Personal Injury Attorneys in Louisiana

When an unexpected injury upends your life, you aren’t just facing physical recovery—you are entering a legal arena that has been fundamentally reshaped. Following Louisiana’s landmark legislative overhaul in 2024, the path to justice is now paved with stricter deadlines and higher evidentiary hurdles. Most notably, the statutory extension to a two-year prescriptive period has changed the timeline for filing suit, while the removal of the ‘Housley’ causation shortcut means that ‘common sense’ no longer wins cases. In 2026, you must present a sophisticated, medical-based nexus to prove your injuries were the direct result of an accident.

Jeffrey Berniard provides the high-caliber advocacy required to navigate this transformed civil landscape. With nearly a decade and a half of consecutive recognition as a Louisiana Super Lawyer, Jeff brings a level of sustained excellence that few in the region can match. His AV Preeminent® designation—the gold standard of peer review—confirms a career built on ethical integrity and legal mastery. At the Berniard Law Firm, we specialize in overcoming the technical defenses that insurance companies now use to devalue claims, ensuring that your right to full compensation is protected under the newest standards of Louisiana law.

We Turn Your Pain Into Justice

When you are injured due to someone else’s negligence, your life changes in an instant. Physical pain, mounting medical bills, and the inability to work can leave you feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable.

At the Berniard Law Firm, we have more than a decade of experience standing between our clients and the insurance companies that try to underpay them. We don’t just file lawsuits; we rebuild lives.

Jeff Berniard and his team help plaintiffs across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast recover the financial stability they lost. Whether you were hurt in a car crash, a workplace accident, or by a defective product, our job is to safeguard you from being victimized twice—first by the accident, and then by the legal system.

What is a Personal Injury Claim?

A personal injury claim arises when a person is harmed—physically or psychologically—by the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, company, or government entity.

Once liability is proven, the responsible party must pay compensatory damages. The goal of these damages is to return you, as closely as possible, to the position you were in before the accident.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

We fight to ensure every single loss is calculated and paid for. In Louisiana, you may be entitled to recover:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for all past, present, and future medical bills related to the injury.
• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for missed work and loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the trauma.
• Incidental Costs: Reimbursement for home care, medical devices (crutches, wheelchairs), and mileage for travel to doctor’s appointments.
• Punitive Damages: In rare cases where the defendant acted with malice or intent, the court may award extra damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Cases We Handle

We are a full-service litigation firm. With deep roots in New Orleans, Jeffrey Berniard understands how state laws apply to every type of accident. We handle claims involving:

 

Car Accidents

 

Trucking Accidents

 

Motorcycle Accidents

 

Animal & Dog Bites

 

Admiralty & Martime Claims

 

Asbestos & Mesothelioma

 

Bike Accidents

 

Brain Injury

 

Burn Injuries

 

Boating Accidents

 

Construction Accidents

 

Injuries to Children

 

Medical Malpractice

 

Nursing Home Abuse & Negligence

 

Pedestrian Accidents

 

Premise Liability

 

Slip & Fall Accidents

 

Products Liability

 

Wrongful Death

 

Workers Compensation

Why Choose Berniard Law Firm?

An attorney’s reputation negotiating with insurance companies is vital to your success. Jeffrey Berniard holds a highly regarded rapport with major insurers and local experts.

We know that your main priority is getting your medical bills paid and keeping your family financially stable. We handle the paperwork, the adjusters, and the legal battles so you can focus on one thing: getting better.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a personal injury lawyer cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay $0 upfront. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict we win for you. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Louisiana?

Louisiana has a very strict deadline called the “prescriptive period.” Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. But in some cases it can be one year. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever.

What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Do not sign anything until you speak to a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often offer a low “quick settlement” before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you settle, you cannot ask for more money later.