What You Need to Know about the Attorney-Client Privilege in Your Louisiana Personal Injury Lawsuit
When a person who is injured due to another person or party’s negligence thinks about potentially filing a lawsuit in Louisiana, they may have a number of questions about the process, the rules, and their rights. One question that commonly comes up in Louisiana personal injury lawsuits, such as car accident cases, is what they should and should not say while the case is pending. Knowing about and being aware of the rules that govern evidence in court is important for Louisiana car accident victims and other victims that have been injured due to another party’s negligence, especially when it comes to privileged communications between an injured person and their lawyer. But what exactly is the “lawyer-client privilege” in the context of a Louisiana personal injury lawsuit? And where can injured Louisiana residents go for legal help obtaining compensation due to them under Louisiana personal injury laws? We answer those questions here.
The Lawyer-Client Privilege in Louisiana Personal Injury Lawsuits
The Louisiana Code of Evidence sets forth that “A client has a privilege to refuse to disclose, and to prevent another person from disclosing, a confidential communication, whether oral, written, or otherwise, made for the purpose of facilitating the rendition of professional legal services to the client, as well as the perceptions, observations, and the like, of the mental, emotional, or physical condition of the client in connection with such a communication, when the communication is…Between the client or a representative of the client and the client’s lawyer or a representative of the lawyer….” Simply put, the communications between a Louisiana personal injury victim and their lawyer are deemed to be confidential, and cannot be “discovered” by the opposing party or their lawyers. This protection allows Louisiana accident victims to speak freely with their legal counsel about their case.
Breaching the Lawyer-Client Privilege
It is important for Louisiana personal injury plaintiffs and victims to know that the lawyer-client privilege is not absolute. The lawyer-client privilege can be breached if a personal injury client discloses confidential communications with a third-party that is not their lawyer. This is especially important to keep in mind in the modern day, where personal injury victims and plaintiffs may be tempted to post about their cases on social media. Doing so may breach the lawyer-client privilege and can be harmful to your case. As such, it is always important to discuss the disclosure of information with your Louisiana personal injury lawyer before you share any details about your case.
Getting Legal Help with Your Personal Case in Louisiana – Louisiana Personal Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in an accident in Louisiana due to another person or party’s negligence, it is important to learn about your rights and options under Louisiana laws. The experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyers at the law firm Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC are here to help victims of serious accidents get justice under Louisiana personal injury laws. Contact Lunsford Baskin & Priebe, PLLC today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
