March / April 2025 Volume 8 • Issue 2
Loyd J. Bourgeois Attorney-at-Law
The conversation turned toward goals during lunch with my friend, Boston injury lawyer Len Spada. We are committed to growing our firms and ourselves and have been exposed to many of the same thought, business, and marketing leaders. (Including Benjamin Glass and Brian Glass pictured on page 3 with Len and me at the National Trial Lawyers Summit.) Most emphasize that you must have goals; otherwise, how will you know if you’ve reached them? During lunch, I told Len, “I struggle with setting goals. I like just enjoying the journey.” I don’t think I ever verbalized my goal-setting struggle before with anyone other than my wife. Len asked a question, triggering a story and memories I hadn’t connected.
the standard, government-subsidized two- bedroom double shared with other families through the years. Mammy washed hair at a little hair salon down the street, and Pappy, for the most part, was disabled. At Len’s question, my mind reminisced about Sundays after Mammy came home from church. Pappy, usually a few beers in, would say, “All right, Amelia, let’s go ride.” The ride was to nowhere in particular but would take us everywhere we wanted to be. Pappy would pack his little Igloo with a few beers and a sandwich or two. Mammy would start driving, and who knew where we would end up? Back then, before mandatory seat belts, I remember sitting in the middle of the back seat in their little red Ford Escort, sometimes playing navigator, always interested in the sights along the way. Mammy would drive from bayous to farmland, fishing villages to downtown high rises. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
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 at call at (985) 240-9773 or visit LJBGuides.com. We’d be happy to send you a free copy.
This story may be the linchpin to my love of the journey and lack of focus on the goal.
As a kid, I spent much time with my grandparents – Mammy and Pappy. While Mammy is still here, Pappy is long gone, passing away when I was around 11.
Mammy and Pappy were not wealthy in terms of material
possessions. They lived simply in public housing in the little town of Westwego. A giant oak tree in the front yard, a little climbing tree on the side, and
Offices in Luling & Metairie, La. (985) 240-9773 www.LJBLegal.com
BREAKFAST PIZZA
INGREDIENTS • 1 pizza crust (uncooked) • 1 pound Jimmy Dean breakfast sausage • 1 cup frozen loose hash browns • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 3 eggs • ¼ cup milk • 2 T Parmesan cheese INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 2. Cook sausage, drain, and crumble. Place on crust. 3. Sprinkle potatoes and cheese on top. Beat eggs and milk with a small amount of salt and pepper. Pour over the top. 4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake at
375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
*Notes from Andrea: To save time in the morning, you can prepare the sausage the night before and refrigerate it. I used Pillsbury pizza dough in my large Pampered Chef bar pan, gently stretching it to cover the bottom and come up the sides a bit.
This month’s recipe comes from a good friend of the firm and avid reader of The Key Piece, Andrea. If you have a recipe you’d like to share, please send it to info@ljblegal.com.
LIVING LOCAL: CAREER DAYS AT DHS, JBM
LOUISIANA LEGAL FACT
Jerry spent the day at Destrehan High School’s Workforce Wednesday, talking with Destrehan and Hahnville students about law careers. Meanwhile, I had the opportunity to visit J.B. Martin Middle School, sharing insights on what it’s like to be an attorney and help people through tough times. Connecting with students, answering their questions, and inspiring the next generation of legal and business professionals is always rewarding. Thanks to both schools for having us!
Did You Know? We all know stealing is wrong, but crawfish get an extra layer of legal protection in Louisiana! According to RS 14:67.5, the theft of crawfish, whether from a farm, trap, or even a restaurant, can lead to fines and jail time. The bigger the haul, the bigger the penalty. So, if you’re craving crawfish, it’s best to catch or buy your own!
DISCLAIMER This publication is intended to educate our clients, referral sources, and others in our network. It is not
THE LJB LEGAL 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.
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! LJB LEGAL 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.
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.
Loyd J. Bourgeois LLC • (888) 552-4773 • Visit Us Online for Resources: LJBLegal.com
ALWAYS LEARNING, ALWAYS IMPROVING
If you happen to know of anyone who was hurt in an accident or needs help obtaining disability benefits, please have them reach out to us at (985) 240-9773. We are always thankful to those who trust us enough to recommend us to their family, friends, and/or clients. THANKS FOR YOUR REFERRALS! • Alton Andras • Detillier Financial Advisors, LLC • Healthy Blue Medicaid • Burgundy Hebert • Vicki Ann Wilson • Krystal Loupe • The Law Office of Ramsey, Skiles, and Streva • Debra Burton
9 Pre-existing conditions aren’t case killers. Most people have them, but that doesn’t mean they weren’t injured. The right strategy can turn a perceived weakness into a strength. 9 Legal jargon helps no one. Clients, jurors, and even other attorneys benefit when we simplify and clarify our communication. We’re committed to constant improvement because our clients deserve nothing less.
I recently attended the National Trial Lawyers Summit in Miami — an opportunity to learn from top trial lawyers nationwide and refine how we approach our cases. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, and we make it a priority to stay ahead. Here are three key takeaways we’re integrating into our case strategies: 9 Mild brain injuries can have lifelong effects. Asking the right questions to the right people repeatedly ensures symptoms are correctly identified.
• Kendall Smith, attorney • Gloria Annette Emery • Terry Cheramie
• Sandra Ory • Nanette Vial
• Lindsey M. Sbrolla, EDPNA • Charlie Chauvin, attorney • Ray Moran • Qasim Cheema • Ross Perez • Ronald “Chip” Morrison, attorney • Anthony Smith • Georgia Verret • Jake Lemmon, attorney • Morris Bart Attorneys-at-Law • Melissa Morvant • Ron Harris • Joey Zeit, attorney
WELCOME, BABY VANCE! We’re excited to welcome the newest (and tiniest!) member of Team LJB — Marie’s baby boy, Vance! Mom and baby are doing great, and we couldn’t be happier for their growing family.
REID'S JOKE CORNER
Join us in congratulating Marie on this special arrival!
THE JOURNEY CONTINUED
I can remember Pappy’s voice, with his, often not so gentle, instructions to Mammy as she drove: turn here; why the hell did you turn there? Stop; keep going; let me go in here and see what they say. He’d remind me that we’re just here to enjoy the ride. The only destination I ever remember was returning home with them after hours on the road.
And, sitting there at lunch with Len, when those memories came back to me, I realized that it’s OK to enjoy the ride. The journey can take you places you’ve never been and show you things you’ve never seen. And if we focus too much on the goal or destination, we may miss all the experience the journey can provide.
Why was the gardener so happy? Because he wet his plants!
When is the best time to wash your Slinky? During spring cleaning.
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We Fight for the Injured and Disabled with Compassion and Care! How We Help: 9 Car Crashes
9 18-Wheeler Crashes 9 Motorcycle Crashes
9 Personal Injury – Slip & Falls, Dog Bites, Other Injury Claims
IN THIS ISSUE: The Journey • Breakfast Pizza • Living Local • The National Trial Lawyers Summit
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF AI LEGAL ADVICE
8 AI may expose confidential information if you upload documents to free platforms. Your case is too important to trust a chat bot. If you have a legal question, get advice from an honest attorney who knows the law and cares about getting you the best outcome. Call us today at (985) 240-9773.
These days, artificial intelligence (AI) seems to have an answer for everything, but when it comes to legal advice, that’s a huge problem. AI isn’t a lawyer. It doesn’t know your situation and has no ethical duty to give you the correct information. AI tools have been caught making up fake case law and giving dangerously inaccurate legal advice. Imagine trusting an AI answer that says you don’t have a case when you do. Or worse, acting based on bad advice that hurts your claim.
Answer key printed below.
Here’s why relying on AI for advice is risky:
8 AI can give wrong answers that could cost you your case. 8 AI doesn’t understand nuance . It can’t evaluate your unique situation.
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