Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy

Personal Injury Law Firm in Lafayette, Louisiana

Law Offices of Richard R. Kennedy is a law firm based in Lafayette, Louisiana, dedicated to representing personal injury victims and their families. Founded by Richard R. Kennedy over fifty years ago, the firm also includes the work of Richard R. Kennedy III, who joined in 2000. Both attorneys are described as aggressive but professional advocates for families affected by acts of negligence.

The firm handles cases in Lafayette, in the surrounding parishes and communities of Acadiana, and in state and federal courts. Its practice focuses exclusively on matters involving the seriously injured and their families.

Practice Areas

The firm structures its activity into two main areas: personal injury and maritime accidents. Within the first, the website details a broad catalog of situations:

• Catastrophic injuries: spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, multiple bone fractures, loss of limb, burn injuries, and paralysis.
• Neck and back injuries.
• Product liability.
• Slip and fall accidents.
• Storm and hurricane damage.
• Wrongful death.
• Premises liability.
• Traffic accidents: car, truck, motorcycle, bus, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.
• Distracted driving, including texting while driving.
• Left turn accidents, rear-end collisions, and SUV rollover accidents.
• Commercial vehicle and rideshare accidents.

In the maritime field, the firm handles cases involving boating injuries, boating accidents, Jones Act claims, offshore drilling injuries, and rig and barge accidents.

Family Legacy and Recognitions

The Kennedy family's legal practice in Louisiana dates back five generations. The website mentions Joseph Albert Chargois (1840-1940), admitted to the Louisiana Bar in 1871, when Lafayette was known as Vermilionville, and who served as District Attorney for twelve years before entering the private practice of civil and criminal law. It also mentions John Lewis Kennedy (1871-1929), a graduate of Tulane Law School in 1899 as valedictorian, who practiced in New Orleans and then in Lafayette. Richard R. Kennedy Sr. (1914-1948) graduated from Louisiana State University Law School in the 1930s and practiced civil law in Lafayette.

The firm displays credentials such as membership in the National Association of Distinguished Counsel, Super Lawyers®, The American College of Trial Lawyers, the AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, and the National Trial Lawyers Association.

Work Method and Commitment to Clients

The attorneys state that all cases and final decisions belong to the clients, so they actively involve them and help them understand the legal foundations applicable to their situation. The firm promises unreserved dedication and details concrete commitments: providing a copy of everything they send and receive related to the case, maintaining an open line of communication even at nights, on weekends, and on holidays, and discussing, reviewing, and explaining all pleadings, discovery, and briefs before filing them. Additionally, they state that they act on the assumption that every case will go to trial.

The work process they describe begins with a free consultation to discuss the situation with an attorney, followed by comprehensive investigation and preparation, aggressive advocacy and negotiation, and finally, seeking maximum compensation or recovery.

Initial Consultation and Fees

Initial consultations with the personal injury attorneys are free and without obligation. During these, the attorneys gather information about the case and explain how they can help. In all cases, they work exclusively on a contingency fee basis: their fees consist of a reasonable percentage of the eventual judgment or settlement, and they do not charge if they do not obtain compensation for the client.

Office Hours

Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. However, the firm indicates that it can meet at any time according to the client's needs. The office is located in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana.

Location and Contact

309 Polk St Lafayette, LA 70501 · Phone: 337-232-1934