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HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY?

At The Townsley Law Firm, we offer free initial consultations for every client. If you hire us to take your case, we work on a contingency fee. That means we are only paid attorney fees if you receive compensation for your case. For most cases, we take a percentage of the amount you are awarded, but we will always explain the details to you before we undertake any work on your behalf.

WHEN DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

As soon as possible. In many injury cases, an insurance company covers the expenses owed by the responsible party. For example, in a motor vehicle accident, the negligent driver’s insurance company will often be responsible to pay the injured party for damages. Those insurance companies will do everything they can to pay as little as possible, but lawyers understand the value of your case and the tactics of the insurance companies and can often negotiate much better settlements than you can on your own. They can also take the case to trial if the company refuses to offer an acceptable amount. Without an attorney, you are at the mercy of the insurance company.

HOW DO I CHOOSE AN ATTORNEY?

Choosing the right attorney for your case is critical to achieving the results you are looking for. You want an attorney experienced in the area of law involved, along with a strong track record of success. Make sure your attorney will aggressively pursue your interests. That means they must be willing to go to trial, if necessary. The threat of a costly trial can often encourage the other party to settle for a higher amount. Finally, you want a firm with a strong reputation in the community of professionalism and success.

I RECEIVED A DENIAL LETTER FROM MY SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY APPLICATION. WHAT DO I DO NOW?

It is not at all usual to receive a denial letter from Social Security the first time to you apply for disability.  That’s why it’s important to know you only have 60 days from receipt of your denial letter to file an appeal. Once you receive your denial, we ask our clients to inform us sooner so our lawyers can request an appeal immediately.

WHAT GOES ON AT A SOCIAL SECURITY HEARING?

A social security hearing is conducted by an administrative law judge (ALJ). At the hearing, the judge, as well as your representative, will be able to ask you questions regarding your case. During the hearing, there can also be testimony received from medical and/or vocational experts if needed. Your representative will be able to ask specific questions to the medical and/or vocational experts to help prove your case.

ONCE THE HEARING IS CONCLUDED, WHEN WILL I RECEIVE A DECISION?

Usually the ALJ will not make a decision on the day of your hearing. You can expect a decision in the mail between two (2) to three (3) months from the day of your hearing.

EVEN THOUGH I AM HURTING, CAN I JUST HANDLE MY INJURIES ON MY OWN WITH OTC MEDICATION?

No. Your injury may be worse than you realize. If you don’t document your pain, it is difficult to make a recovery for it.

IF INJURED ON A VESSEL SUCH AS A TUGBOAT, BARGE OR JACKUP RIG, DO I HAVE TO REPORT MY ACCIDENT? I’M AFRAID IF I DO, I WILL LOSE MY JOB!

Yes. You must document the accident and demand an accident report be filled out. If you don’t document your accident, it is difficult to make a recovery. Remember, your injury may be worse than you realize.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET MONEY FROM A DOCTOR OR HOSPITAL THAT YOU CHOOSE TO SUE FOR MALPRACTICE?

Before someone can sue a hospital or doctor or other health care provider, Louisiana law says that the injured person has to go before a panel of three doctors who will state in an opinion whether they think the health care provider did something wrong. Then, an injured person can file suit. Consequently, the medical malpractice claim normally takes longer to resolve than any other type of injury claim.

HOW MUCH MONEY CAN I RECOVER FROM AN INJURY THAT A HOSPITAL, DOCTOR OR OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDER CAUSED?

The most you can recover in Louisiana is $500,000.00, and payment for your medical expenses. If future medical is needed, the Patient’s Compensation Fund or the state may elect to pay the future medical bills as they are incurred rather than pay them in a lump sum.

Let Us Answer Your Questions

If you don’t find your question answered here, please reach out to us for a free consultation. You can send us an email or call our Lake Charles office at 337-377-0584.