Injury Attorney St. Bernard Parish

Your Local Advocates for Personal Injury Claims in St. Bernard Parish

If you were injured in St. Bernard Parish, you deserve a local advocate who understands our courts, our roadways, and our community. At Tonry & Giraud, we help neighbors across Chalmette, Meraux, Arabi, Violet, and Poydras pursue fair compensation after a crash, fall, offshore injury, or other accident caused by negligence.

With over 35 years of combined experience, we can provide the practical and personalized representation you need. We guide you from the first call through settlement or trial, communicating clearly and advancing your claim with care, urgency, and attention to detail.

 Don't wait to get help. Schedule your free, confidential consultation. We respond quickly and can star your claim today. 

Why hire an injury lawyer in St. Bernard Parish

Choosing a local firm matters. Your case is influenced by the practices of St. Bernard Parish courts, insurers who handle claims in this region, and the facts on the ground after an accident. Our team knows the judges, procedures, and medical providers here, and we build claims with this local context in mind.

We listen first. Every injury story is different, whether you were hit on Judge Perez Drive, hurt working on the river, or fell in a grocery aisle in Chalmette. We tailor a plan that fits your injuries, your time away from work, and your long-term needs. From preserving evidence to coordinating treatment, we act quickly so you do not lose leverage or miss key deadlines.

Cases we handle across the Parish

We represent people in a wide range of personal injury matters, including:

• Car, motorcycle, and truck collisions on local roadways
• Rideshare crashes involving Uber or Lyft vehicles
• Bicycle and pedestrian injuries
• Premises liability, including slip and fall and negligent security
• Industrial and refinery accidents
• Maritime and offshore injuries under Louisiana and federal law
• Wrongful death claims for surviving families
• Insurance disputes and bad faith claim handling

In each case, we focus on clear documentation, prompt communication, and lasting results.

How personal injury claims work in Louisiana

Most claims begin with a thorough investigation and a demand to the at-fault party’s insurer. We collect police reports, photos, video, witness statements, medical records, and proof of lost income. We then present a demand package that explains liability, injuries, treatment, and damages.

Louisiana generally applies a one-year prescription period for most personal injury claims. That means time is short and early action is important. Louisiana also follows comparative fault. If an insurer claims you were partially at fault, your recovery can be reduced by your percentage of fault. Effective advocacy responds with facts, specialist analysis when needed, and a clear narrative of how the crash or incident happened.

If negotiations do not produce a fair offer, we file suit and litigate. Filing preserves your rights, enables formal discovery, and can bring insurers to the table. Many cases still resolve before trial, but we prepare each case as if it will be tried so that we are always positioned to move forward.

What compensation may include

Depending on your case, recoverable damages can include:

• Medical expenses, present and future
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Property damage and out-of-pocket costs
• In wrongful death matters, funeral costs and related losses

Every claim is unique. We work closely with your treating providers and, when appropriate, consult specialists to project future care and demonstrate the full impact of your injuries.

What to do after an accident in St. Bernard Parish

Your steps after an injury can influence the outcome of your claim. Consider the following:

• Report the incident. For motor vehicle collisions, call law enforcement so a report documents the scene. For premises incidents, notify management and request an incident report.
• Seek medical care. Prompt evaluation connects your injuries to the event and supports recovery. Follow your treatment plan and keep all appointments.
• Preserve evidence. Save photos, damaged items, and contact information for witnesses. Do not give recorded statements to insurers before you obtain legal guidance.
• Track your losses. Keep receipts, mileage to appointments, and notes about pain, sleep issues, and work limitations.
• Get legal help early. We communicate with insurers for you, protect deadlines, and coordinate evidence so you can focus on healing.

How do we protect your claim value

Insurers often move quickly to limit their exposure. We respond by:

• Locking down liability evidence before it is lost
• Coordinating diagnostic testing to document injuries
• Calculating wage loss with employer documentation
• Presenting a clear demand that anticipates insurer defenses
• Negotiating from strength with a litigation-ready posture

Our process for building a winning file

Strong results start with a strong file. At Tonry & Giraud, our process includes:

• Intake and strategy. We listen to your goals and set expectations. We assign a team member as your point of contact so you always know who to call.
• Investigation. We gather reports, photos, videos, and witness accounts. When needed, we consult accident reconstruction or medical specialists to clarify causation and future needs.
• Treatment coordination. We work with your providers to ensure your medical records tell the story of your injuries and your path to recovery.
• Damage modeling. We calculate medical costs, wage loss, and non economic damages with evidence to support each category.

Negotiation and litigation. We press your claim through settlement talks and, if necessary, file suit and litigate to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Communication you can count on

Clients deserve clarity. We provide regular updates, return calls promptly, and share documents so you understand each milestone. You will always know the next step and why it matters.

Serving communities throughout St. Bernard Parish

Our practice is rooted in service to the people of St. Bernard Parish. We represent clients from:

• Chalmette
• Arabi
• Meraux
• Violet
• Poydras
• Lower St. Bernard communities

Whether your accident happened on Paris Road, Judge Perez Drive, or along the river, we meet you where you are and bring the case forward with urgency.

Coordination with your medical care and time away from work

Injury cases often overlap with real life obligations. We help you address:

• Finding appropriate specialists and diagnostic testing
• Securing work excuse notes and supporting documentation
• Coordinating treatment schedules around family and job duties
• Communicating with health insurers and lien holders
• Our goal is to reduce the friction you experience while your case advances.

Why Tonry & Giraud

With over 35 years of combined experience, we can provide the practical and personalized representation you need. Our approach is thorough, efficient, and grounded in the needs of St. Bernard Parish families. We prepare your case from day one, keep you informed, and fight for a result that reflects the real cost of your injuries.

A focus on resolution and readiness

Many cases resolve in negotiation because insurers know we prepare files the right way. If fair value is not offered, we are ready to litigate and present your case in court. You will never be pressured to accept a settlement that does not align with your goals and the evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Louisiana?

Most personal injury claims in Louisiana must be filed within one year of the date of injury. Certain claims can have different rules. Speak with an attorney promptly so key deadlines are not missed.

What if I was partly at fault for the accident?

Louisiana uses comparative fault. Your compensation can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover the remaining portion. We investigate liability and present evidence to minimize fault arguments.

Should I talk to the insurance adjuster before I hire a lawyer?

You should report the incident to your insurer if required, but do not provide a recorded statement to the opposing insurer before getting legal advice. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that may limit your claim.

How is my case value determined?

Case value depends on liability, the severity and duration of injuries, medical needs, wage loss, and how the injuries affect your daily life. Documentation and credible medical opinions are critical. We build a comprehensive damages picture before negotiating.

Will my case go to court?

Many cases settle, but some require filing a lawsuit to achieve fair value. Filing preserves your rights and can lead to better outcomes. We prepare each file as if a trial could occur, so we are always in a position to move forward.

What does it cost to hire Tonry & Giraud?

We offer free consultations and handle many injury cases on a contingency fee, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you. We will explain the fee structure and costs during your consultation so there are no surprises.

How soon should I contact a lawyer after an accident?

As early as possible. Quick action helps preserve evidence, protect deadlines, and control communications with insurers. Early guidance can improve medical documentation and the overall value of your claim.

Move forward with confidence in St. Bernard Parish

Your recovery and financial stability matter. If you were injured in St. Bernard Parish, take the next step now so evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. Our team is ready to assess your claim and provide a clear plan for what comes next.

 Call Tonry & Giraud for your free case evaluation at (504) 470-0738 to schedule a confidential consultation and see how we can guide you forward.