Lake Charles Personal Injury Attorneys
If you sustained an injury or lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of another person or entity, do not hesitate to contact The Townsley Law Firm. We could represent you in your case and pursue the compensation you need to compensate you for the losses you’ve suffered.
At The Townsley Law Firm, we know the toll an accident can take on a victim or surviving relative’s life. It can interfere with your job, cause emotional distress, and lead to financial strain. The costs associated with the accident should not be your responsibility if the negligent party were entirely at fault for the harm they caused.
You have a right to hold the at-fault party accountable for their misconduct. They should suffer the consequences, not you. The Townsley Law Firm is ready to advocate for your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. Whether you lost your loved one in a car accident or you suffered injuries at work, we can help you pursue the maximum available compensation.
Call us at (337) 377-0584 today for a free consultation with one of our Lake Charles personal injury and wrongful death attorneys.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Cases The Townsley Law Firm Can Take
Your personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in Lake Charles, LA, from The Townsley Law Firm can represent clients in a range of cases, including:
- Car accidents – Car accidents commonly lead to injuries and deaths. In 2019, there were 727 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in Louisiana. Human error is often the reason car accidents occur. Whether a driver becomes distracted at the wheel or exceeds the speed limit, they place others at risk of harm.
- Workplace accidents – Even in the safest working conditions, an employee could suffer injuries during a fall or while using defective machinery. Workers’ compensation insurance could cover medical care and a portion of the wages you lost due to the work-related injury or illness. Additionally, family members could recover compensation for losing their loved one in a job-related accident.
- Pedestrian accidents – Pedestrians are at a greater risk of debilitating injuries and death than the occupants of a vehicle during a collision. A reckless or inattentive motorist could crash into them, whether the pedestrian is in the middle of an intersection or walking through a parking lot.
- Medical malpractice – Healthcare professionals can make errors while treating their patients or performing procedures. If injury or death occurs, the doctor, nurse, or another medical provider could be held liable for their negligent actions.
- Truck accidents – Commercial trucks can cause more destruction during a collision than passenger cars. According to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 4,119 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks. Of those deaths, only 16 percent were truck occupants, while 67 percent were the occupants of other vehicles.
- Maritime/offshore accidents – Maritime workers often encounter hazardous working environments. Injuries and fatalities can occur on the job in a range of scenarios. Maritime laws allow eligible employees to recover compensation for the losses they suffered while performing their work-related duties. Family members can also seek compensation for the death of a loved one.
- Premises liability – Property owners must maintain their properties on an ongoing basis. Dangerous conditions, such as a malfunctioning escalator, inadequate lighting, and defective stairs can cause injuries to guests.
- Defective products – Manufacturer error during the design, assembly, or marketing phase of the manufacturing process can lead to a defective product. Even if a consumer uses a product as intended, the defect makes it inherently dangerous and can result in an injury.
- Bicycle accidents – Bikers can use designated bicycle lanes to separate themselves from motor vehicles. However, a distracted driver could drift into the bike lane, sideswiping the rider. Bicycle accidents can also occur if a motorist turns right or left without first checking for an approaching biker.
- Nursing home negligence – Older adults are more vulnerable to severe injuries and death. Many can’t care for themselves and rely on others for assistance showering, eating, and walking. If a nurse neglects their patient, the patient could suffer a serious fall or develop bedsores. Abuse can also occur, leading to broken bones and other injuries.
- Motorcycle accidents – Although motorcyclists can wear helmets to protect themselves from severe head injuries during accidents, they lack additional safety devices. The occupants of cars have airbags to soften the blow of a collision and seatbelts to keep them firmly in their seats. However, motorcyclists don’t have the same protections and could become ejected from their bikes during a collision and suffer debilitating injuries or death.
If you or a loved one were involved in any of these incidents, reach out to The Townsley Law Firm immediately. We can investigate and determine who should be held liable.
Common Causes of Injuries and Fatalities in Personal Injury Cases
Various factors can contribute to a person’s injury or death. The most common causes are below.
Car Accidents
Car accidents can occur for various reasons. The most common include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Tailgating
- Unsafe lane changes
Workplace Accidents
Anyone can sustain an injury at work. Whether you’re on a construction site, driving a delivery vehicle, or working in an office, you could get hurt. The most common causes of workplace accidents include:
- Fall from heights
- Overexertion
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Traffic-related accidents
- Slip and falls
Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are at risk of an initial injury during the impact of a collision and subsequent injuries from flying debris and additional factors. The most common causes of pedestrian injuries in vehicle crashes include:
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Turning without looking for pedestrians crossing the road
- Backing out of a parking space without looking behind first
- Speeding through a parking lot
- Distracted driving
Medical Malpractice
A healthcare professional can make an error in various situations that can lead to their patient’s injuries. The most common medical errors include:
- Administering the incorrect medication or dosage
- Lack of pre or post-care
- Incorrectly interpreting the results of a test
- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnosis
- Using unsterilized tools during a medical procedure
Truck Accidents
Truck drivers have the challenging task of maneuvering an 80,000-pound vehicle. It requires experience and skill to know what to do during dangerous conditions and emergencies. The most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driving under the influence
- Failing to check blind spots
- Fatigued driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Inadequate vehicle maintenance
Maritime/Offshore Accidents
Oil rig workers, technicians, deckhands, and other maritime employees can suffer a range of injuries and illnesses on the job. The most common causes of accidents include:
- Vessel collisions
- Storing hazardous chemicals improperly
- Inadequate training
- Equipment failure
- Exposed electrical wiring
Defective Products
Consumers can sustain injuries while using a defective product. The most common causes of defective products include:
- Failing to provide warning labels for an existing hazard
- Incorrectly assembling the product
- Forgetting to trim sharp edges from a mold
- Making false claims about the safety of a product
- Installing damaged or inadequate safety features
Bicycle Accidents
Many drivers ignore bicyclists. They focus more on other vehicles. Unfortunately, this lack of attention puts bikers at risk of harm. The most common causes of accidents involving bicycles include:
- Passing a biker too closely
- Failing to yield at an intersection
- Drifting into the bicycle lane
- Opening the door of a parked car in the biker’s path
- Distracted driving
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often end up in accidents when drivers behave carelessly. The most common causes of motorcycle accidents include:
- Running a red light or stop sign
- Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Driving under the influence
Premises Liability
The dangerous conditions on someone’s commercial or residential property can cause a guest’s injury. The most common causes include:
- Slippery floor
- Malfunctioning elevator or escalator
- Collapsed balcony
- Missing or damaged railings
- Poor lighting
Nursing Home Negligence
Abuse and neglect of patients in nursing homes can cause severe injuries, such as broken bones, malnourishment, bedsores, and asphyxiation. The most common reasons abuse and neglect occur include:
- Inadequately trained staff
- Overworked nurses
- Failing to perform background checks on prospective employees
- Staffing shortage
- Unfair wages
Wrongful Death
A person’s wrongful death can happen in various accidents, including:
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home negligence or abuse
- Workplace accident
- Motor vehicle accident
- Maritime/offshore accident
Compensation You Can Pursue in a Personal Injury Case
When you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you could obtain compensation for the losses you suffered in the accident. These losses might include:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Mental anguish
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
Compensation You Can Pursue in a Wrongful Death Case
Louisiana law only allows specific family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit. These individuals, in order of eligibility, include:
- Spouse and children
- Parents
- Siblings
- Grandparents
The compensation you receive can compensate for the losses you suffered due to your loved one’s death, such as:
- The value of household services your loved one can no longer provide
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills
- Anguish and grief experienced by surviving family
- Lost earnings and benefits
- Loss of guidance, companionship, and care the deceased provided
Common Types of Injuries
Serious injuries can come in many forms, some of which include:
- Amputations
- Broken Bones
- Quadriplegia/Paraplegia
- Paralysis
- Severe Burns
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
Contact Us
If you were injured or lost your loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, call The Townsley Law Firm right now. One of our Lakes Charles personal injury and wrongful death attorneys can discuss the incident with you during a free consultation and determine your available legal options.
You can depend on us to put our experience and skills to work for you. Call us today at (337) 377-0584.