Injured in a Louisiana hurricane? Here are your options

If you’re injured in a hurricane in Louisiana, it’s important to get to safety and seek immediate medical attention. An open cut or wound carries a serious risk of infection, especially if it comes in contact with contaminated floodwaters. Listen for announcements to indicate where injured people in your area can go, if the way to your usual hospital or urgent care is blocked.

In Louisiana, hurricanes are so common that property owners and businesses are expected to take reasonable precautions. When they fail to do so and someone is injured, that negligence may give rise to a personal injury claim. Our Lake Charles personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options following an injury you sustained in a hurricane or its aftermath.

How can you avoid injury during a hurricane in Louisiana?

Many hurricane-related injuries are preventable with the right precautions. Here are steps to reduce your risk:

• Avoid floodwaters and debris. Floodwater may contain sharp objects, sewage, or electrical hazards. Wear protective clothing and stay out of standing water if possible.
• Use generators safely. Keep portable generators outdoors and away from windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a common cause of storm-related injury.
• Watch for structural hazards. Loose roofing, falling branches, broken glass, and unstable staircases are major injury risks during and after the storm. Avoid areas with visible damage.

If you are injured during a hurricane due to unsafe property conditions or someone else’s actions, a personal injury attorney in Lake Charles can explain your legal options.

What government aid is available for hurricane victims?

If a federal disaster declaration has been made, you may be eligible for both state and federal assistance:

• FEMA disaster assistance: You can register for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362. This can cover underinsured and uninsured losses, including temporary lodging if your home is inaccessible and medical care.
• Louisiana 211: Statewide network for available disaster resources, including food assistance, temporary housing, and other resources.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA offers low-interest loans to renters, homeowners, and business owners. Even if you’re not a business owner, you may be eligible for a loan to help cover your losses.

If you suffered an injury during the storm, these programs can help cover immediate costs, but they don’t replace your right to pursue compensation through a hurricane injury claim.

How to pursue compensation from the responsible party

Be sure to document everything regarding your injury, including keeping all medical records associated with the injury. Take photos or a video of the accident scene if you’re able to. Save all receipts from medical care and any other expenses you incurred as a result of the injury. This can help you decide whether to file an insurance claim or plan to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your injuries.

There are a few legal options that may apply in your case:

• Premises liability claim against a property owner: If you were injured on someone else’s property, you may have a premises liability claim against the property owner if your injuries were due to their negligence. For example, if a business owner failed to secure an awning, which then fell and struck you, you may have grounds for a negligence suit against the owner.
• Filing suit against a contractor or clean-up agency: If you were injured by the actions of a private contractor or clean-up agency, such as being hurt due to a malfunctioning generator or from unsafe clean-up or repair procedures.
• Filing suit against a government agency: If a government entity’s negligence contributed to your injuries, then you may be able to file a suit against it. Keep in mind that you may have to contend with sovereign immunity laws, which restrict the grounds under which a government agency can be sued.

Louisiana law now gives most personal injury victims two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, so it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How a personal injury lawyer can help you after a hurricane injury

An experienced hurricane evacuation lawyer can be a key part of your recovery after an injury. They can review what happened and help you take the right steps to move forward. If you have a case against a property owner, contractor, business, or government agency, your attorney will handle the legal work and make sure everything is done the right way. They understand the laws in Louisiana and know what it takes to build a strong claim.

Have you been hurt during a hurricane or sustained an injury due to unsafe conditions in the aftermath? We want to hear your story. Call The Johnson Firm today at (337) 433-1414  for a free consultation.