Blog Layout

How Louisiana Attorneys Establish Burden of Proof in a Personal Injury Claim

Jan 28, 2018

A good personal injury attorney understands what you need to build a great case. To win your case, they must prove how your injuries impact your life. Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys understands that after an accident you may experience ongoing effects for many years to come. That is why our New Orleans personal injury attorney goes after the highest amount of compensation possible to help ensure that you are cared for well after the physical evidence of your injuries begin to fade away.

Preponderance of Evidence

The preponderance of evidence refers to how likely it is that the injured party’s damages (physical injury, material damages, emotional stress, etc.) are true. The “burden of proof” must apply to each individual aspect of the case. For the claimant to win their lawsuit, the jury or judge must decide at least 51% or higher in their favor on one or more of the aspects of the case. A qualified personal injury attorney must be able to gather enough evidence to prove the defendant’s liability, either in part or in full.

In most cases, the court will require physical proof over and above the plaintiff’s injuries before they will award any degree of damages. This can include:

  • Video or photographic evidence of the accident that shows the defendant was negligent
  • Medical records offer evidence that the injuries caused by the defendant or an agent of the defendant
  • Financial records that show incurred debt caused by medical expenses and loss of work
  • Eyewitness accounts of the accident that support the claims of the plaintiff

A reputable New Orleans personal injury attorney may have to do extensive amounts of research to uncover the necessary testimony. They may also subpoena videotapes and records from the defendant if not provided willingly.

An Affirmative Defense

If an affirmative defense is outlined by the defendant, the burden of proof then falls on their side. In some cases, both sides may be able to partially prove a portion of their case. When this happens, it is up to the judge or jury to find a middle ground where both parties can agree on what degree of damages one or the other should be liable for. Even with an affirmative defense, the plaintiff may still receive compensation, depending on the nature of the case and the extent of the defendant liability.

The Duty of Care

Negligence is often considered to be the main basis for many personal injury claims. The duty of care implies that the defendant should have provided for the safety of the plaintiff to some degree, but failed, thus resulting in the claimed injuries:

  • The defendant violated or breached the duty of care because their actions, if any, were below expectations to keep the plaintiff safe and free from harm
  • The defendant was negligent to the point that their actions or lack thereof were directly responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries
  • The plaintiff’s injuries can only receive compensation by the defendant paying for the damages caused by the accident

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages can be difficult to prove. The judge will award punitive damages only if he believes the defendant’s actions truly altered the way the plaintiff lives their life and reacts to the world around them.

For a personal injury attorney to be effective they must:

  • Prove, beyond a doubt, that the defendant’s actions (or lack of) were the cause of the plaintiff’s injuries.
  • Adequately explain in great detail the plaintiff’s claim and how the defendant was to blame.
  • Link the actions and the injuries. In most cases, this explains why the injuries happened. Not only that, but what preventative steps the defendant should take in the heat of the moment.

Contact a New Orleans Personal Injury Attorney Today!

At Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys, our ultimate goal is to provide a sufficient burden of proof. The connection established by the burden of proof lays a solid foundation for a judge; thus allowing them to award compensation to pay for resulting injuries and damages. 

Hurt in an accident in Louisiana? Contact a New Orleans personal injury attorney at Mike Brandner Injury Attorneys. You can calls us 24/7 or use our convenient LiveChat on our website. We offer free consultations and no fees unless you win your case! Don’t wait. 

Recent Posts

24 Jan, 2024
Specializing In Motorcycle Accident Injury
09 Jan, 2024
Get legal answers when you need them most.
30 Oct, 2023
Multi-car pile-ups are devastating events which can result in significant property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. The aftermath of these wrecks yield complex legal issues which can overwhelm the parties involved. This blog post will detail the legal technicalities of these wrecks to shed light on what the following steps should look like after a multi-car pile-up. Determining liability is a pivotal aspect of handling legalities post-wreck. Though important, liability is not always straightforward, as multiple factors can contribute to the wreck. Some factors include but are not limited to: Negligence: It is possible for one or more drivers to be found negligent while driving. Negligence implies that a driver breached their duty of care and focus while driving. Common examples of negligence in multi-car pile-ups include speeding, distracted driving, or impaired driving. Multiple At-Fault Parties: In multi-car pile-ups, it is possible that multiple drivers are at fault. Comparative negligence laws can come into play, which may affect the distribution of financial responsibility among the involved parties. Dealing with insurance companies post-wreck can be stressful due to the intricacies of plans, laws, and limits. Here are some things to consider about insurance coverage after a multi-car pile-up. Insurance Limits: Each driver involved in the pile-up will have their own insurance policy, and the amount of coverage can vary from person to person. This can impact the ability to recover and rectify damages, especially if the at-fault driver’s policy has insufficient coverage. Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured, there is a clause in multiple insurance companies that still offers the injured parties financial protection. Injuries in multi-car pile-ups can range from minor to severe. Victims can pursue personal injury claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages. Here are some important points to consider: Medical Documentation: Gathering comprehensive medical records is a crucial step for securing substantial personal injury claims. These records establish the extent of the injuries and confirm their connection to the wreck. Statute of Limitations (known as “Prescription” in Louisiana): Different jurisdictions have different time limits regarding when personal injury claims must be filed. Missing the deadline can result in forfeiting the right to seek compensation. Collecting Evidence Collecting evidence is essential to support any legal claim arising from a multi-car pile-up. This evidence may include: a. Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can be invaluable in reconstructing the wreck and establishing liability. b. Wreck Reports: Police reports and official wreck documentation can provide a critical foundation for legal proceedings. c. Photographs and Videos: Visual evidence, such as photos and videos of the wreck scene and damaged vehicles, can help recreate the sequence of events. Dealing with the legal aftermath of multi-car pile-ups can be stressful, confusing, and challenging. Seeking legal representation is often advisable, as experienced attorneys can guide you through the legal process. An attorney could also negotiate with insurance companies and represent your interests in court, if necessary. Multi-car pile-ups are fraught with legal complexities, and understanding these issues is vital for anyone involved. From determining liability to navigating insurance coverage, pursuing personal injury claims, and collecting evidence, there are numerous aspects to consider. To protect your rights and interests, consider consulting with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal maze and work towards a fair resolution. If you need an attorney with extensive experience in multi-car wrecks, give us a call at (985) 345-1111 (Hammond Office) or (504) 345-1111 (Metairie Office).
By Faysal Tay 02 Oct, 2023
What To Do Near Me For Halloween
Share by: