PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
If you have lost a family member or suffered injuries as a result of another person’s negligence or misconduct, you could be legally entitled to compensation for your loss. To learn more about your right to damages, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney for straightforward solutions that will work for you.
Maximum Recovery For You and Your Family
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, personal injury attorneys at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger keep your best interests in mind. Contact us now.
We understand how hard it is to deal with a personal injury, on a physical, financial, social and familial level. We are committed to achieving the best possible compensation for you in a timely, responsive and caring manner.
Personal Injury – An Overview
Personal injury lawsuits are filed by people (or their representatives) injured due to the negligence of someone else. The injury may be either physical or emotional, and it can arise from a variety of sources or types of conduct. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases include slip and fall, automobile accidents, assaults and battery, medical malpractice, and product liability. In general, the goal of a personal injury action is to determine who was responsible and to compel the responsible party to compensate the injured person for the losses sustained. If you or someone you know has been injured by the careless actions of another, contact a personal injury attorney at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger in Baton Rouge, LA, at once to find out how we can help you preserve your rights.
We’re here to help – when your life changes in an instant
If you follow the news, you probably heard the story of a truck driver who was driving for too long and feel asleep at the wheel, causing a fatal crash. 18-wheelers and transportation trucks are moving projectiles. Being the victim of or losing someone to a truck accident can be a very painful experience.
At the law firm of Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger, we understand the complexities of truck accidents better than anyone. That is why we want stand by the side of victims of truck accidents to help support victims through the aftermath.
According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, thousands of motorists are killed each year by large trucks, which weigh more than 10,000 pounds. This includes 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and semis.
Some of the most common causes of trucking accidents are:
* Tire failure,
* Speeding,
* Sleepy drivers,
* Fatigue caused by strenuous schedules imposed by trucking companies,
* Brake failure and brake overheating,
* Faulty mechanical components,
* Poor safety and road-worthiness tests performed on the trucks.
Despite the fact that stricter regulations have been imposed on truck drivers, too many people are still victims of truck accidents. In fact, some of them are fatal. Make no mistake…most trucking companies and their insurers will have a legal team involved in the investigation, and their primary goal is to limit the amount of money the victims receive.Our attorneys at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger understand the harsh realities of truck accidents, especially the legal challenges that come along with truck accidents, and we want to help protect you from the teams of lawyers that the trucking companies will no doubt bring out in force after your accident. You and your loved ones should not have to face this fight alone
We will walk you through the process with the goal of 100% satisfaction and helping you come out on the other side as whole as possible. We will take the time to sit down with you to examine the facts of your case. We will do so in an objective, supportive manner, as we understand the uncertain situation of being the victim or losing someone to a truck accident. We will work hard to come up with a plan of action that helps you protect your rights and receive the compensation you deserve. This includes, but is not limited to, lost wages, rehabilitation cost, the cost of pain and suffering, and communicating with insurance companies, police departments, trucking companies, and other parties involved. We will help with all the paperwork, and our team will focus on not just a settlement but on getting you the justice you deserve. Our comprehensive services will ensure that you are able to feel a sense of closure that will help you move forward with your life after your truck accident.
We will be at your side from the very beginning to protect your rights, and help you recover compensation for losses you may suffer, such as:
Immediate Action in Serving Victims of Truck Accident Cases
If the person injured or killed in a truck or 18 wheeler accident was the major provider for the family, we will immediately meet with you at the hospital or any other location convenient for you, so that we can provide you with necessary life expenses such as food and shelter.
Our Approach to Serving Victims of Truck Accidents
Our legal team will first examine all the facts of the case, and then share them with you to make sure you know your interests are well-protected.
We will also make sure the insurance companies are fully aware of the extent of your injuries, clearly outlining how the accident has impacted the lives of you and your loved ones.
We want to remind these companies they are dealing with human beings who are experiencing a real tragedy, and who deserve due compensation without unreasonable delays or insulting lowball settlement offers.
If you or a member of your family have been a victim of a serious truck or 18 wheeler accident, contact us to schedule a consultation today. We will charge you nothing unless you win.
Go to manassehandgill.com or call 225-927-1234.
Also, if you would like additional information about 18 Wheeler Accidents, feel free to read the articles linked below.
What Are The Common Causes of Truck Driver Accidents?
When A Commercial Carrier Is At Fault.
Important Trucking Regulations.
Also, we know that there are issues whenever you are involved in a car wreck regardless of the size of the other car. Here are some articles dealing with insurance coverage and proving a claim in court that you may want to read.
What Is Negligence?
What Happens If I Am Partly At Fault?
What Happens If I Have Filed A Previous Lawsuit?
When someone has been injured in an accident, there are long-term and possibly permanent effects that are often not readily apparent.
This is especially true in injuries such as:
Often victims will not seek legal representation, saying “It wasn’t a big deal”, “I’m just sore, it will heal on its own”, or “a lawyer will just try to convince me to sue.”
But the reality is an injury could permanently affect your health and career, and if someone is responsible for your injuries, then it is extremely important for these victims to find an experienced attorney – and as soon as possible.
For over twenty years, Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger has served the legal needs of accident victims in Louisiana.
As a small firm, we are better able to get to know you personally. But despite our size, we have a reputation for being tough trial lawyers, knowledgeable in insurance law, and effective at getting things done.
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, do not speak to any insurance adjuster, or sign any papers until you consult with a qualified, experienced attorney.
Schedule a consultation online at mgklawyers.com or call 225-927-1234 today.
According to Louisiana Crash Data Reports, there were 115,670 car accidents involving moving vehicles in Louisiana in 2022. According to the same study, in East Baton Rouge in 2022, there were 19,122 car accidents. Here at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger we are dedicated to helping those who have been in a car accident in East Baton Rouge Parish and surrounding areas, such as East Ascension Prairieville, Gonzales, Sorrento, Donaldsonville, Burnside and St. Amant, with our professional and thorough approach to the law.
Being in a car accident can be a major life stress. There are so many issues with a car accident that must be resolved. From communicating with the police and gathering reports to communicating with the insurance companies, examining benefits, and taking the next step, it is a complex challenge to work through after an auto accident. Because car accidents are events we do not plan on or see coming, being the victim of one can throw us out of balance, leaving us unable to handle what needs to be done after the car accident. That is why the attorneys at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger are here to support you in your time of need. We understand that accidents happen and that there are a lot of pieces to sort trough after the car accident. Our highly qualified team is here to be your anchor during this time of need.
We will be with you from the very beginning through to the end, no matter how long it takes. We will sit down with you to make sure you understand the facts of your case, and we will answer all questions until you are completely satisfied. We will go over every detail of your car accident with you from an objective perspective, including where in Ascension Parish and the surrounding areas it occurred, what mitigating factors existed, and what the potential legal ramifications are. In addition, we will help communicate with
the insurance companies, police department, and any other entities to help take that burden off of you so that you can focus on healing.
In addition to helping explain the facts of your case and communicating on your behalf, we will provide the other critical legal services you may require as a result of your car accident. They include, but are not limited to, recovering compensation, such as lost wages, medical expenses, rehabilitation services, and the cost of pain and suffering. At Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger, we not only want to see your legal needs taken care of, but we also want to help you heal to the fullest possible degree. Our goal is your 100% satisfaction and to help make the process as smooth and simple as possible. We want to help you heal, not add to your stress.
To schedule a consultation, go online to mgklawyers.com or call our Baton Rouge offices at 225-927-1234.
Here are some helpful articles about possible insurance coverage and what type of compensation may be available for you.
Experienced Representation in Serious Maritime Accident and Injury Cases
Maritime offshore accidents can range from a slip and fall to a traumatic brain injury, and any one of them could result in a life-long physically challenging disability.
For many of these victims, that could mean retraining, surgeries, and physical rehabilitation.
Laws governing maritime or offshore accidents are different from most land-based laws governing personal injury or workers’ compensation, which makes it vitally important to have an attorney experienced in maritime accident and injury law.
At Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger, our attorneys have substantial experience representing the rights and interests of injured seamen and land-based maritime workers who are seeking maintenance and cure or other compensation and disability benefits in:
Our thorough understanding of maritime accident and injury cases enables us to fight for the full financial compensation and medical benefits you deserve and need to recover from a work-related injury, including financial settlements for pain and suffering, when appropriate.
Former Admiralty Defense Lawyer Uses His Knowledge to Help You
Our maritime and offshore accidents lawyer, André Bélanger uses his experience as an admiralty defense attorney to create a powerful case on your behalf. He and his team know the terminology and processes underwriters can employ to minimize your case and recovery, and how to advance your claim forcefully and with dispatch.
You are entitled to medical care for your injury, and you do not need to use your company doctor. Even if you work on a fixed platform and do not qualify as a Jones Act case, we can help you file a claim and seek compensation.
If you have been injured on the job in the Gulf of Mexico, on the Mississippi River or any of Louisiana’s other rivers, lakes, bayous or waterways, schedule a consultation today. Online at mgklawyers.com or 225-927-1234.
Baton Rouge Military Administration Representation Attorney
Fearless, Focused and Effective Military Administrative Representation
When a soldier, sailor, airman or Marine is injured or falls ill, they have the right under military law to hire an independent civilian military law attorney.
At Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger, we offer sound legal advice and experienced representation in physical evaluation board (PEB) and medical evaluation board (MEB) hearings.
Our goal is to ensure you receive the respect, full medical care and financial benefit you deserve for your injuries.
Former Military Lawyer in Baton Rouge
W. Robert Gill served as a Judge Advocate General (JAG) in a leadership position for the United States Military in California and Hawaii. During that time, he handled hundreds of cases for soldiers in the military.
If any military personnel, or for those soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, W. Robert Gill and his team can provide the sound legal representation you require.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you are seeking placement on the temporary disabled retirement list (TDRL) after a traumatic injury, or appropriate medical and psychiatric care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the skilled team will be at your side.
To schedule your consultation, contact us online at mgklawyers.com or call 225-927-1234. to discuss your rights and legal options in a consultation with an independent and knowledgeable military administrative representation attorney.
When a loved one has died in a motorcycle, boating, ATV or other recreational vehicle accident due to negligence, families need sound legal advice and representation to hold the responsible party accountable to the full extent of the law.
At Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger, we have a successful track record throughout Louisiana for helping families and victims of serious ATV injury or wrongful death.
We possess the required skill, flexibility and keen understanding as to when to employ aggressive tactics, and when to take a more strained approach.
You Have a Right to Seek Monetary Compensation
While insurers routinely fight to award only the most minimal of payments, the law provides for people who have suffered serious injuries caused by another’s negligence to seek recovery of monies for medical costs, surgery and other related expenses.
We believe you need sound legal representation so you can focus your efforts on healing, and receive justice under the law. Our experienced trial lawyers know how to identify key facts related to an injury, and how to aggressively pursue compensation from those parties who are legally responsible to pay it.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered injury or loss in an accident, you need to learn more about your rights and legal options for obtaining fair compensation.
To schedule a consultation, contact us online at mgklawyers.com or call 225-927-1234 today.
Personal injury lawyers can help ensure that their clients receive the damages to which they are entitled by law. Some of the items for which injured parties are legally entitled to compensation include lost wages, past and future medical expenses, damages for both physical and emotional pain and suffering, and damages for disfigurement. Sometimes, a close family member of the injured person, such as his or her spouse, may also be entitled to damages. This award is often referred to as loss of consortium damages, which is intended to compensate the loved one for the loss of the injured or deceased person’s services and companionship.
“Legal causation” of personal injuries
Not every injured plaintiff is entitled to recover damages for the injury he or she sustains. Besides the injury, the plaintiff must also establish, through credible and relevant evidence, that the defendant is legally responsible for his or her injuries.
In some personal injury actions, legal causation may be established if the plaintiff can show that the defendant engaged in intentional conduct. This means that the wrongdoer intentionally or purposefully harmed the plaintiff or knew that the conduct in which he or she engaged gave rise to a substantial likelihood that harm would result.
Negligence and strict liability
Other personal injury actions are based on a looser concept of fault called negligence. Under the negligence theory, a defendant is held liable for the results of action, or inaction, when an ordinary person in the same position should have foreseen that the conduct would create an unreasonable risk of harm to others. Still other types of personal injury actions are based on strict liability, which is a no-fault system under which liability may be established regardless of the fault of the various parties, including the injured party. Strict liability may be applied in products liability cases, such as when a manufacturer or seller of a defective product puts that product into the hands of consumers and users of the product are injured.
The defendant can be held liable for actions taken or for actions not taken. A driver who fails to stop at a red light and hits another vehicle and injures the other driver or passengers is liable based on her negligent acts. A property owner who fails to clear the ice and snow from the front steps of a business open to the public may be liable for his inaction if a patron falls and breaks her leg when attempting to enter the premises.
Defenses to liability in personal injury cases
In some situations, the defendant’s conduct, while questionable, may not give rise to damages. If, for instance, a plaintiff knowingly and willfully chooses to encounter a known hazard, then the law provides that he or she has assumed the risk of injury and therefore the defendant should not be liable. The assumption of the risk theory may apply also in a case in which the plaintiff engaged in a friendly game of tackle football and another player broke his arm; in such a case, the plaintiff may be unable to recover for his injuries because he knew of the risks inherent in the game and willingly chose to encounter them.
The following are possible defenses to personal injury claims.
A personal injury lawyer can explain these and other defenses and determine whether they apply to a particular case.
Contact a personal injury lawyer
Personal injury actions often require a lawyer’s careful examination of the surrounding facts and circumstances to determine whether the defendant is legally responsible for the plaintiff’s injuries. A personal injury attorney at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger in Baton Rouge, LA, can look at the facts of your case and determine whether you have a legally valid claim, how soon you must act to preserve your rights, the damages to which you may be entitled and whether you may be entitled to some type of financial benefits before your lawsuit is even resolved. Additionally, in many personal injury cases, you owe no legal fees unless and until the defendant pays the damage award.
If you are reading this page, you are likely hurting very badly. Here are some articles we’ve written on our blog that you may find useful.
How Do You Treat A Back Injury?
What Is Whiplash?
What Are The Common Surgical Procedures For A Back Injury?
What Is A Soft Tissue Injury?
What Is A Vocational Rehabilitation Expert?
In our practice, we find our clients asking the same questions when it comes to proving their claims in court. Here are some articles that you may want to read before meeting with us.
What If I Am Partially At Fault?
What If I Have Been In A Prior Accident?
What If There Isn’t Any Noticeable Damage To My Car?
What If Am Hurt But Have No Broken Bones?
We also realize that the big picture issue is whether or not you will be paid for your injuries. This often raises a host of questions. Here are some articles addressing common coverage concerns.
What If My Damages Are Greater Than Their Insurance Policy?
What If The Other Party Is Not Insured?
Do I Need To Speak To Their Adjuster?
What Is UM Coverage?
Premises liability law involves the legal responsibilities of property owners and occupiers to prevent injuries to persons on their property. One of the most common causes of such injuries is a trip or slip and fall, such as on an icy sidewalk, a loose or uneven stair tread, or a piece of debris or spilled liquid on the floor. Property owner liability varies depending on the rules and principles adopted in the jurisdiction where the injury occurred.
An experienced personal injury lawyer at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger in Baton Rouge, LA, can evaluate the strength of your premises liability claim and help you recover damages for lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering.
Premises liability: general principles
Some states’ premises liability laws focus on the status of the visitor to the property. In such states, the injured person is generally defined as either an invitee, a licensee or a trespasser.
In states where consideration is given to the condition of the property and the activities of the owner and visitor, a uniform standard of care is applied to both invitees and licensees. This uniform standard requires the exercise of reasonable care for the safety of visitors other than trespassers. To satisfy the reasonableness standard owed to invitees and licensees, an owner has a continuing duty to inspect the property to identify dangerous conditions and either repair them or post warnings as appropriate.
Proving owners’ liability in premises liability cases
In proving a premises liability case, an injured person must show that the standard of reasonableness required by an owner has not been met. Perhaps the most difficult element an injured person must prove is the owner’s knowledge of the condition causing his or her injury. The injured person must prove that the owner knew or should have known the condition in order for liability to attach, which is often quite difficult to establish.
Defenses to liability in premises liability cases
One of the commonly applied theories to limit an injured person’s recovery is comparative or contributory fault. A visitor has a duty, in most cases, to exercise reasonable care for his or her own safety, and when that degree of care is not exercised, an injured person’s recovery may be limited or reduced by an amount attributable to his or her own negligence.
In the cases where a person’s injuries are the result of slipping on an icy sidewalk in front of a business or on a grape, lettuce leaf, banana peel or other food item that has fallen on a grocery store floor, the property owner may or may not be liable for the person’s injuries. Although property owners have a duty to exercise reasonable care to maintain the premises in such a way to prevent injuries to lawful visitors, if a condition of the premises is noticed by a customer or other visitor or should be readily apparent, the property owner may avoid liability because the injured person has also a duty to protect himself or herself against the injury.
The property owner may also avoid liability by establishing that the debris had so recently fallen on the floor or that the ice had so recently accumulated that the responsible persons had no reasonable opportunity to correct the condition and avoid the hazard before the plaintiff fell. In other words, the plaintiff in a slip and fall case, whether it occurs in a grocery store or elsewhere, must show that the owner had a reasonable period of time in which to discover the dangerous condition and in which to remedy it. The determination of what constitutes a reasonable time will vary from case to case.
Contact a personal injury lawyer
Even common accidents such as slips and falls can present complex legal issues and complicated questions of both fact and law. Accordingly, if you have been injured in a premises-related accident, an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger in Baton Rouge, LA, can advise you on your rights and work with you to pursue a favorable outcome.
The Center for Disease Control reports that every year, 1.5 million people suffer from some form of brain injury due to an accident, resulting in:
These kinds of injuries are costly to treat, can devastate families and often leave the victim with permanent, life-altering disabilities.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to the negligent or wrongful acts of another, it is vital you seek the knowledgeable legal guidance and experienced representation of a personal injury attorney.
At Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger, we understand the challenges faced by the survivors and their families, and are dedicated to helping those who have been injured obtain maximum recovery.
We have over twenty years experience in personal injury cases, and can help you take immediate and decisive action to ensure you receive the full and fair financial compensation you deserve, which includes:
We are powerful advocates for victims and their recovery after a Traumatic Brain Injury.
To schedule your consultation, learn about your rights and legal options, and receive an evaluation of your personal injury case, contact us today – online at mgklawyers.com or by calling 225-927-1234.
In general, a wrongful death claim is one in which it is alleged that a person died as a result of another’s negligence. The deceased person’s surviving relatives, dependents or beneficiaries may bring suit against the responsible party or parties, seeking monetary damages for their losses. Each state has its own wrongful death laws and not every state follows the same guidelines, principles or rules.
A personal injury attorney from Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger in Baton Rouge, LA, can advise you on whether you have a valid wrongful death claim and help you pursue that claim against the responsible party or parties.
Wrongful death laws vary from state to state
Some states have “true” wrongful death acts in which the deceased person’s survivors or next of kin are entitled to bring a cause of action for their damages resulting from their family member’s death. Other states have acts that are more properly called “survival actions.” In general, survival actions are brought on behalf of the deceased person for the deceased person’s pain, suffering and other damages resulting from the injuries that caused his or her death.
The individuals who are entitled to bring a wrongful death claim also depends on the jurisdiction. Generally, the primary beneficiaries of the person who has died (often the spouse and children) are able to bring a claim, and in some states the parents of the deceased person may be also designated as beneficiaries. In most states, if the deceased person did not leave behind a husband or wife, children or parents, there may be no one who may bring a wrongful death claim.
In many jurisdictions, it is not necessary that the defendant’s conduct be the sole cause of death. Even when the defendant’s negligence contributes only in part or in tandem with other circumstances to a person’s death, liability may still attach.
Wrongful death damages
Types of damages. When a defendant is found legally liable for the death of another, the types of damages that may be recovered can also vary greatly. For example, the plaintiffs in a wrongful death case may be able to recover the deceased person’s medical expenses; funeral and burial expenses; lost earnings; and lost benefits (such as pension benefits or medical and health insurance coverage). Additionally, in a few states, the plaintiffs may be able to recover damages for pain and suffering or mental anguish that they experienced as a result of the death as well as punitive damages.
Calculating damages. The method and manner of calculating damages in a wrongful death action can be complicated. This potential complexity is especially true when trying to calculate the monetary loss to which the plaintiffs are entitled. Monetary loss, sometimes called pecuniary loss, generally includes the survivor’s lost support, contributions and services of the deceased person. The computations for these damages are typically based on the deceased person’s life expectancy and work life expectancy as well as the life expectancies of the beneficiaries and, where necessary, the remaining period of minority of any beneficiaries.
Multiple beneficiaries. In cases where there is more than one beneficiary, the damages will be distributed among those beneficiaries. Most states allocate the damages among the beneficiaries in accordance with their losses. However, in some states the recovery is divided as spelled out in its wrongful death or intestacy laws.
Defenses to liability in wrongful death cases
In general, a defendant is entitled to raise any defenses in a wrongful death action that could have been raised in an action brought directly by the decedent, had he or she not died. Therefore, if the decedent was contributorily negligent in causing his or her own death, the defendant may assert that defense in the wrongful death action. Also, in most states, if the decedent had already recovered damages, such as in a case where the death was not immediate and the decedent was able to bring his own successful personal injury claim, the survivors may not then successfully bring a wrongful death action and recover for the same injury. There are limitations to this prohibition, and in some situations the survivors may still be entitled to bring a wrongful death action in their names.
Contact a personal injury lawyer
When a loved one dies, the complexities of a legal claim against the wrongdoer can be overwhelming. At this already stressful and emotion-laden time, the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney at Manasseh, Gill, Knipe & Bélanger in Baton Rouge, LA, who can guide surviving family members through the complex legal maze and help secure compensation for their devastating losses, can be invaluable.