Louisiana Civil Litigation Lawyers
Under Louisiana's law, civil litigation is a legal process brought by a private or public entity, which is not concerned with criminal activity.
Louisiana civil litigation serves the purpose of providing persons with compensation for legal injustices or wrongs that have been committed against them.
In Louisiana, the major purpose of civil litigation is not punishment or deterrence. Both of those goals are the province of the criminal justice system. Instead, civil litigation in Louisiana is meant to provide the victims of wrongdoing with tangible (usually monetary) redress.
What Are Common Subjects of Civil Litigation in Louisiana?
Louisiana civil litigation can come up in basically any context. However, some situations are more likely to lead to civil litigation than others:
Personal Injury: Personal injury in Louisiana is probably the issue that most commonly leads to civil litigation. When someone is physically harmed because of the intentional or negligent conduct of another, they have a right to recover the costs associated with the injury, such as medical expenses, lost wages, etc.
Employment: Another common source of civil litigation in Louisiana is the employer/employee relationship. Because of its importance for both parties involved, this relationship can sometimes get pretty tense. Not surprisingly, its often a source of civil litigation. Some common employment issues that can lead to litigation in Louisiana include wage and hour violations, on the job injuries, and discrimination.
Family Disputes: Most people in Louisiana know that the family relationship can be convoluted, to say the least. Disputes involving divorce, community property, and child custody can quickly lead to civil litigation in Louisiana.
Do I Need a Louisiana Civil Litigation Attorney?
In Louisiana, the specter of a lawsuit, and accompanying litigation, can appear seemingly out of nowhere, and the issues they raise can be extremely difficult.
A knowledgeable civil litigation attorney in Louisiana can help you navigate these complicated issues, so if you believe that you might be involved in civil litigation soon, consulting with an attorney is an excellent idea.
Interesting Facts About Louisiana
Louisiana became a U.S. state in 1812. The territory was obtained from France through the Louisiana Purchase, for a total worth of $15 million at the time. The state has a cultural-linguistic atmosphere unlike any other area in the U.S., due to the French, Spanish, Native American, African, and Caribbean influences.
Much of Louisiana's laws and government structure are unique among U.S. states. For example, Louisiana is the only state to have government units called "parishes". These are equivalent to counties in other states. Another feature of Louisiana governance is its extensive system of civil law based on Spanish and French systems. The majority of countries use some form of civil law, which is based mainly on codified statutes. Most of American law is common law- that is, derived from judge-made court decisions.
Louisiana's court system is structurally similar to most states, with a Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and District Courts. However, because of the civil law influence, the Court of Appeals tends to have much broader discretion when reviewing trials. Also, the Louisiana state Constitution does not directly provide for the right to a jury trial for civil cases. The distribution of damages is also different in Louisiana.
Although Louisiana law is so distinct, lawyers in Louisiana understand how to interpret the state's legal code. Louisiana lawyers carefully review state laws when assisting clients. Depending on your legal dispute or issue, it may be necessary to obtain the expertise of an attorney in Louisiana.
