personal injury case values depend on multiple factors unique to state's laws such as:

Economic Damages (Actual Financial Losses):

• Medical expenses - Past and future treatment, rehabilitation, therapy
• Lost wages - Time missed from work and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage - Vehicle repairs, replacement, or total loss
• Out-of-pocket expenses - Transportation to medical appointments, medications, assistive devices

Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering):

• Physical pain and suffering - Compensation for physical discomfort and limitations
• Mental anguish - Emotional distress, anxiety, depression from the accident
• Loss of enjoyment of life - Inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
• Disfigurement and scarring - Permanent changes to physical appearance
• Loss of consortium - Impact on marriage and family relationships

Factors Affecting Case Value:

• Severity and permanence of injuries
• Clear liability and fault determination
• Quality and consistency of medical treatment
• Impact on work and daily activities
• Available insurance coverage limits
• Strength of medical evidence and expert testimony

some states do not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, unlike some states. Call our firm for additional information.

Even "minor" accidents can have serious long-term consequences that aren't immediately apparent:

Hidden Injury Risks:

• Soft tissue injuries - Whiplash, muscle strains, and ligament damage often worsen over days or weeks
• Concussions and brain injuries - Symptoms may not appear immediately but can be severe
• Internal injuries - Bleeding, organ damage, and other internal trauma can be life-threatening
• Psychological trauma - PTSD, anxiety, and depression from accident trauma
• Aggravation of pre-existing conditions - Accidents often worsen prior injuries

Insurance Company Tactics:

• Quick settlement offers before you know the extent of injuries
• Claiming your injuries aren't related to the accident
• Using your statements against you to minimize the claim
• Delaying the process hoping you'll accept less money
• Arguing that you don't need medical treatment

Case timelines in Louisiana vary significantly based on several factors:

Simple Cases (3-6 months):

• Clear liability with cooperative insurance companies
• Minor injuries with complete recovery
• Adequate insurance coverage for the claim value
• No disputes about medical treatment or causation

Moderate Cases (6 months - 2 years):

• Some disputed liability or coverage issues
• Significant injuries requiring ongoing treatment
• Multiple parties or insurance companies involved
• Need for expert witnesses or accident reconstruction

Complex Cases (2-4 years):

• Severe injuries with permanent disabilities
• Disputed liability requiring extensive investigation
• Multiple defendants and insurance carriers
• Medical malpractice or product liability components
• Cases requiring litigation and trial

Factors Affecting Timeline:

• Severity of injuries and length of medical treatment
• Clarity of fault and liability evidence
• Cooperation level of insurance companies
• Court scheduling and case backlog
• Need for expert witnesses and specialists
• Discovery process and depositions

We keep clients informed throughout the process and work diligently to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while maximizing recovery. Some cases benefit from quick resolution, while others require patience to achieve optimal results.

Most property damage and personal injury cases settle out of court, but being prepared for trial is essential for recovery:

Time is absolutely critical when property damage occurs, and your immediate actions can significantly impact your ability to recover full compensation. First, ensure everyone's safety by contacting emergency services if there's any immediate danger to life or property. Once safety is secured, begin documenting everything - take extensive photos and videos of all damage from multiple angles, including wide shots and close-ups of specific damage areas. Contact your insurance company immediately to report the claim, as most policies require prompt notification, and delays can be used to deny coverage. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage when it's safe to do so, such as covering broken windows or roof holes, but only perform temporary measures - don't make permanent repairs without approval. Keep detailed receipts for all emergency repairs, temporary housing, and other expenses, as these may be covered under your policy. Most importantly, contact our office within 24-48 hours of the loss. Insurance companies often move quickly to limit their exposure, and having legal representation from the start protects your rights and ensures proper documentation of your claim.

At Godbey Giardina Law Group, we understand that property damage can create significant financial stress, which is why we work on a contingency fee basis for property damage claims. This means you pay absolutely nothing upfront - no attorney fees, no retainer, and no case costs. We only get paid when you receive compensation from your claim, and our fee comes as a percentage of the settlement or judgment we secure for you. We also advance all case expenses, including expert witness fees, investigation costs, and court filing fees, so you're never out-of-pocket for case-related expenses. Our initial consultation is completely free, where we'll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline our strategy for maximum recovery. This contingency fee arrangement allows everyone to access high-quality legal representation regardless of their current financial situation, and it aligns our interests with yours - we're motivated to secure the highest possible recovery because our fee depends on your success.

This depend on the state. Contact us to learn more.