The first offer after an accident is often a lowball — and you should know your options before you sign.

In this episode, William F. Kendig from Rice & Kendig law firm in Shreveport, Louisiana demystifies the decision to reject an insurance settlement offer. We equip you with powerful negotiation strategies, explain what happens next (including entering litigation), and clarify when it makes sense to go to trial to fight for fair compensation. William F. Kendig has over 30 years of experience in the courtroom and has been recognized as a Top Attorney by SB Magazine.

Throughout this episode, we explore why insurance companies make initial settlement offers designed to minimize their financial exposure, the valid reasons to reject inadequate offers, including insufficient coverage of medical expenses, inadequate compensation for lost wages, and failure to address pain and suffering damages. We discuss what typically happens after rejection, including continued settlement negotiations, alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation and arbitration, and the possibility of filing a personal injury lawsuit to pursue full compensation. We also examine the factors that influence settlement negotiations such as the strength of your evidence, quality of legal representation, your willingness to go to trial, and Louisiana's comparative fault system. Additionally, we address critical timing considerations including Louisiana's statute of limitations, common mistakes to avoid during negotiations, and strategic approaches to strengthening your case with additional evidence and compelling counteroffers that maximize your settlement potential.

More information is available by reaching out to https://www.RiceKendig.com or by calling (318) 222-2772.

This podcast is an audio version of a blog post written by J. Marshall Rice.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by listening to this segment. Please consult with an attorney for specific legal advice.

In this episode, J. Marshall Rice from Rice & Kendig law firm in Shreveport, Louisiana examines how personal injury settlements are calculated in Louisiana, breaking down the key factors that influence settlement amounts including economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, and the unique considerations under Louisiana's civil law system that impact how injury victims are compensated for their losses. J. Marshall Rice is a personal injury trial attorney known for obtaining large verdicts and settlements.

Throughout this episode, we explore the critical components that determine settlement values in Louisiana personal injury cases, including the state's distinctive civil law foundation governed by Civil Code Article 2315, the comparative fault system that reduces compensation proportionally when victims are 51% or less at fault, and the calculation of future damages in present-day dollar value. Rice discusses real settlement figures from his firm's cases, revealing that while minor injuries may settle for $3,000 to $10,000, the average settlement Rice & Kendig has secured is approximately $1.2 million, with catastrophic injury cases reaching $1.5 million to over $5 million. We also address Louisiana-specific legal principles such as limited punitive damages that apply only in narrow circumstances like drunk driving accidents, medical malpractice caps for certain cases, and the formal distinction between special and general damages that affects how courts award compensation. Rice provides practical insights into why insurance companies' initial offers typically fall short, common tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts, and the two-year statute of limitations for filing claims in Louisiana, equipping listeners with the knowledge they need to pursue fair compensation for their injuries.

More information is available by reaching out to https://www.RiceKendig.com or by calling (318) 222-2772.

This podcast is an audio version of a blog post written by J. Marshall Rice.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by listening to this segment. Please consult with an attorney for specific legal advice.

Truck accident settlements in Louisiana can vary dramatically based on numerous factors.

In this episode, J. Marshall Rice from Rice & Kendig law firm in Shreveport, Louisiana, joins us to explore what victims can expect when pursuing compensation after a commercial truck collision. J. Marshall Rice is a personal injury trial attorney known for obtaining large verdicts and settlements.

We discuss how Louisiana's laws impact settlement values, the role of severe injuries and damages, and why truck accident cases often result in higher payouts than standard car accidents. Join us to learn about the factors that influence settlement amounts, including medical expenses, lost wages, and liability considerations.

More information is available by reaching out to https://www.RiceKendig.com or by calling (318) 222-2772.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and doesn't constitute legal advice and no attorney-client relationship is formed by listening to this segment. Please consult with an attorney for specific legal advice.