit when you suffer physical injuries or illness as a result of another person or party’s actions or inactions. In other words, if someone else was at fault for the incident that caused your injury, you likely have grounds for a claim.

As the person filing the personal injury claim (known as the “plaintiff”), you have the burden of proof. This means that you are the one responsible for proving your claim against the other party (known as the “defendant”). Proving your case will involve the following elements:

  • Duty of care: First, you must establish that the defendant had a legal responsibility to you. This is known as the “duty of care,” and it typically involves certain responsibilities the defendant had to avoid causing you foreseeable injury. For example, motorists have a duty of care to others on the road in that they must obey the law and drive with caution to avoid causing accidents, which could lead to bodily injury or death.
  • Breach: Next, you need to demonstrate that the defendant breached the duty of care. Most often, this involves proving that the defendant was negligent, careless, or reckless in some way, or that they acted wrongfully (i.e., illegally). For example, a motorist who drives under the influence of alcohol or texts behind the wheel is acting negligently, therefore breaching the duty of care they owe to others on the road.
  • Injury: To have a personal injury claim, you must also prove that you were, in fact, injured. Even if someone was egregiously negligent or otherwise breached the duty of care they owed you, you only have a case if you can prove that you were injured and suffered measurable damages. “Damages” is a legal term used to refer to the economic and non-economic losses you suffer as a result of your injuries, including medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering.
  • Causation: Lastly, to have a personal injury case, you will need to prove that the defendant’s negligent or wrongful conduct was the cause of your injuries. In other words, you must prove that the defendant was at fault for the incident that led to your injuries. Note that, under Louisiana’s rule of pure comparative negligence, you do not need to prove that the defendant was entirely or even mostly at fault to have a claim.

If you can prove each of these elements, you likely have a case.

At Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., our Lafayette personal injury attorneys conduct exhaustive investigations and work alongside an accident reconstructionist, medical professionals, and expert witnesses to obtain a clear picture of what happened and who is to blame.

We are prepared to handle every legal detail of your case so that you can focus on healing.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Louisiana?

The statute of limitations in Louisiana is one year from the date of injury. The statute of limitations is a law which limits how long you have to file a lawsuit. If the statute of limitations expires and you have not taken legal action, the court will almost surely dismiss your case.

Sometimes, when an injury is not immediately discovered, the statute of limitations extends to one year from the date on which the injury was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered). Other exceptions may also apply, depending on the specific details of your case.

In any case, you should consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

When you reach out to our team at Doran & Cawthorne, P.L.L.C., we will immediately begin gathering information and evidence in support of your claim. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and provide personalized information specific to your case during a free consultation.

Reasons to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer

Expertise in Personal Injury Law

One of the main reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer is their expertise in this specific area of law. Our personal injury lawyers have a deep understanding of relevant laws and regulations, as well as experience in handling these cases. We can provide invaluable advice and guidance throughout the legal process, helping you to make informed decisions that are in your best interests.

Access to Resources

Another advantage of hiring a personal injury lawyer in Lafayette is their access to resources that can help you build a strong case. Our personal injury lawyers work with medical professionals, accident reconstruction experts, and other specialists who can provide evidence that supports your claim.

Your lawyer will also be able to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, which can help ensure that you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and other losses.

Knowledge of Court Processes

Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys at Doran & Cawthorne also have an intimate knowledge of court processes and procedures that can be extremely beneficial during litigation. Our attorneys understand how to properly file documents, present evidence, and argue cases before a judge or jury. This knowledge can be invaluable when it comes time for trial or settlement negotiations.

Contingency Fee Arrangements

Additionally, our personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we do not charge any fees upfront for our services and instead take a percentage of any settlement or award we help you obtain from the defendant or insurance company. This arrangement helps ensure that everyone involved has an incentive to reach an equitable resolution without costly legal battles.

Give us a call at (337) 222-3526 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Lafayette, LA.

The Doran & Cawthorne Difference

WHAT OUR TEAM BRINGS TO THE TABLE
  • Relief

    An injury is a devastating thing to have to deal with and a legal case on top of it can seem impossible. Our firm’s personal injury attorneys are able to offer peace of mind when you know that someone with experience and commitment is handling the situation.

  • Litigation

    When a case can’t be worked out through negotiation, Doran & Cawthorne has no qualms about taking the matter to court. Whether before a judge, or jury, we will gather the evidence necessary to present your case before the fact-finder in the best light.

  • Negotiations

    It is all too common for insurance companies to offer less than what they know to be fair. Our lawyers will negotiate on your behalf, and won’t compromise for anything less than the amount they know you should be receiving.

  • Results

    Our lawyers don’t just talk it…we strive to deliver. You can rest assured you’ll have experienced personal injury counsel with Doran & Cawthorne on your side.

  • Experience

    Having handled hundreds, if not thousands of injury cases in Louisiana, Texas and elsewhere, we can assess the best options for each case.

  • Advice

    Our firm’s attorneys will guide you in the right direction to make sure your case is developed effectively to your advantage.

    This law firm is literally a force to be reckoned with!

    “They were sincerely concerned about my best interest and kept me informed all along the way. They did not skip a beat in their knowledge and efficiency. In the end, I most definitely came out on top!”

    - Rachaell D.
    Thank you for doing the good work, Doran & Cawthorne!

    “Doran & Cawthorne is a firm that puts clients first. The attorneys are passionate about their work. The staff is caring, diligent, and efficient in getting the job done. I recommend this firm to all of my family and friends.”

    - Angela B.
    Recommended to all those who need real talk and results.

    “I was treated with respect and dignity as they realized this case meant a lot to me. I was counseled and represented with confidence and pride.”

    - Eddie L.
    Choosing this firm was one of the best decisions of my life.

    “If you're ever in need of an attorney to bite down on the law on your behalf, I recommend Doran & Cawthorne. Not only are you treated with dignity but also welcomed with TRUE concern & compassion.”

    - Anita J.
    They make all the difference.

    “The Doran and Cawthorne team was diligent and a delight to work with. Their genuine concern and care are unparalleled. I recommend them to everyone!”

    - Micaela S.

When You Need
Real Talk & Results™

Contact Doran & Cawthorne for a Free & Confidential Consultation
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