When someone is hurt in an accident, one of the first questions they often ask is, “How much is my case worth?” While no lawyer can guarantee a specific dollar amount, understanding the average settlement for a personal injury in Louisiana can help set expectations. Every case is unique, but there are common factors that influence how much compensation an injured person may receive. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding Personal Injury Settlements in Louisiana
A personal injury settlement is an agreement between the injured person (the plaintiff) and the at-fault party (or their insurance company). Instead of going to trial, both sides agree on an amount of money that fairly compensates the injured person for their losses.
In Louisiana, settlement values vary widely. Some cases may resolve for a few thousand dollars, while others can reach hundreds of thousands—or even millions—depending on the severity of the injury and the impact on the victim’s life.
Factors That Affect Settlement Amounts
Several important factors influence the average settlement amount in Louisiana:
The Severity of Your Injury
The most significant factor is the type and seriousness of the injury. Minor injuries like sprains or bruises often settle for smaller amounts, while severe injuries such as spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or permanent disabilities typically result in much higher compensation.
Medical Costs
Medical expenses are a key part of any settlement. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medication, and future medical care. The higher the cost of treatment, the higher the settlement amount tends to be.
Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If the injury causes someone to miss work or prevents them from returning to their career, the settlement may include lost income and future lost earning potential. This can significantly increase the payout for workers with long careers ahead of them.
Pain and Suffering
Louisiana law also allows compensation for pain and suffering. This includes physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact of the injury on someone’s quality of life. Although harder to calculate, pain and suffering often makes up a large portion of the settlement.
Pure Comparative Negligence
Louisiana follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning if the injured person was partially at fault for the accident, their settlement will be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you were found 20% responsible for a car crash or a motorcycle accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by offering low settlements quickly after an accident. Victims may be tempted to accept these offers because they need immediate financial relief, but doing so can result in much less compensation than the case is truly worth.
Working with an experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyer can help ensure you are not pressured into accepting an unfair settlement. A lawyer can calculate the true value of a claim, negotiate with insurers, and take the case to court if necessary.
Deadline for Filing a Lawsuit
Known as the statute of limitations, injured individuals generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Missing this deadline usually means losing the right to seek compensation altogether. Because of this strict timeline, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an accident.
Contact a Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer at Santana Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Getting hurt in an accident can turn your whole life upside down, and it’s normal to have questions—especially about what kind of settlement you might expect. At Santana Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped folks across Louisiana get the answers and support they need.
Call our Louisiana personal injury attorneys for a free consultation.
For more information, please contact the experienced Metairie Personal Injury lawyers at Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers today. We offer an initial free consultation.
We proudly serve Louisiana and it’s surrounding areas, including Metairie, Gretna and Kenner.
Santana & Blanchard Personal Injury Lawyers
3500 N Hullen St Suite 17K
Metairie, LA 70002
(504) 323-6000
Our law firm is located near you. Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 30.01245719602678, -90.15811234232851
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