Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Louisiana Legal Representation
Founded in 2005, Stutes & Lavergne Law Firm has established itself as a trusted legal advocate in Southwest Louisiana. Our practice spans personal injury law, business and tax law, real estate transactions, and estate planning, serving clients in Lake Charles, Jennings, and surrounding areas. With a team of experienced attorneys, we prioritize personalized service, guiding clients through complex legal processes while maintaining a family-oriented approach. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through consistent successful case outcomes, including multi-million-dollar settlements in personal injury and workplace accident claims.We operate with transparency, offering 24/7 availability for injury cases and contingency fee arrangements to ensure accessible legal representation. Our attorneys combine deep local knowledge with specialized expertise in navigating Louisiana's legal landscape, particularly in cases involving offshore accidents, commercial litigation, and succession planning. By focusing on building client relationships and maintaining community ties, we aim to provide both legal proficiency and compassionate support throughout every case.
Services
Personal Injury Law
Workers' Compensation
Real Estate Transactions
Estate Planning
Business Law
Maritime Claims
Wrongful Death
Diminished Value Claims
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 24/7 availability for injury cases
- Contingency fee arrangements with no upfront costs
- Proven success in multi-million dollar settlements
- Specialized expertise in Louisiana personal injury law
- Family-oriented approach with personalized case management
What people say
Proven success in multi-million dollar settlements
24/7 availability for injury cases
Personalized case management
Deep local legal expertise
Family-oriented approach
Services
Personal Injury Law
Our personal injury practice handles car wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, and workplace injuries. We represent clients in seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With extensive experience in Louisiana law, our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and litigate cases to ensure fair settlements for clients injured through no fault of their own.
Workers' Compensation
We assist clients with workers' compensation claims for on-the-job injuries including falls, equipment malfunctions, and offshore accidents. Our attorneys help secure medical treatment coverage and wage replacement while challenging denied claims. We also investigate third-party liability in construction site injuries and industrial accidents to maximize client compensation.
Real Estate Transactions
The firm provides comprehensive real estate services including commercial and residential closings, title correction, and property dispute resolution. Our attorneys handle complex transactions for developers, businesses, and individual homeowners while maintaining a dedicated title company to streamline closing processes for Southwest Louisiana properties.
Estate Planning
We create customized estate plans including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. Our attorneys guide clients through succession planning to protect assets and ensure smooth property transfer. We also administer estates and resolve probate matters with sensitivity to family needs and Louisiana's specific legal requirements.
Business Law
Our business law practice covers mergers and acquisitions, contract disputes, and tax litigation. We represent Louisiana businesses in formation, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions. The firm also handles business succession planning and dispute resolution to protect commercial interests in both state and federal courts.
People
Rusty Stutes
Partner/Attorney
Co-founding partner with over 18 years of Louisiana legal experience. Specializes in personal injury litigation and complex commercial cases. Active in community legal education initiatives.
Jody Lavergne
Partner/Attorney
Co-founder focusing on business law and real estate transactions. Provides strategic counsel to Southwest Louisiana businesses. Maintains deep connections with local industry leaders.
Shelley Bouillion
Attorney
Handles estate planning and succession cases. Advises families on asset protection and will creation. Known for compassionate client interactions during sensitive legal matters.
Jeanette DeWitt-Kyle
Injury Attorney
Specializes in 24/7 personal injury response. Focuses on car accidents and wrongful death claims. Advocates for client medical care access during recovery periods.
Russ Stutes
Attorney
Concentrates on maritime law and offshore injury cases. Represents workers in Jones Act claims. Combines technical legal knowledge with practical understanding of industrial safety regulations.
Questions
What types of personal injury cases do you handle?
We handle car wrecks, 18-wheeler accidents, slip and falls, maritime claims, and workplace injuries. Our attorneys also manage wrongful death and diminished value claims.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations for personal injury cases. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to discuss your legal needs without upfront costs.
How are legal fees structured?
Personal injury cases operate on contingency fees - we only collect payment if we recover compensation for you. Other legal services have transparent fee structures discussed upfront.
Can you help with workers' compensation claims?
Yes, we represent clients in workers' compensation cases including denied claims, medical treatment disputes, and third-party liability investigations for workplace injuries.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Southwest Louisiana including Lake Charles, Jennings, Sulphur, and surrounding parishes. Our maritime practice handles offshore injury cases across the Gulf Coast region.
How long do personal injury cases take?
Case duration varies based on complexity and insurance cooperation. Our attorneys work efficiently to resolve matters while ensuring full compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
