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 injuriesRead More
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 occursRead More
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 settlementRead More
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 benefitRead More
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. StudiesRead More
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 yourRead More
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident in Baton Rouge, stay at the scene and call 911 immediately. After ensuring everyone’s safety, document everything about the fleeing vehicle, file a police report, contact your insurance company within 24 hours, and seek medical attention even if you feel fine. Louisiana has specific legal requirements that differRead More
The Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal ruled that franchisors are not automatically liable for injuries at franchise locations. In Flynn v. Anytime Fitness, the court held that a franchisor must exercise day-to-day operational control or have direct custody over defective equipment to be held responsible for a franchisee’s negligence. This decision establishes that franchisorsRead More
Insurance companies determine fault in Baton Rouge car accidents by evaluating five key factors. Police reports provide the foundation for most fault determinations. Louisiana traffic statutes establish which driver violated their legal duties. Statements from drivers and witnesses offer firsthand accounts of what happened. Physical evidence and accident scene details support or contradict these accounts.Read More
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Baton Rouge, what you do next can greatly impact your case and potential compensation. Avoid these common – yet costly – mistakes: Apologizing or accepting fault Discussing the accident with other drivers or witnesses Describing your injuries to anyone other than medical professionals Giving recorded statementsRead More
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