Louisville Personal Injury Lawyers
Have you been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless act? Under Kentucky law, you have the right to demand compensation for your losses.
Personal Injury Attorneys In Louisville
At Meagher Injury Lawyers, we help people throughout the Louisville region seek damages for their medical bills, lost income, and other out-of-pocket losses. We know how to obtain justice for victims and their families. Call our Louisville office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
Accident Attorneys Who Care
A personal injury lawsuit is a claim that arises when one person suffers some sort of injury or harm as the result of another person or legal entity’s actions. While some personal injury claims involve intentional or criminal acts, most cases involve accidents resulting from negligence. In legal terms, “negligence” requires proof of the following:
- The defendant–the person being sued–owed some legal duty of care to the person filing the lawsuit (the plaintiff);and
- The defendant violated that duty of care by some act or omission;
- The plaintiff suffered a loss or injury as a result of the defendant’s breach of the duty of care.
While this may sound complicated, it is actually quite simple to explain in practical terms in some factual scenarios. Say you are driving your car down the street. You proceed at a green light through an intersection. A distracted driver failed to notice the signal change and entered the intersection simultaneously with yours. Your vehicles collide, and you end up in the hospital.
In this scenario, the other driver owed a duty of care to obey the traffic laws and operate their vehicle in a reasonably safe manner. By running a red light–even if it was not intentional–they violated the duty of care. As a result, you incurred thousands of dollars in medical bills. You also incurred lost wages since you were forced to miss time off from work. You can therefore seek compensation for these and other kinds of damages through a personal injury claim.
Some Of Our Personal Injury Practice Areas
In addition to car accidents, some of the other kinds of personal injury cases we can assist you with include:
Car Accidents
A car accident can be a traumatic and life-altering event, leading to injuries, vehicle damage, and financial strain. At Meagher Injury Lawyers in Louisville, we understand the challenges that accident victims face. Our experienced team is committed to helping clients navigate the legal process and seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. We are dedicated to providing guidance and support throughout every step of your case, working to protect your rights and pursue a favorable outcome.
Dog Bites
Dog bites are among the most common injuries reported in Louisville emergency rooms. While you may not think a dog bite is that serious at first, it is easy for these kinds of wounds to become infected and cause serious long-term health complications. Under Kentucky law, a dog’s owner is strictly liable for any injuries caused by their animal. This means that a dog bite victim does not have to prove the owner had prior knowledge of their animal’s propensity to attack people.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcyclists often get a bad rap for being reckless and ignoring the rules of the road. In fact, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to accidents caused by other motorists who refuse to share the road with these smaller vehicles. If a motorcyclist is struck, they are far more likely to be killed or sustain permanent injuries than someone riding in a car or truck. If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence you may need to hire a Louisville accident attorney.
Slip And Fall Accidents
Any property owner who opens their premises to members of the public has a duty to keep their grounds in a reasonably safe condition or warn of any hazardous condition on the property. This means that if you are injured in a slip and fall accident at a store or other public building, the owner may be legally responsible for your damages.
Truck Accidents
Crashes involving commercial trucks are often far more devastating than normal car crashes. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer can easily cut a swath of destruction across I-71 or I-64. In many cases, negligence on the part of a truck driver or truck owner plays a critical role in causing such accidents.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a close family member due to someone else’s negligent or intentional conduct, you have the right to seek compensation by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Kentucky Law Affect Your Right to Compensation?
There are a number of Kentucky laws that govern how victims can seek compensation through a personal injury claim. Our experienced Louisville personal injury lawyer can guide you through this often complex process. Here are just a few things to keep in mind when it comes to bringing a personal injury lawsuit in Kentucky:
Statute of Limitations: Kentucky requires victims to bring a personal injury lawsuit within 1 year of the date of the accident or event that caused the injury.
No-Fault Insurance: If you drive a car or truck, your motor vehicle insurance policy includes up to $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Unless you reject such coverage, PIP provides “no-fault” benefits usually up to $10,000 in medical expenses and up to $200 per week for lost wages following an accident. In exchange for these benefits, however, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent driver unless the victim’s medical bills exceed $1,000 or involve a broken bone, permanent injury, disfigurement, or death.
Comparative Fault: Kentucky follows a “pure comparative negligence” rule in personal injury cases. This means that if you file a personal injury lawsuit, the defendant can try to shift the blame onto you. If a judge or jury agrees you were partly at fault, your share of any damages is reduced accordingly.
How Can Personal Injury Attorneys in Louisville Help You?
A sudden injury can leave you struggling not just to recover physically and emotionally, but also financially. If this describes your situation, it is in your best interest to speak with a skilled Louisville personal injury lawyer who can review your case and assist you in holding any negligent parties accountable. Contact Meagher Injury Lawyers today to schedule an initial consultation.
When should I hire a car accident lawyer?
It’s generally advisable to hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident, especially in cases involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or denied insurance claims. A Louisville personal injury lawyer can help you navigate complex legal processes and protect your rights.
How much does a personal injury lawyer cost in Louisville?
Most accident attorneys in Louisville work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case.
Typical contingency fee percentages range from 25% to 45% of the settlement or verdict amount. The most common contingency fee percentage is around 33.33% for cases settled before litigation and 40% for cases that go to trial.
What should I do immediately after an injury in Louisville?
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Your health and safety are your top priorities. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to seek medical care right away. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately but could worsen if untreated. Visit one of Louisville’s 24/7 emergency rooms, staffed with board-certified physicians and certified nurses.
Emergency care options include:
- UofL Health – Jewish Hospital: 502-587-4421
- UofL Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital: 502-361-6391
- Baptist Hospital East: 502-897-8100
- Norton Suburban Hospital: 502-629-8000
Document the Incident
If you’re able, document the scene of the injury:
- Take photos of the location and your injuries
- Collect contact details from any witnesses
- Write down your recollection of the events as soon as you can
Report the Incident
Depending on the situation, you may need to report your injury:
- For workplace injuries, inform your employer
- For car accidents, call the police (non-emergency: 502-574-2111)
- For injuries on someone else’s property, notify the property owner or manager
Follow Up with Specialists
After initial care, you may need further treatment from specialists. Louisville offers rehabilitation services, such as:
- Norton Healthcare for physical, occupational, and speech therapy
- Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic for physical therapy on musculoskeletal issues
Consider Legal Advice
If your injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, consulting a personal injury attorney may help you understand your rights and potential compensation.
Schedule Follow-Up Care
Don’t forget to book follow-up appointments as advised by your healthcare provider. For trauma-related follow-up, call the UofL Hospital Trauma Clinic at 502-588-4784 or 502-588-4785.
Do I need to go to court for a personal injury claim?
The vast majority of personal injury cases—around 95-96%—are settled out of court. Only about 2-3% actually go to trial. Settling is often preferred because it’s faster, less expensive, less stressful, and gives both parties more control over the outcome.
However, there are situations where a case may go to court, such as:
- Disputed liability
- Disagreement over damages or compensation amounts
- Complex cases
- Insufficient settlement offers
- Bad faith actions by insurance companies
Even if a lawsuit is filed, negotiations often continue, and many cases still settle before reaching trial. Alternative dispute resolution methods, like mediation and arbitration, are also commonly used to resolve claims without going to court.
If your case does proceed to court, you may or may not be required to attend in person, depending on whether it’s classified under small claims, fast track, or multi-track.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and advise you on whether settling or going to trial is in your best interest.
Do I need a Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer?
If you’ve been involved in an accident or suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, hiring a Louisville personal injury attorney can be a crucial step in securing the compensation you deserve. Here are several reasons why working with a skilled legal professional can benefit your case.
Specialized Expertise in Personal Injury Law
A personal injury lawyer possesses in-depth knowledge of Kentucky law and experience handling cases similar to yours. Whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or wrongful death, an attorney can guide you through the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
Maximizing Your Compensation
In many cases, individuals who work with an attorney recover significantly higher settlements compared to those who handle their claims alone. A Louisville personal injury attorney can accurately assess the value of your claim, taking into account medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs. They have the negotiation skills to secure fair compensation from insurance companies, who often attempt to minimize payouts.
Establishing Liability and Gathering Evidence
One of the critical roles of a personal injury lawyer is to investigate your accident, collect evidence, and build a solid case to prove fault. Whether it’s working with accident reconstruction specialists, reviewing medical records, or obtaining witness statements, an attorney ensures that all necessary steps are taken to prove liability and strengthen your claim.
Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Navigating the personal injury claims process can be overwhelming, and even small errors can negatively affect the outcome of your case. A seasoned personal injury lawyer can help you avoid common pitfalls, such as accepting a lowball offer or missing important deadlines, ensuring that your case progresses smoothly.
Legal Support Throughout Litigation
If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, your personal injury attorney can file a lawsuit on your behalf and represent you in court. Having legal representation ensures that you are fully prepared for trial and have the best possible chance of achieving a favorable outcome.
Reach Out To An Experienced Louisville Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
Personal injury cases can be complicated, and it is highly recommended that injury victims consult with an injury attorney to learn their options. To protect your rights, it is important that you contact a Louisville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if you have been injured in a car accident, slip/trip and fall accident, or dog bite incident, as Kentucky has a statute of limitations on these types of cases.
Reach out now to schedule a free consultation or visit us at one of our Louisville offices.
