Personal Injury Legal Library
With over a decade of experience practicing personal injury law in Louisiana, Flattmann Law presents valuable insights to share about pursuing personal injury claims and fighting for a just recovery. Read our articles for the information you may need one day if you or a loved one is injured.
Halloween on the Northshore is one of the best nights of the year.Neighborhood streets fill with superheroes, princesses, skeletons, and enough candy to keep local dentists employed for years. Parents pull wagons loaded with future sugar crashes while teenagers roam the streets pretending they are too old to participate while secretly collecting candy anyway.
We understand that hiring a personal injury lawyer is a big decision.For many people, it is their first experience dealing with an attorney, an insurance claim, or a serious injury. Naturally, that comes with questions and sometimes a little anxiety.
Every year, thousands of pedestrians and bicyclists lose their lives in traffic accidents across the United States, and many more suffer serious injuries requiring emergency medical treatment and long recoveries.At the same time, communities across Louisiana continue to invest in walking and biking trails that encourage people to get outside and enjoy an active lifestyle.
One of the most common questions we hear from injured clients is:"Will my case have to go to court?"The honest answer is that it depends.
A collision involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, dump truck, bus, or other commercial vehicle can be frightening and overwhelming.Because of the size and weight of commercial vehicles, truck accidents often result in serious injuries and extensive property damage. In the moments following a crash, it is completely normal to feel shaken, disoriented, or confused.Even so, the steps you take immediately after a truck accident can have a significant impact on your health and on any future insurance or legal claims.
One of the first questions injured cyclists ask after a bicycle accident is simple:"Who pays for all of this?"The answer depends on how the accident happened, who was responsible, and what insurance coverage is available.In many cases, the at-fault driver and their insurance company are responsible for compensating an injured bicyclist for both property damage and personal injuries resulting from the collision.
One of the unfortunate realities of motorcycle accident cases is that injured riders are often blamed for crashes they did not cause.Insurance companies and at-fault drivers may claim that the motorcycle "came out of nowhere," was traveling too fast, or was following too closely to avoid the collision.
There are many misconceptions about car accident claims in Louisiana, but two come up more often than almost any others.
For many people, meeting with a personal injury attorney is unfamiliar territory.You may be dealing with injuries, medical appointments, insurance adjusters, and questions about what happens next. It is perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed or even a little nervous about speaking with a lawyer for the first time.Our goal is to make the process as simple and comfortable as possible.
One of the more difficult parts of a wrongful death case can be revisiting the place where a loved one lost their life.Over the years, we have visited many accident scenes involving fatal car accidents, workplace incidents, maritime accidents, and other tragic events. These inspections are never easy, and they are especially difficult for the families involved.At the same time, preserving evidence and understanding exactly what happened are often important parts of pursuing a wrongful death claim.
Most workers injured on the job are entitled to benefits through their state's workers' compensation system.Maritime workers are different.Most seamen who qualify for protection under the Jones Act are generally excluded from traditional workers' compensation programs and instead must pursue compensation under federal maritime law.
Losing a loved one because of someone else's negligence is one of the most difficult experiences a family can face.Unfortunately, families are often forced to make important legal and financial decisions while they are still grieving and trying to process what has happened.
Far too many Louisiana families lose loved ones every year as the result of reckless driving, impaired driving, speeding, and other preventable causes.Behind every statistic is a family whose life changed forever in a matter of seconds.
For many years, Louisiana had one of the shortest deadlines in the country for filing a personal injury lawsuit—just one year from the date of the accident.That changed recently, and it is important to understand what the new law means for your case.
In many ways, a truck accident claim follows the same path as an ordinary car accident claim. However, collisions involving tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, and 18-wheelers often involve additional evidence, more parties, and more complicated insurance issues.Because of those differences, early investigation can be especially important.
When tragedy strikes and your family suddenly finds itself facing the loss of a loved one, it can be difficult to know where to turn.In the days and weeks following an unexpected death, families are often overwhelmed with grief while simultaneously trying to make funeral arrangements, deal with financial concerns, and answer questions from insurance companies and investigators.
Being involved in a bicycle accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience.Unlike occupants of motor vehicles, bicyclists have very little protection during a collision, which often results in serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and recovery time.
Accidents involving tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles are often very different from ordinary car accidents.A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—roughly twenty times the weight of an average passenger vehicle. Because of that size and weight difference, even relatively minor mistakes can have devastating consequences.Over the years, we have seen several common factors contribute to serious Louisiana truck accidents.
Motorcycle riders understand the freedom that comes with riding on Louisiana's roads and highways.Unfortunately, they also understand the risks.Unlike occupants of passenger vehicles, motorcyclists have very little protection when a crash occurs. For that reason, helmets remain one of the most important pieces of safety equipment a rider can own.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of death by approximately 37% for operators and reduce the risk of head injury by approximately 69%. Thousands of lives have been saved as a result of helmet use.
Pedestrian accidents often result in some of the most serious injuries we see.Unlike occupants of a vehicle, pedestrians have very little protection when they are struck by a car, truck, or SUV. Because these cases frequently involve catastrophic injuries, it is important to begin gathering evidence as quickly as possible.If we represent an injured pedestrian, our job is to establish how the accident occurred, determine who was responsible, and document the full extent of our client's injuries and damages.
Here's something you probably won't hear from many personal injury lawyers:You may not need an attorney to handle your car accident claim.If your accident involved minor property damage, nobody was injured, and no one required medical treatment, there is a good chance you can successfully handle the claim yourself.
Thinking clearly after a car accident is not easy.You may be shaken up, confused, worried about your family, or dealing with injuries that have not fully set in yet. Unfortunately, the first few minutes after a collision are often when important evidence is lost and mistakes are made that can make an insurance claim more difficult later.
Working on the water presents hazards that most people never encounter in everyday life.Whether aboard a dredge, tugboat, crew boat, barge, or offshore vessel, maritime workers routinely perform dangerous jobs in difficult environments where small mistakes can lead to serious injuries.Over the years, we have seen several recurring themes in Louisiana maritime injury cases and Jones Act claims.
You have been injured in a car accident and the adjuster for the other driver's insurance company calls asking for a recorded statement.Should you give one?Are you legally required to do so?
Everyone has heard of the five-second rule, but have you ever heard of Flattmann Law's One-Second Rule? Probably not, because we just made it up. The good news is that following this simple rule may help you avoid one of the most dangerous types of accidents we see on Louisiana roads.
One of the most frustrating parts of a serious injury case is waiting. The good news is that most Louisiana car accident claims are resolved without ever having to file a lawsuit. In many cases, the insurance company accepts responsibility, the injured person completes treatment, and the parties are able to reach a fair resolution through negotiation. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
The Fourth of July is one of our favorite holidays on the Northshore. Between family gatherings, cookouts, fireworks, and trips to the camp or the coast, there is plenty to celebrate.Unfortunately, Independence Day is also one of the most dangerous holidays of the year to be on the road.
When I was very young, my mom was involved in a devastating accident on Interstate 10 near Slidell, Louisiana. She suffered serious injuries, including a fractured pelvis, broken ribs, and a ruptured spleen. She was lucky to survive.As a young child, I watched firsthand as a single mother tried to recover from serious injuries while continuing to take care of everyday responsibilities. She was missing work, her vehicle was totaled, and the bills certainly didn't stop arriving simply because she had been injured.
For anyone, a car wreck can be a frightening and traumatic experience.Even after physical injuries heal, it is not uncommon for people to struggle with anxiety about driving again. Some individuals develop a fear of intersections or highways, while others seek counseling or therapy to help process what happened.For children and adults on the autism spectrum, the experience can be especially overwhelming.
One reason many people wait to call an attorney after a serious car accident is because they worry the lawyer will be pushy.They imagine that once they contact a law firm, they'll immediately start receiving constant phone calls, emails, and messages pressuring them to sign a contract.Unfortunately, some people have had experiences like that.
You've probably heard the phrase, "A jack of all trades is a master of none." While every attorney receives a broad legal education, the reality is that most lawyers develop significant experience in only a handful of practice areas over the course of their careers.
When people review their auto insurance policy, they often focus on the monthly premium.What many drivers overlook is whether they have enough uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, commonly known as "UM" coverage.
We understand that life does not stop after an accident.Between medical appointments, work obligations, family responsibilities, and vehicle repairs, finding time to drive across town for a meeting is not always easy.
If you ask people what frustrates them most about working with a lawyer, one answer comes up again and again:"I never knew what was going on with my case."Unfortunately, many people feel left in the dark after hiring an attorney. Phone calls are not returned promptly, emails go unanswered, and clients are left wondering whether anything is happening at all.That is not how we believe clients should be treated.
Car insurance is expensive. Because of that, many people look for ways to lower their premiums.One option insurance companies sometimes offer is excluding certain drivers from coverage under the policy. While that may reduce your monthly premium, it can also create significant problems if you're not careful.
After a car accident, most people have a long list of things to deal with.There are doctor appointments to schedule, vehicles to repair, insurance adjusters to speak with, and work or family responsibilities that do not simply disappear because you were injured.For many people, calling a lawyer ends up on the "to do" list. Days turn into weeks, and before long they find themselves wishing they had called sooner.
If you have searched online for a personal injury lawyer, you have probably seen websites covered with badges, seals, and awards claiming the attorney is a "Top Lawyer," "Rising Star," or one of the "Best Attorneys" in a particular field.Some of those recognitions may be legitimate. Others may be little more than marketing tools.The important thing is to understand the difference.
When most people think of horror stories, they think of ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night.As a personal injury lawyer, my horror stories are a little different.They involve things like insufficient insurance coverage, missed deadlines, and people accepting settlement checks before they understand the full extent of their injuries.Unfortunately, those situations happen more often than you might think
Anyone who has dealt with a car accident claim knows how frustrating the process can be.You call the insurance company and find yourself navigating automated phone systems. You spend time on hold. You leave messages and wait for return calls. Sometimes the adjuster handling your claim changes, and you have to explain everything all over again.
One of the most common questions we hear is: "How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer?"The answer surprises many people.At Flattmann Law, we do not charge hourly fees or require a retainer. In fact, your initial consultation is completely free.Instead, we handle personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis.
One of the most common questions we hear after a car accident is:"How long will my case take?"Unfortunately, there is no simple answer.Every case is different, and the timeline often depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the length of medical treatment, the insurance companies involved, and whether a lawsuit becomes necessary.What we can promise is that we do everything possible to keep our clients' cases moving forward.
One of the most difficult parts of a personal injury claim is placing a value on someone's pain and suffering.Medical bills can be added up. Lost wages can be calculated. But how do you put a dollar value on weeks of pain, months of medical treatment, missed family activities, or the frustration of not being able to live life the way you did before an accident?
The short answer is, your rights are gone.
A lifelong resident of the Northshore, no one knows the area and its residents better than Grady Flattmann. If you are looking for local counsel for a personal injury claim in the New Orleans area, call our office to see how we can help. We tailor our services to your needs and goals and offer co-counsel services, litigation assistance, and independent consulting. When you need the edge a local attorney can give your case, contact Flattmann Law.
After an accident, many people hesitate before contacting an attorney. Honestly, we understand why. Most people have never dealt with a serious injury claim before, and there are a lot of misconceptions about what hiring a lawyer actually means.
Golf carts have been rising in popularity as an affordable, convenient, and low-maintenance form of transportation. They are a multi-billion dollar industry! But with that popularity often comes a false sense of safety, leading to serious injuries and even death.
Distracted driving has become one of the biggest dangers on Louisiana roads. According to national traffic safety studies, distracted driving contributes to thousands of serious and fatal crashes every year. In fact, approximately nine people are killed each day in the United States in crashes involving distracted drivers. Teen drivers are especially at risk. Car accidents remain one of the leading causes of death for teenagers in the United States, and distracted driving plays a major role in many of those crashes. The scary part is that distracted driving is not limited to texting. Most drivers have probably engaged in some form of distracted driving without even realizing it.
Minor accidents involving limited injuries and minimal medical treatment are sometimes manageable on your own. But even in smaller cases, it is important to understand your rights before speaking with the insurance company.
You have probably heard the term “defensive driving,” but what does it actually mean? In simple terms, defensive driving means staying alert, being aware of your surroundings, and anticipating the actions of other drivers before a problem happens. It is the idea that safe drivers do more than just follow traffic laws. They actively try to avoid dangerous situations before an accident occurs. Unfortunately, with distracted driving becoming more common, defensive driving is more important now than ever.
One of the most common things we hear after a car accident is: “I’ve got full coverage.” But when we ask what type of insurance coverage someone actually has, many people are surprised to learn that “full coverage” does not always mean what they think it means. In many cases, people confuse having enough insurance to legally drive in Louisiana with being fully protected after a serious accident. Those are two very different things.
For many people, cellphone use while driving has become a terrible habit. Unfortunately, distracted driving accidents are incredibly common and often completely preventable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving contributes to thousands of deaths every year across the United States.
Many people are hesitant to hire an attorney after a car accident. We hear it all the time: “I really didn’t want to have to hire a lawyer.” And honestly, we understand that feeling. Most people have never had to deal with a serious accident claim before, and there are a lot of misconceptions about what hiring an attorney actually means.
In Louisiana, a vehicle may be considered a total loss when the cost to repair it reaches 75% or more of the vehicle’s market value. Even damage that looks repairable can sometimes result in a total loss determination, especially with older vehicles or vehicles that already have high mileage.
The frantic pace of today's business world is manifested in the rush of 18-wheelers and other commercial vehicles on Interstate 12, Interstate 10, U.S. Highway 190 and throughout Louisiana, including the Northshore and the greater New Orleans area. When one of these large vehicles is involved in an accident, its sheer size and weight often results in serious injuries or fatalities.
Every year, distracted driving causes serious accidents across Louisiana. With smartphones, GPS apps, social media, and constant notifications, drivers are more distracted than ever. Even looking away from the road for a few seconds can lead to a devastating crash.
Louisiana continues to struggle with one of the highest rates of impaired driving fatalities in the country.Every year, families across our state are forced to deal with devastating injuries and tragic losses caused by drivers who made the decision to get behind the wheel while impaired.
Some car accident claims are relatively straightforward.Others become complicated very quickly.While minor fender benders can often be handled without legal representation, accidents involving significant injuries, disputed liability, uninsured drivers, commercial vehicles, or multiple insurance policies frequently require much more attention.
One of my favorite movies of all time is Back to the Future Part II.As a personal injury attorney, I occasionally wish I had Doc Brown's DeLorean sitting in my parking lot so I could travel back in time and prevent accidents before they ever happen.Unfortunately, time travel is still a few years away.The next best thing is making sure your family has the right insurance coverage before you ever need it.
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