Author: Scotty Edward Chabert Jr.
The Saunders & Chabert team is proud to have personal injury lawyers with expertise in Mississippi and Louisiana law. As a result, our team is there for you if you have a personal injury claim in either state.
Here’s a quick look at why you need a team with lawyers in both states and how it can lead to better results. For specifics about your case, contact local personal injury lawyers.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer Licensed in Mississippi & Louisiana
If you live in southeast or northeast Louisiana, you need a legal team with expertise in Louisiana and Mississippi. Many people in the region work in Mississippi or visit the Gulf Coast area of Mississippi.
Personal injury cases usually are filed in the state where the accident happened. For example, if you are in an accident in Mississippi, you’ll file your case in Mississippi courts and follow Mississippi laws.
Each state has unique laws, procedures, and requirements for bringing personal injury cases. If you file a case in Mississippi, you need a lawyer who knows Mississippi laws.
Saunders & Chabert is fortunate to have a team experienced in Louisiana and Mississippi law. Scotty Chabert is licensed to practice law in Mississippi and is a member of the Mississippi State Bar. He has experience trying cases in Mississippi state and federal court. Scotty stays updated on any changes in the law or procedures. Perhaps most importantly, he knows how to navigate the Mississippi court system.
Having access to a lawyer licensed in Mississippi and Louisiana proves to be a huge asset for people in Southern Louisiana who regularly work, shop, and visit Mississippi. Whether you’re injured in Louisiana or Mississippi, our team is ready and able to represent you.
Differences in Louisiana & Mississippi Personal Injury Law
There are some notable differences between Mississippi and Louisiana personal injury laws and damages. Because of this, you should always seek to work with a lawyer who knows local laws.
Louisiana has one of the most unique legal systems in the country. It’s the only state with a legal system based on the Napoleonic Code rather than British common law. While common law plays a significant role in Louisiana law today, key elements from the Napoleonic code remain. Specifically, Louisiana judges can decide cases based on their interpretation of a law rather than being bound to legal precedent.
Plus, Louisiana has its own terminology, which can be confusing. For example, the term “prescription” is used for the statute of limitations.
While Mississippi laws aren’t as unique as Louisiana laws, your attorney still needs to be familiar with some personal injury laws. Perhaps most notable are tort reform laws. Mississippi’s 2004 tort reform changed many things about personal injury cases in the state. The laws cap non-economic damages at $500,000 for medical malpractice cases and $1,000,000 for other personal injury cases. The laws also require that trials occur in the county where the accident occurred. Further, they remove joint liability, which means that each defendant is only responsible for the damage they caused.
These are just a few of the differences in Mississippi and Louisiana law. Given the differences, you should always ensure that your lawyer is comfortable and experienced with local laws and procedures. This is vital for ensuring your rights are protected and you get the best result possible.
Personal Injury Lawyer Experienced in Mississippi Law
If you have been injured in an accident in Mississippi or Louisiana, contact the Saunders & Chabert team. We have lawyers licensed to practice law in both states and with a track record of success in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or visit our Baton Rouge office.