Based in the heart of New Orleans, our team of personal injury lawyers reflects the cultural richness of Louisiana. Each attorney brings a different perspective, so we approach your case with a broad understanding and an inclusive mindset.
Our deep-rooted understanding of New Orleans' diverse communities enables us to provide culturally sensitive legal representation, connecting with each client's unique story and needs.
This diversity is a fundamental part of who we are at Clayton, Frugé & Ward. We don't identify as a law firm for one community. We're a law firm for everyone in Louisiana. Our cultural awareness and community connections shape how we build and present cases, and those insights can meaningfully affect outcomes.
Our injury attorneys regularly handle cases in Orleans Parish Civil District Court, the court with original jurisdiction over civil personal injury matters in New Orleans. That courtroom familiarity, combined with our community knowledge, helps us advocate effectively for clients throughout the area. To learn more about our team, visit our attorney profiles, or explore our case results to see how careful preparation and commitment have made a difference for others.
Contact Clayton, Frugé & Ward today for a free consultation. Call (225) 209-9943.
Understanding Personal Injury Law in New Orleans
Personal injury law in Louisiana is rooted in the state's civil law system and allows individuals to seek compensation when they're harmed by another party's negligence or wrongdoing. Recoverable damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Under Louisiana's framework, negligence and duty of care form the foundation of every claim.
To have a valid personal injury claim in Louisiana, five elements must generally be present:
- A documented injury
- Another party is partially or fully at fault
- That party breached a duty of care
- The breach directly caused the injury
- The injury resulted in measurable damages
Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle
Our accident lawyers in New Orleans represent clients across a wide range of personal injury matters, including:
How Louisiana's Pure Comparative Fault Rule Works
Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system under Civil Code Article 2323. Under this rule, you can still recover damages even if you share some of the blame for an accident.
Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your total damages are $100,000 and you're found 30% at fault, your recovery would be $70,000.
This pure comparative fault rule is different from the modified comparative fault systems in many other states, where someone who is 51% or more at fault is barred from recovering anything. In Louisiana, you can seek compensation at any fault level, but the amount you receive will reflect the share of responsibility assigned to you.
Insurance companies often try to inflate your percentage of fault to reduce what they have to pay. Our New Orleans personal injury attorneys work to challenge those fault assignments by gathering evidence, consulting with reconstruction professionals when needed, and presenting a clear picture of what really happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Louisiana?
For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024, Louisiana's prescriptive period for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury under La. Civ. Code Art. 3493.1. Injuries that occurred before that date are governed by the prior one-year prescriptive period. Certain exceptions can extend these deadlines, including cases involving minors or injuries that aren't immediately apparent. Missing the applicable deadline almost certainly forfeits your right to pursue compensation. Contact us as soon as possible after an injury to protect your claim.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Personal Injury Attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don't pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free, and there's no financial risk in reaching out to discuss your case.
What Should I Do if I've Been Injured in an Accident?
Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Document everything you can, including photos of the scene, contact information for witnesses, and records of your medical treatment. Then contact an injury attorney in New Orleans to understand your legal options before speaking with insurance adjusters.
How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take to Resolve?
Every case is different. Simpler claims may resolve in a matter of months, while complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries or multiple parties can take a year or longer. Factors like the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the opposing party to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial all affect the timeline. We keep our clients informed at every stage so you always know where your case stands.
