May / June 2026 Volume 8 • Issue 9
Loyd J. Bourgeois Attorney-at-Law
The Most Important Part of this $2 Million Settlement
Recently, we resolved a $2 million case.
Now, if you’ve watched enough lawyer commercials, you know what usually comes next. A lot of flash about the dollar amount and promises that every case ends with a huge result. That’s not what I want to talk about. The part of this story I’m most proud of has nothing to do with the final settlement. I’m proud that we took the case in the first place and that our client trusted us to see it through. Our client suffered a serious back injury after a fall at a New Orleans hotel. Like many people from out of town, he didn’t know a local lawyer, so he hired one of the big firms he saw advertised on television.
visits, mounting uncertainty, and eventually the need for surgery. The law firm he trusted had simply decided they were done. We saw something different. We saw a person who deserved answers. We saw a serious injury. And we saw a case that needed serious work. Over the next several years, we retained three medical experts, fought through multiple defense teams representing different hotel-related companies, and prepared the case for trial. Along the way, the defense made settlement offers, including one for $350,000. For most people, that sounds like a lot of money. But our client’s medical condition was still developing. The full impact of his injuries wasn’t yet clear, and there was a strong possibility of lifelong limitations. After discussing the risks and benefits together, he made the difficult decision to keep going. Five weeks before trial, the defense came back to the negotiating table. The case ultimately settled for $2 million.
I created this workbook for you to document all the evidence you need to obtain a fair settlement from the insurance company after getting hurt in a wreck; things you may forget with time, like: • The accident details. • Witness information. • The progression of your pain and symptoms. • History of missed work and wages. • Names of doctors and dates of visits. • And more! GET YOUR FREE COPY! Injury Victim's Diary If you’d like a copy of this resource or know someone else who may need one, give our office a call at (985) 240-9773 or visit LJBGuides.com. We’d be happy to send you a free copy.
At first, everything seemed fine. Then one day a letter showed up in his mailbox.
No phone call. No warning. No explanation. Just a notice that the firm was dropping his case. When we reviewed the file, we discovered something troubling. The other firm’s notes suggested the case wasn’t “worth litigating.”
In other words, they had decided it wasn’t worth it for them.
Would that have happened if he had given up when the first firm dropped him?
Offices in Luling & Metairie, La. (985) 240-9773 www.LJBLegal.com
But there is a big difference between a case not being worth it to a law firm and a case not being worth it to the client whose life has been turned upside down.
That’s why the lesson here isn’t about the number. It’s about finding the right law firm.
At the same time, his condition was getting worse. He was dealing with pain, doctor
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING “I discovered LJBLegal while browsing online, and the strong reviews really stood out. After looking into the firm further, it’s clear why they’ve built such a great reputation. They prioritize client care and show genuine respect for their team, which speaks volumes about their values. It’s definitely a solid choice if you’re seeking legal support that truly puts people first.” – Cee “If you’re looking for the best team to help you, this is it! L for the win!” – Lavander
TOASTED S’MORES ICE CREAM SANDWICHES
All the flavor of a backyard fire treat served cool enough for a summer day.
INGREDIENTS 2-3 cups marshmallows
1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup chocolate fudge sauce 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips 24 squares graham crackers INSTRUCTIONS 1. Line a 9-by-×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Preheat the broiler. 2. Arrange the marshmallows on a baking sheet. Broil 1 to 2 minutes, until toasted. Watch closely; the marshmallows will toast FAST. Don’t walk away. Remove the pan from the broiler. Let cool.
3. In the bottom of the prepared pan, lay a layer of graham crackers. Spread 3/4 of the ice cream in an even layer on top, then drizzle the fudge sauce over. 4. Add the toasted marshmallows, sprinkle on the chocolate chips, then spread the remaining ice cream on top. Cover with another layer of graham crackers and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours.
We had a great time sponsoring and attending the 6th Annual Fish Dat Rodeo hosted by the St. Charles Parish Parks & Recreation Department at the Bonnet Carré Spillway. It was a
beautiful day filled with fishing, family, and community. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tent to say hello, grab a cold drink, and pick up one of our bucket hats. We enjoyed meeting so many local families and seeing anglers of all ages out on the water.Events like Fish Dat are a great reminder of what makes St. Charles Parish such a special place to call home. Scan here for some video highlights of the event.
THE LJBLEGAL DIFFERENCE • We listen with empathy, and WE CALL PEOPLE BACK! • We are working-class LSU fans. We never thought we’d have to sue people either, but no one should have to fight insurance companies and government bureaucracy alone. • No charges unless we win. Nothing. ZERO. Until you win.
LJBLEGAL VIP PERKS Our attorneys are all notaries. Notary services are a courtesy we offer to our clients for free (if we don’t have to prepare the document). Just send us an email at info@LJBLegal.com, and we’re happy to help you. DISCLAIMER This publication is intended to educate our clients, referral sources, and others in our network. It is not intended to be legal advice. Each
case is different. You can pass this information along to your family and friends as long as the newsletter is copied in its entirety. THE LJB GUARANTEE If you’re not completely satisfied with your experience after 30 days, we’ll give you your entire file and charge you nothing!
Loyd J. Bourgeois LLC • (888) 552-4773 • Visit Us Online for Resources: LJBLegal.com
GOODBYE, BRAKE TAGS!
Louisiana drivers can soon say goodbye to brake tags. A new law eliminates the state’s vehicle inspection requirement, effective January 1, 2027, and tickets for expired brake tags have already stopped being issued. While that’s one less expense and one less item on your to-do list, it doesn’t change the importance of maintaining your vehicle. Safe brakes, tires, lights, and other equipment still help prevent accidents and keep everyone on the road safer.
When someone you love gets hurt, make sure they’re truly taken care of. Don’t let them become just another claim number. Have them call us at (985) 240-9773. We’ll make sure they get the support and guidance they need to move forward. • Laura Dylan Coffer • Stephen Shapiro, Attorney • William Edmondson • Kevin Sevin • Timothy Bourque • Peggy Vallejo, Attorney • Law Office of Ramsey, Skiles, & Streva • Alberto Rosa • Tessa Seitzinger, Attorney • Bryan Bradley • Joyce Dumiles • Lindsey M. Sbrolla, EDPNA • Juan Byrd, Attorney • Botsay Notary • Sandy Fambrough, EDPNA • Jake Lemmon, Attorney • Louis DiRosa, Jr., Attorney • Ronald “Chip” Morrison, Attorney • M. Lauren Lemmon, Attorney • Mariano’s Italian Eatery • Stephanie Theriot • Joshua Smith • Julia Bourgeois
A BETTER WAY TO REMEMBER
Plant a tree or flowers in a loved one’s memory Make a donation to a favorite charity Hold a candlelight vigil Release flower petals in a permitted area Create a memorial garden Share stories and photos at a remembrance gathering
Many families have honored loved ones with balloon releases for years. But Louisiana has now made intentional balloon releases illegal because the balloons don’t simply disappear into the heavens. They often end up as litter, harm wildlife, and can even cause power outages when they come into contact with electrical equipment. The good news is there are plenty of meaningful alternatives that are safer for our communities and environment:
The memories we cherish and the lives we touch are often the most lasting legacy of all.
ISN’T THE $2 MILLION CONTINUED
Think of it like the Goldilocks story. Some firms are too big.
Big enough to stand toe-to-toe with major insurance companies and corporate defendants. Small enough to know your name, return your calls, and see you as a person instead of a file. That’s what this case required. Not a firm that was too big. Not a firm that was too small. A firm that was just right. Our client almost walked away with nothing. Instead, he received a result that better reflected the true impact this injury had on his life.
• Austin Harris • Ronald Riera • Ireionne Thompson
They have tremendous resources, but clients can become case numbers. Decisions get made by formulas, spreadsheets, projected returns, and now AI. If a case doesn’t fit the model, it may get pushed aside.
• Charles Diesel • Jourdon Pierce • Kevin Hebert • Ricky Costa
Other firms are too small.
• Geneva Dunmiles • Melissa Morvant • Bobbiejo Ben-Hassen
They may genuinely care about their clients, but serious injury cases can require expert witnesses, years of litigation, and significant financial investment. Not every firm has the resources to take on that kind of fight.
REID'S JOKE CORNER
The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle.
What do you do if you get rejected for a job at the sunscreen company? Reapply. Just got back from a job interview where I was asked if I could perform under pressure. I said I wasn’t too sure about that, but I could do a wicked “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
Answer: tinyurl.com/ljbsudoku
(888) 552-4773
LJBLegal.com
To be removed from our mailing list, call (888) 552-4773.
We Help With: • Car Accidents • 18-Wheeler Accidents • Motorcycle Wrecks
• Personal Injuries (Slip and Falls, Dog Bites, and More)
IN THIS ISSUE: It’s About More Than the Money • Fish Dat Rodeo • S’Mores Ice Cream Sandwiches
LJBLegal Awards Three Scholarships to Deserving 2026 St. Charles Parish Graduates
LJB SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
This year, our LJBLegal Scholarship committee faced a tough decision. The essays were so inspiring that choosing only two winners didn’t seem right. So, we made the rules work for us and awarded three $2,000 scholarships instead.
Congratulations to Olivia Whitaker and Ryleigh Charpentier of Hahnville High School and Glorianne Bundick of Destrehan High School. Each student has demonstrated resilience, determination, and a commitment to making a difference despite facing significant health challenges personally or within their families. We are proud to support these outstanding young people and wish them continued success as they begin their college journeys. Read the full article about our winners here by scanning the QR code.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Annual report maker