By

Jason Melancon
Crumpled car front on a road beside a judge’s gavel and shield icon, with a faint Louisiana silhouette in the background.

What Are Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Accident in Louisiana? (2026)

If you were hit by a drunk driver in Louisiana, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries through a civil claim. You may also be entitled to exemplary damages, which aren’t available in most other accident cases. These rights exist independently of any criminal charges the state brings against the impaired driver.
Read More
Realistic brass balance scale tipped toward a “51%” weight, with “50%” on the higher pan against a neutral studio background.

Louisiana Personal Injury Laws 2026: What You Need to Know

If you’re injured in Louisiana on or after January 1, 2026, a single finding by a jury can now wipe out your entire recovery. Under the state’s new modified comparative fault rule, being 51% or more at fault for your own injuries means you cannot recover a dollar, no matter how severe your injuries are
Read More
Louisiana state outline overlaid with a calendar and analog clock, with a bottom timeline showing injury, death, and deadline icons.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death in Louisiana?

In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is one year from the date of death or two years from the date of injury, whichever is longer. This important change took effect August 1, 2025, under Acts 2025, No. 176 and No. 488, providing families with additional time in cases where death occurs
Read More
Close-up photo of a judge’s gavel on a wooden desk next to a court document stamped “DENIED.”

What to Do If You’re Denied a Protective Order in Louisiana

A denied protective order doesn’t mean you’re out of options. You can appeal the decision, refile with stronger evidence, pursue an alternative type of order, or take other legal action while implementing a personal safety plan. At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, our family law practice handles protective orders as part of our broader work in
Read More
Balanced scale of justice with courthouse, handshake, and coin stack icons on a light background.

How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Lawyer in Baton Rouge

Choosing the right personal injury lawyer in Baton Rouge requires evaluating three critical factors: verified trial experience in the 19th Judicial District Court, direct partner involvement in your case, and the financial resources to fund litigation through verdict if needed. At Melancon, Rimes & Daquanno, we’ve seen how these factors determine whether clients receive settlement
Read More
Semi-realistic illustration of a workers’ comp claim form stamped “Denied” beside an “Appeal” document on a textured background with a faint Louisiana outline.

What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied in Louisiana

A denied workers’ comp claim doesn’t end your case. Louisiana law allows injured workers to appeal through the state’s Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration (OWCA). The key is understanding why your claim was denied and acting quickly. Louisiana has strict deadlines, including a 15-day window for medical treatment disputes and a one-year deadline for benefit
Read More
Minimal illustration of a courtroom gavel pointing via an arrow to rising stacks of coins with an upward bar chart, beside an insurance shield icon.

Why Trial Experience Matters When Choosing a Louisiana Injury Lawyer

Trial experience determines how much insurance companies will pay for your injury claim. A nationwide survey by Martindale-Nolo Research found that claimants who hired an attorney received average payouts of $77,600, compared to just $17,600 for those who went unrepresented. Even after deducting attorney fees, represented claimants walked away with nearly three times more. Studies
Read More
Illustration of an injured person with shoulder pain in front of a calculator, with icons representing legal process, court, and timeline—symbolizing calculation of pain and suffering damages in a personal injury case.

How to Calculate Pain and Suffering in a Louisiana Injury Claim

Louisiana allows unlimited pain and suffering recovery in most personal injury cases. Courts use three primary calculation methods: the multiplier method (1.5-5× economic damages), the per diem method ($1,000-$2,500 monthly), or comparison to prior similar cases. The amount you recover depends on injury severity, treatment duration, impact on daily life, and the quality of your
Read More
Semi-realistic illustration of a judge’s gavel striking gold coins beside an adult holding a child’s hand, with a faint Louisiana outline in the background

How to Enforce Child Support in Louisiana: A Complete Guide (2026)

When a parent stops paying court-ordered child support, Louisiana law provides several ways to collect what’s owed. You can request wage garnishment, work with the state’s Child Support Enforcement (CSE) agency, or file a contempt motion in court. For serious cases, criminal charges may apply when arrears exceed $2,500 or payments are more than six
Read More
Louisiana Dog Bite Laws

Louisiana Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know 2026

Louisiana holds dog owners to a higher standard of responsibility than many other states. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Louisiana, the owner is typically liable even if the dog has never attacked anyone before. Louisiana law operates under what’s called “limited strict liability.” Owners are responsible for bites their dogs could have
Read More
1 2 3 4