Raggio Cappel Chozen & Berniard
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Practice Areas

Insurance Defense

Our experience in the defense of liability claims includes the representation of insureds through a wide variety of insurance companies and self-insureds, and principally focuses on personal injury claims brought against:

  • Commercial professionals, public sector professionals, healthcare providers, mental health providers and general and subcontractors in various types of construction related claims.
  • Governmental entities and their agents including, but not limited to, large municipalities, parishes, school districts and the police jury.
  • Manufacturers, retailers and distributors in a wide variety of product related claims.
  • Homeowners, automobile drivers and trucking companies.

We also litigate managed health care disputes, claims of policy sales malpractice, claims relating to or arising under disability, life insurance, and annuity policies. A substantial focus of our practice is the representation of insurance carriers directly in coverage and bad faith matters. We serve both in litigation and as coverage counsel.

Admiralty & Maritime Law-We represent clients in legal issues relating to the sea including shipping, marine cargo, and workers injured at sea, on navigable waters, or while working in harbor. We have extensive expertise in the requirements of the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.

Alternative Dispute Resolution-Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is the process of resolving legal conflicts without going to trial. We have extensive expertise in determining when a form of ADR is in the best interest of clients and meets their needs better than traditional litigation. We have substantial experience and training in ADR and routinely advise our clients on the legal consequences flowing from particular terms and conditions of all ADR options. A partner of the Firm is a certified mediator.

Litigation and Appeals-Our firm represents and advises clients who are or might become involved in a lawsuit or appeal as a result of a dispute, including prevention and settlement, in such areas as personal injury and employment claims, contract disputes, and commercial matters.

Toxic Torts Defense-Our firm has extensive experience in the defense of claims involving injuries by exposure to toxic and other dangerous substances, forms of energy, and devices, including asbestos, chemicals and cosmetics, hazardous waste, medical products and devices, pesticides, pharmaceutical products, radiation and electromagnetic energy, and tobacco.

Medical Malpractice Defense-Our lawyers are experienced in medical malpractice law and defend clients in cases involving allegations of malpractice in hospitals and nursing homes and as a result of services provided by dental, medical, chiropractic, and mental health professions.

Workers' Compensation Defense-Our attorneys are experienced in the defense of claims involving work-related injuries, including claims for lost wages and medical treatment expenses against private industry, Federal, and state and local government employers and their workers' compensation insurers. We handle issues dealing with defenses, fraud, subrogation, and appeals.

Natural Resources Law-Federal and state governments are heavily involved in the management of natural resources and have enacted numerous laws and regulations and formed a wealth of governmental agencies dedicated to preserving and exploiting natural resources. We have experience in the defense of injury claims related to the timber, oil and gas industries.

Business Organizations-The form of business chosen by an entity potentially affects every aspect of its operations. Our firm assists clients in formation and business planning and in deciding whether they want to operate as a closely held business, Limited Liability Company, partnership, or corporation. We advise our clients about directors' and officers' liability, dissolution, franchising, reorganization, trade association membership and activity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, business successions, and shareholders' rights.

Probate & Estate Administration-Our attorneys are experienced in Probate and Estate Administration. Probate is the legal process by which a person's debts are paid and assets are distributed upon her or his death. Estate Administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased's assets. Individual state laws direct the probate court how to distribute the deceased's estate. State laws and procedures vary greatly, so, it is important to consult a firm with expertise in this area of the law to ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed correctly.

Law Offices of Raggio, Cappel, Chozen & Berniard
1011 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 500
Lake Charles, Louisiana 70601
Phone: (337) 436-9481
Fax: (337) 436-9499


 

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