By: Scotty Edward Chabert Jr.
The ripple effects of an injury can be devastating, causing you to lose your source of income when you need it most. Between medical bills and everyday living expenses, waiting on your personal injury claim to settle can be stressful.
Whether you’re grappling with the impact of a serious workplace or car accident, Saunders and Chabert believe the burden of the accident shouldn’t be on you. If you find yourself in financial constraint in the aftermath of such an occasion, it’s crucial to know options available for you. Our team at Saunders and Chabert can help, from financial assistance to navigating the complicated web of the legal system on your behalf.
What Saunders & Chabert Offers That Other Firms Are Not.
After an injury, it’s essential to choose a lawyer that promotes your best interest. Here at Saunders & Chabert, we understand how devastating injuries can be, potentially leaving you without a source of income as you heal and recover.
We offer advances for basic necessities to help you navigate and adapt to the complexities of life after a devastating injury. While we must work within specific parameters due to rules regarding this topic, we can offer financial assistance for several things, including court costs, litigation expenses, food, shelter, and utilities.
Here are the rules we work within:
a) A lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client or knowingly acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client unless:
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(e) A lawyer shall not provide financial assistance to a client in connection with pending or contemplated litigation, except as follows.
(1) A lawyer may advance court costs and expenses of litigation, the repayment of which may be contingent on the outcome of the matter, provided that the expenses were reasonably incurred. Court costs and expenses of litigation include, but are not necessarily limited to, filing fees; deposition costs; expert witness fees; transcript costs; witness fees; copy costs; photographic, electronic, or digital evidence production; investigation fees; related travel expenses; litigation related medical expenses; and any other case-specific expenses directly related to the representation undertaken, including those set out in Rule 1.8(e)(3).
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(4) In addition to costs of court and expenses of litigation, a lawyer may provide financial assistance to a client who is in necessitous circumstances, subject, however to the following restrictions.
(i) Upon reasonable inquiry, the lawyer must determine that the client’s necessitous circumstances, without minimal financial assistance, would adversely affect the client’s ability to initiate and/or maintain the cause for which the lawyer’s services were engaged.
(ii) The advance or loan guarantee, or the offer thereof, shall not be used as an inducement by the lawyer, or anyone acting on the lawyer’s behalf, to secure employment.
(iii) Neither the lawyer nor anyone acting on the lawyer’s behalf may offer to make advances or loan guarantees prior to being hired by a client, and the lawyer shall not publicize nor advertise a willingness to make advances or loan guarantees to clients.
(iv) Financial assistance under this rule may provide but shall not exceed that minimum sum necessary to meet the client’s, the client’s spouse’s, and/or dependents’ documented obligations for food, shelter, utilities, insurance, non-litigation related medical care and treatment, transportation expenses, education, or other documented expenses necessary for subsistence.
Do The Laws In Louisiana Differ From Other States On This?
While state laws often differ on specific topics, the laws surrounding client-lawyer relationships are the same across the board. Rule 1.8 Conflict of Interest outlines the same requirements and exemptions for client-lawyer relationships at firms throughout the United States.
Contact Saunders & Chabert For Assistance With Your Injury Case Today
Navigating a devastating injury’s life-changing aftermath is complicated enough without the added stress of financial trouble. At Saunders & Chabert, we understand how difficult it is to weather these changes. We strive to provide exceptional assistance as you navigate this challenging time in your life, offering tailored legal guidance and financial aid.
Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys is here to help. To get started with a free consultation today, fill out our contact form or call us at (225) 771-8100.