Legal Question in Personal Injury in Louisiana

Innocent victim in Auto Accident

A very close friend was passenger in a car broadsided by a speeding van. She was taken to hospital by ambulance where she was checked over and released. Unfortunately, her brain started swelling on the way home and she was admitted to another hospital near home. She was there for 5 days. Her blood pressure went very high, also. She has permanent nerve damage in her face (looks like she had a small stroke)(she's in her early thirties). She has problems with short term memory and has lost a lot of work. Has applied for food stamps. Has no money. Has one child and husband who is unemployed for medical reasons currently. What action can she take to get some kind of assistance or an attorney to take this case?


Asked on 1/16/01, 8:05 pm

5 Answers from Attorneys

Keith Cable Schwartz, Zweben & Associates

Re: Innocent victim in Auto Accident

I'd like to speak with your friend. She can either call me at 916-441-2430 and leave her number (I'll pay for the call) or she can e-mail me at [email protected].

Keith D. Cable, Esq.

Read more
Answered on 2/12/01, 5:12 pm
Jeffrey Zinder Zinder & Koch

Re: Innocent victim in Auto Accident

I am very sorry for your friend. She may have an action against not only those involved in the accident but also the hospital. I have extensive exerience in these types of cases, those involving closed head trauma. If you would like more information please contact me by phone at 818-760-0100. Be aware that she must file her lawsuit within 1 year, and possibly as short as within 6 months if the hospital or the other driver are government agencies.

Read more
Answered on 2/12/01, 5:43 pm
Randall Scarlett Scarlett Law Group

Re: Innocent victim in Auto Accident

Every 30 seconds an individual in the United States sustains a traumatic brain injury. Your friend needs legal help. We help survivors with all aspects of their injury, from legal proceedings to support groups. 1-800-262-7576. Please be aware that actions in California must be instituted within one year from wrongdoing. Where public entities are involved, there is a six month claims period.

Read more
Answered on 2/12/01, 6:50 pm
John A. Giffen Law Offices of John A. Giffen

Re: Innocent victim in Auto Accident

Your friend needs to contact an attorney right away. Almost all Injury attorney's will take her case on a contingecy basis. No settlement no fee. She needs to act quickly because that type of case is very complex because of the type of injury. It is important for the attorney to investigate the facts and preserve evidence and testimony. You didnt state whether your friend had insurance. If she did they may be able to help her with her medical bills. She may also have other sources to go to for help. If she didnt have insurance she cannot make a claim for pain and suffering against the other driver but can recover medical and other out of pocket expenses. She may also have a medical malpractise claim against the hospital for not catching the brain damage. Please have her call someone that emphasizes medical malpractise and personal injury. She may call me and I will refer her to a good attorney in her area. 1 800 955 9504. No charge for a consultation and referral.

John A. Giffen

Read more
Answered on 2/12/01, 7:19 pm
John Hayes The John Hayes Law Offices

Re: Innocent victim in Auto Accident

Your question does not specify which state the accident occurred in. If the accident occurred in California your friend is entitled to compensation for her medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. I would be happy to speak with her free of charge regarding the accident and how she can go about getting adequate compensation. If this accident occurred in another state she should contact the State Bar Association and request a referral to an attorney who handles auto accidents in her area. I hope everything works out. If she needs help here in California she can email me at [email protected] or call toll free at 877-546-9918.

My wife was just in a major car accident so I know what it is like to deal with someone in the hospital and unable to work. I wish her the best of luck.

Sincerely,

John Hayes, Esq.

Read more
Answered on 2/26/01, 4:10 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Louisiana