Top best Personal Injury Lawyers in Lake Charles | 85 available

With over 14 years of legal experience, including two years as a criminal staff attorney at the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, four years as a prosecutor with the Calcasieu Parish District Attorney’s Office and in private practice for over seven years focusing in the areas of personal injury, criminal defense and civil rights, I am committed to providing quality legal services.

W. Taylor Hale was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana.  He graduated from St. Louis Catholic High School, attended Louisiana State University and earned his B.S., cum laude, from McNeese State University.  Taylor earned his Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School in New Orleans, serving on the Editorial Board of the Loyola Law Review as Articles Editor and graduating at the top of his class.  Taylor’s law review comment, A Critical Misdiagnosis: Re-Evaluating Louisiana Medical Malpractice Act, was selected for publication in the Fall 2007 edition of the Loyola Law Review.  During his time at Loyola, he was the recipient of the Lemle & Kelleher, LLP Scholarship in 2007-2008.. Immediately upon graduation from law school, Taylor accepted a job at the New Orleans insurance defense firm Phelps Dunbar LLP, where he gained extensive experience defending personal injury and maritime claims.. Taylor returned to Lake Charles and since this time he has devoted his practice to helping the wrongfully injured receive the compensation they deserve.  The knowledge Taylor gained from working for a defense firm and defending personal injury claims allows Taylor to provide valuable insight to your personal injury claim.. In 2015, Taylor was selected to the Rising Stars List by Super Lawyers magazine (Top Attorneys under 40 in Louisiana) in the area of Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Law.  This recognition is conferred upon no more than 2.5% of attorneys in Louisiana that have practiced 10 years or less.. In 2012, Taylor was named a Top Trial Lawyer in America and is a Life Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, which requires a settlement or verdict over one million dollars on behalf of his clients for membership.   Taylor has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in personal injury and maritime cases. His practice focuses on serious personal injury and maritime law.  He has litigated a variety of personal injury cases including those involving automotive/trucking liability, premises liability, industrial/workplace safety, and products liability.  In his maritime practice, he has handled numerous cases involving the Jones Act, OCSLA, LHWCA, DOHSA, and general maritime law.Taylor is admitted to practice in all of the state and federal district and appellate courts of Louisiana and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.  Taylor served as Treasurer of the Young Lawyer’s Section of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association and as co-chairman of Holiday Helping Hands.  He is a member of the American Bar Association, Louisiana State Bar Association, and Louisiana Association for Justice.  In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, hunting, grilling, and spending time with his family.. Taylor was recently named to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum which requires a settlement or verdict over one million dollars on behalf of his clients for membership.

Those that have seen me at work in the courtroom agree I am a talented trial lawyer who fights hard for my clients. I take pride in getting to know my clients as people so I can better understand them and how to present their case. An attorney who is comfortable with, and likes, his clients will get that client better results. An attorney’s fondness for his client and passion for the client’s case cannot be faked – the attorney’s feelings must be genuine to be most effective before a jury. I believe every client and every case I undertake has redeeming qualities.

Somer is one of the top employment and sexual abuse lawyers in the State of Louisiana and is known for her relentless representation of women and children who have been harmed by negligent corporations. She obtained the largest jury verdict in the State for a student who was sexually abused by a public school teacher and obtained the largest jury verdict in Louisiana under the Louisiana employment discrimination statute for a disabled employee who was discharged.. While Somer specializes in cases of institutional abuse and neglect including churches, school, and daycares, as well as employment discrimination and harassment, she also fights for the rights of people from all walks of life who have suffered a personal injury, including wrongful death and catastrophic injuries.. Somer has been named as a Louisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star for the last six years and is active in her State Bar Association. She was born and raised in Lake Charles and graduated from LaGrange High School. She and her husband Aaron live in Moss Bluff with their two daughters Aly and Maggie.. Areas of PracticePlaintiff Personal InjuryEmployment discriminationSexual abuse and harassmentInstitutional neglectWrongful deathCatastrophic injury. Litigation Percentage100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation. Bar AdmissionsLouisiana, 2008Texas, 2004U.S. District Court Eastern District of Texas, 2008U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas, 2008U.S. District Court Southern District of Texas, 2008U.S. District Court Western District of Texas, 2008U.S. Court of Appeals 5th Circuit, 2011U.S. District Court Eastern District of Louisiana, 2004U.S. District Court Middle District of Louisiana, 2004U.S. District Court Western District of Louisiana, 2004. EducationBaylor University School of Law, Waco, TexasJuris Doctor magna cum laude – 2004Law Review: Baylor Law Review, Administrative Editor. McNeese State UniversityBachelor of Arts summa cum laude – 2001. Honors and AwardsLouisiana Super Lawyers Rising Star 2014-2020Top Lawyers of Acadiana Intellectual Property Law- 2015Top Lawyers of Acadiana Personal Injury Litigation- 2015. Professional Associations and MembershipsState Bar of TexasLouisiana State Bar AssociationSouthwest Louisiana Bar AssociationAmerican Association of JusticeLouisiana Association of Justice. Past Employment PositionsStockwell, Sievert, Viccellio, Clements, & Shaddock, LLP, Associate Attorney, 2007 – 2012. McGinnis Lochridge & Kilgore LLP, Associate Attorney, 2004 – 2007. Pro Bono ActivitiesBishop Noland Episcopal Day School Board of Trustees. Girl Scouts of the USA – Troop Leader, Troop 2632

Shane K. Hinch is a founding attorney at Hinch and Associates PLC, where he represents clients in complex personal injury, criminal defense, and professional licensing matters. Mr. Hinch brings a wealth of experience to his practice, having handled numerous cases involving motor vehicle accidents, industrial accidents, serious crimes, and other complex issues.Mr. Hinch obtained his law degree from Albany Law School and has been admitted to practice in the state of Louisiana since 2005. He is AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® and has been named among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers and among the Top 10 Under 40 by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is also considered an “expert” in the field of criminal defense, as accepted by the 14th Judicial District Court. Contact Hinch and Associates PLC today for a free consultation with Mr. Hinch regarding your legal matter.. *AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.

Rachel Couvillion is an advocate who truly understands the law and unique circumstances faced by those suffering an injury or loss. With over a decade of experience in civil law, Rachel is a trusted counselor to her clients. Having previously defended major insurance companies, Rachel possesses a competitive edge and knows how to maximize her clients’ recovery. Her exceptional legal writing skills also play a vital role in the successful litigation of her clients’ cases. In her free time, Rachel is a devoted wife and mother and enjoys the rural way of life

Myles believes in serving his community and has dedicated his life to making Louisiana safer. As a state and federal prosecutor for over 15 years, Myles worked tirelessly to prosecute killers, rapists, child abusers, frauds, and corrupt public officials. He learned early on that success comes from a mix of hard work and passion for the victims in his cases.. While working on behalf of the community, he developed sharp courtroom and litigation skills honed by trying over 90 jury trials and handling hundreds of court hearings. Myles now uses these skills on behalf of those who need them most: his clients who have been wronged by the indifference and carelessness of others.. Myles was also honored to serve as Resident Legal Advisor at the U.S. Embassies in both Honduras and Mexico where he worked with foreign governments to combat international crime, and he loves to practice his language skills with Spanish speaking clients and witnesses.. Myles understands that his client’s health means more than dollars and cents. When multiple hip surgeries limited him physically as a child, Myles and his family felt the stress of one’s wellbeing in danger. These surgeries made Myles understand the fear and stress that come with injury, and the worry if your body will perform like it did before. This empathy makes Myles a strong advocate on behalf of his suffering clients.. For Myles, working with people that he respects and that share his values is a luxury. That’s why he left government service to work for a law firm with deep roots in Louisiana and a history of fighting passionately for the underdog.

Michael grew up in Lake Charles, where he graduated valedictorian of Barbe High School in 1984. He obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin in 1989.. In 1992, He graduated from Arizona State Law School earning his degree of Juris Doctor. Michael is a member of the Louisiana Bar Association, State Bar of Texas, and Louisiana Association for Justice.. In addition to settling thousands of personal injury cases, Michael has successfully tried over one hundred cases in state and federal courts, including approximately 30 jury trials.. In one such case, a jury awarded his client the largest individual personal injury verdict reported in the state of Louisiana, over $26 million. In another case a jury awarded his client over $10 million.. Michael has obtained judgments totaling over $250 million dollars on behalf of his clients in cases in which he served as lead counsel or co-counsel.. Michael had been rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®. This peer review rating is the highest and most prestigious rating awarded to lawyers for legal knowledge and ethics in practice.

Kristie attended Louisiana State University, earning a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Mass Communications and a minor in Business Administration. Kristie joined Lundy LLP, formerly Lundy, Lundy, Soileau & South, in 1996, as a paralegal in the Lake Charles office, then transferred to the firm’s office in Jackson, Mississippi.. Kristie attended Mississippi College School of Law earning her Juris Doctorate degree in 2007, graduating in the top 15% of her class.. During law school, Kristie served as a Guardian ad Litem and was a Law School Bar Association Officer. After being admitted to the Mississippi and Louisiana Bars in 2008, she began her work as an attorney at Lundy LLP.. Kristie’s practice areas include personal injury, product liability, toxic tort, mass tort and class action. Kristie has been particularly active through the years with the firm’s environmental cases, which not only provided an opportunity to perform in an area she enjoys, but also to work closely with clients who were members of affected neighborhoods, forming relationships while working toward a resolution to better their circumstances.. Currently, Kristie is actively involved with the Talcum Powder Litigation, representing women and the families of women who have used Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Powder and Shower to Shower talcum powder products for years and were diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Steering Committee for consolidated Multi-District Litigation (MDL), In Re: Johnson & Johnson Talcum Powder Products Marketing, Sales Practices and Products Liability Litigation, pending in federal court in United States District for the District of New Jersey in Trenton.

Kevin Powell has been defending individuals and corporations in litigation for over 15 years.  His practice has focused on the defense of personal injury, toxic tort, environmental, and commercial law suits. Starting September 1, 2014, Kevin Powell will be practicing with the law firm of Lee, Futrell & Perles, LLP, which is located in New Orleans, LA.. Kevin Powell graduated with honors from Louisiana State University in 1994 and Paul M. Hebert Law Center (LSU Law) in 1997.  He clerked for the Honorable Henry L. Yelverton on the Louisiana Court of Appeal, 3rd Circuit, before associating with a group of toxic tort defense attorneys in Lake Charles.  Kevin has represented clients in jurisdictions throughout the United States since 1998.  He is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association as well as other legal and civic organizations.  Kevin believes in giving back to the community and has been recognized for his contributions to pro bono services.

John “Lee” Hoffoss founded Lee Hoffoss Injury Lawyers, in 2010. He focuses his practice primarily on commercial litigation, labor and employment litigation, and personal injury cases, including those involving the Jones Act and maritime law. He has successfully litigated cases ranging from 18-wheeler accidents, to wage and hour litigation, to faulty medical devices. Lee brings more than twenty years of legal experience to the table, and he utilizes his legal acumen to fight for his clients to ensure they receive the justice they deserve.. His willingness to fight can be seen in the results he achieves. Lee has obtained multiple multi-million-dollar payouts for those he represents. In just one of many successful cases, Lee represented patients who had been injured in car accidents against hospitals that engaged in unlawful billing practices. His clients were awarded in excess of $16 million dollars. Lee’s clients haven’t been the only ones to recognize his legal expertise. Lee has been invited to speak at a number of events, including at the 2014 New York CLE on “Private Rights of Action for Statutory Violation.” He has also received many professional accolades and has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the Louisiana Rising Stars list from 2012 to 2016, as well as in the Louisiana Super Lawyers list by Thomson Reuters every year since 2017. He has been named a Young Lawyers Fellow by the ABA GP Solo Division, and received the President’s Award from the Louisiana Association for Justice in 2012. That same year he was selected for inclusion in the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys’ “Top 40 Under 40 Trial Lawyer” list. In 2013, that same organization selected him to receive their “Top 10 Attorney” award.. Of what it’s like to work with Lee Hoffoss, a fellow attorney said, “Lee is a knowledgeable caring lawyer who works to achieve the best possible result for his clients.” – Morris Lilienthal, Personal Injury Attorney. Lee is licensed to practice in Louisiana and Texas, as well as in the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, the Middle District of Louisiana, the Eastern District of Louisiana, the Southern District of Texas, and the Eastern District of Texas. He is also admitted to appear before the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. He is a member of the North American Brain Injury Society, the National Brain Injury Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America and the Maritime Law Association of the United States, and he utilizes these connections to ensure he is always providing the most competent service possible, staying up to date on recent developments in the field.. He received his undergraduate education at Louisiana Tech University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 2000. While a student there, he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Alpha Theta, and the Order of Omega, all prestigious honor societies. He went on to obtain his Master of Arts degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the same university in 2001, before moving on to attend Southern University Law Center. He graduated magna cum laude in 2004, having also attained membership in Phi Alpha Delta, a notable law fraternity.. As a licensed attorney, Lee has continued to be an active and involved member of the legal community. He is a member of the American Bar Association, and has served on the organization’s Strategic Planning Committee and the Sponsors Committee. He is also a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, and served as the 2014-2015 Chair of the Young Lawyers Division, having previously held other important leadership roles within the organization.. Outside of his legal work, Lee is a devoted husband and father of three children. He is an active member of his community and served as the Division Council Representative for District 14 (LA). He is also a staunch supporter of The St. Nicholas Center for Children with Autism and Developmental Delays. He takes great joy in being able to uplift and support those around him, both inside and outside of the courtroom.

Jason Bell is a highly skilled personal injury attorney with over 16 years of experience serving his hometown of Lake Charles, LA. Specializing in personal injury, worker’s compensation, and truck accidents, Jason’s entire legal career has been devoted to ensuring justice for his clients. This commitment to his clients is reflected in his exceptional communication, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering focus on their best interests. As an active member of Lake Charles Bible Church and a dedicated family man deeply rooted in our community, Jason embodies the values that matter most to our local clients.

I come from a family of Lawyers.  My father practiced law in Lake Charles, LA from 1958 until his passing in 2002.  I have been practicing law for 30 years.  My career began in Texas, but I settled back Lake Charles, LA in 1996.  I still maintain my Texas license given the close proximity of the Texas border to Lake Charles.. In the early years of my practice, I handled cases in all areas of the law.  However, a significant part of my practice has always been in the field of injury law. And I have been fortunate enough to be very successful in this area.  Several of the injury awards are on my web page.. As I practiced injury law, I also handled countless Bankruptcy and Family Law Cases.  In 2005 I chose to broaden my practice into  the area of criminal law and began handling drug offense cases.  It wasn't long into my criminal practice that I realized there was a need for lawyers who thoroughly understood how to defend a DWI or DUI case.  Soon thereafter, I began the process of learning the ins-and-outs of DWI law.  I ultimately joined the National College of DUI Defense which requires extensive study into this particular area of law.  To further hone my defense skills, I got trained and certified in administering the Standardized Field Sobriety Test just like law enforcement officers.  This gives me the ability to evaluate their administering of the test and go toe-to-toe with them during cross-examination should your case goes to trial.. To sum it up in a nutshell, I am a dedicated lawyer.  I am proud of what I do; I am also aware of the serious responsibility bestowed when a client entrusts their case to me.  If you care to discuss your case further, feel free to give me a call.

Drawing upon more than 20 years of experience, N. Craig Richardson is committed to protecting the interests of the people living in and around Lake Charles as they work through the personal injury claims process. Though there is nothing that can be done to change the stress and pain you have already experienced, N. Craig Richardson will work with you directly to develop and litigate your claim at each and every step of the way and make sure you feel comfortable, taken care of, and “in the loop” throughout your case.. In far too many instances, the odds are stacked against individuals who are filing personal injury claims—particularly those involving large insurance companies. With the experience he’s gained while representing large insurance companies in the past, Richardson is uniquely positioned to help you level the playing field by anticipating the kinds of defensive strategies that may be used against you.. Knowing that the challenges of every case will be unique to the individual client, N. Craig Richardson provides the kind of highly personalized services that make every client feel like his top priority. Too many times with very large firms, clients get lost. They feel like just a number. They feel like they are not even able to talk to their lawyer. That is not the case with N. Craig Richardson. Our clients are treated with the utmost respect and given the attention that they need.. N. Craig Richardson’s Background. A native of Louisiana, Richardson was educated at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana State University, where he earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1994. Since then, Richardson has been admitted to practice law in each of the following courts: all Louisiana State Courts; the United States District Court Southern District of Texas; the United States Court of Appeals 5th Circuit; and the United States District Courts for the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts

Cody Vidrine is an attorney at the Loftin & LeBlanc, LLC. Prior to joining the firm, Cody was part of another prestigious law firm's litigation group in Lafayette, LA, where he represented major corporations and businesses. Cody earned his Juris Doctorate from Southern University Law Center and his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from McNeese State University. During his time at SULC, he interned for Judge Shelly Dick at the U.S.D.C. Middle District of Louisiana and also, Judge Jewel "Duke" Welch at the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal. Cody primarily practices in the areas of plaintiff personal injury, family law, state and federal criminal defense, and Workers' Comp Plaintiff.. Cody is a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association, the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, the Lafayette Bar Association, National Trial Lawyers Association, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 2018, Cody served as a board member for the Young Lawyers Section of the Southwest Louisiana Bar Association, and he is currently serving as one of the House of Delegates for the 14th Judicial District. Cody is admitted to all Louisiana State Courts, the Western District of Louisiana, the Middle District of Louisiana, the Eastern District of Louisiana, and the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.. When Cody isn't diligently working for his clients, he is spending time with his friends and family. Cody is a fan of the LSU Tigers and the New Orleans Saints.

After graduating from law school in 1977, Steve entered solo practice and for eight years handled virtually every type of case imaginable – from murder cases to divorces to wrongful death civil actions. After eight years, Steve ran for and was elected Judge for the Ward 4 Sulphur City Court. At that point in his practice, Steve began limiting his cases to those involving personal injury.. During the 18 years that Steve served as Judge, he maintained a heavy caseload of personal injury cases in his private practice by working long hours. In 2002, Steve retired from the Judgeship and now practices full-time handling serious injury and death cases. The knowledge and experience that Steve gained through serving as a judge for 18 years is an invaluable asset to him in representing victims in serious injury and death cases. Steve understands firsthand not only the workings of a court from both the attorney’s viewpoint and the judge’s viewpoint, but he knows what it takes to impress a judge with the merits of a particular case.

Aaron is a life long resident of Sulphur,Louisiana. He graduated from Sulphur High School in 1998 and graduatedfrom McNeese four years later.  He attended Tulane Law School in NewOrleans, and began practicing law at the age of 25.. In law school, Aaron was a lead member of Tulane's National MootCourt Trial Team.  He was also selected for Tulane's Law Clinic whichallows senior students to represent real clients while still inschool.  Aaron dedicated his law clinic experience to assisting victimsof domestic violence in New Orleans.  He also graduated with aCertificate of Specialization in Maritime Law.. Aaron currently lives in Lake Charles.  In his spare time, Aaron stays outside enjoying hunting and fishing.. Aaron is currently a member of the American Bar Association, theAmerican Association for Justice, the Louisiana Association forJustice, and also the Louisiana Bar Association.. At this point, the majority of Aaron's practice is dedicated tohelping victims of serious automobile accidents, 18 wheeler crashes,and slip and falls.