Personal injury includes injuries to the body, mind or emotions, as opposed to an injury to property. If the negligence of another person can be proved, the person who is injured may be entitled to monetary compensation from that person who was negligent. Attorneys often represent clients on a contingency basis, in which the attorneys fee is a percentage of the compensation the plaintiff receives, payable when the case is resolved. Cases involving people who have suffered an injury for which someone else (an individual or business) may be legally liable -- may include injuries caused by car accidents, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and fall incidents, and emotional distress.
Lake Charles is the fifth largest incorporated city in the US state of Louisiana, located on Lake Charles, Prien Lake, and the Calcasieu River. "Lake Charles, Louisiana (LA) Detailed Profile" (notes), City Data, 2007, webpage: C-LCh. "Census 2000 Data for the State of Louisiana" (town list), US Census Bureau, May 2003, webpage: C2000-LA. It is the parish seat of Calcasieu Parish, a major cultural and educational center in the southwest region of the state, and one of the most important in Acadiana. As of the 2000 census, the population was 71,757. Lake Charles is the principal city of the Lake Charles Metropolitan Statistical Area, having a population of 193,568. It is the larger principal city of the Lake Charles-Jennings Combined Statistical Area, with a population of 225,003. A 2008 population estimate of the five parish area was over 285,853. This growing city is considered a major center of petrochemical refining, tourism, gaming, and education being home to McNeese State University and Sowela. With over 75 festivals held annually, Lake Charles is referred to as the Festival Capital of Louisiana.