Being accused of negligence can be a stressful and daunting experience. Similar allegations could have a lingering impact on the reputations of individuals in a variety of professions and the outcome of a subsequent lawsuit could have a substantial influence on their lives. Licensed professionals in Louisiana who stand accused of similar acts may find it helpful to better understand the basic elements of a negligence claim, as this could prove vital to forming a strategy for what comes next.
The first element of a claim for negligence pertains to the presence of duty. In this step, a person must be able to show that the licensed professional had a duty to provide a certain standard of service or care. Once duty is established, the other party must prove that the duty was breached through a failure to exercise this standard of care, and that the actions of this breach are the direct cause of any resulting injuries or damages.
Next, a person must be able to prove that the actions of the legal professional are the proximate cause of any resulting damages. The final element pertains to the nature of the damages in question. Damages that come as a result of negligence can come in a variety of forms, ranging anywhere from severe physical injuries to substantial financial loss.
Accusations of negligence alone could cause irreparable harm to the reputations of licensed professionals. Those who are facing a similar scenario could benefit from obtaining legal counsel early on for guidance in better understanding all their legal rights and available options. An attorney in Louisiana can examine the circumstances a client is facing and assist him or her in forming a strategy to pursue the most favorable outcome achievable during subsequent court proceedings.
