Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Experienced Legal Advocates in Lake Charles
Founded in 2005, Stutes & Lavergne Law Firm has built a reputation for delivering personalized legal solutions across Southwest Louisiana. Our practice areas include personal injury law, business and tax law, real estate transactions, estate planning, and successions. We prioritize client relationships, dedicating time to understand individual needs and tailoring strategies to achieve long-term goals.With a team of experienced attorneys, we advocate for fair compensation in injury cases, navigate complex business transactions, and provide counsel on real estate and estate matters. Our commitment to community values and legal excellence ensures clients receive both professional expertise and compassionate support.
Services
Personal Injury Law
Business Law
Real Estate Transactions
Estate Planning
Tax Litigation
Workers' Compensation
Maritime Law
Wrongful Death Claims
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Our attorneys offer 24/7 availability for urgent legal needs
- Personalized case strategies tailored to individual client goals
- Proven success in complex personal injury and business litigation
- Deep local knowledge serving Southwest Louisiana communities
- Contingency fee structure ensures access to justice without upfront costs
What people say
Dedicated attorneys
Successful outcomes
24/7 availability
Local expertise
Personalized approach
Services
Personal Injury Law
We represent clients injured through no fault of their own in car wrecks, workplace accidents, and other incidents. Our attorneys negotiate with insurance companies and litigate to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. With decades of combined experience, we ensure clients receive full and fair settlements.
Business Law
Our firm provides comprehensive legal support for business formation, mergers, acquisitions, and contract negotiations. We advise clients on regulatory compliance, tax implications, and dispute resolution. Our goal is to protect business interests while facilitating growth and operational efficiency through tailored legal strategies.
Real Estate Transactions
We handle residential and commercial real estate closings, title corrections, and property disputes. Our services include contract review, title insurance, and resolution of boundary or ownership issues. With in-house title company Rock Solid Title, we ensure smooth transactions from start to closing.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and succession administration. We help families protect assets and navigate probate processes. Customized plans ensure clients' wishes are honored while minimizing tax liabilities and legal complications for heirs.
Workers' Compensation
We advocate for employees injured on the job, handling claims for medical benefits and lost wages. Our attorneys challenge denied claims and represent clients in disputes over workplace safety violations. We specialize in offshore injuries, construction accidents, and occupational disease cases.
People
Rusty Stutes
Partner/Attorney
Co-founding partner with decades of experience in personal injury and business litigation. Active in Southwest Louisiana legal community, focusing on client advocacy and complex case strategy development.
Jody Lavergne
Partner/Attorney
Co-founder specializing in real estate transactions and corporate law. Provides strategic counsel for business clients while maintaining commitment to personal injury representation and community service.
Jeanette DeWitt-Kyle
Injury Attorney
Dedicated personal injury advocate with focus on car accidents and workplace injuries. Prioritizes client communication and thorough case preparation to maximize compensation for medical recovery and financial stability.
Deil LaLande
Injury Attorney
Specializes in maritime and offshore injury claims. Brings technical knowledge of Jones Act cases and commercial shipping regulations to secure compensation for injured workers and their families.
Russ Stutes
Attorney
Handles estate planning, tax law, and business succession matters. Works closely with families to create comprehensive asset protection plans while maintaining focus on client education and long-term security.
Questions
What areas of law does Stutes & Lavergne specialize in?
We focus on personal injury, business law, real estate transactions, estate planning, tax litigation, workers' compensation, and maritime law cases in Southwest Louisiana.
Is there a cost for initial legal consultations?
No. We offer free initial consultations for personal injury and contingency cases to evaluate your situation without financial risk.
What compensation can injury victims expect?
Victims may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. Our attorneys negotiate aggressively to maximize total compensation.
How long do personal injury cases typically take?
Resolution times vary from months to years depending on case complexity, injury severity, and insurance cooperation. We prioritize timely resolution without compromising client interests.
Do you handle offshore and maritime injuries?
Yes. Our firm specializes in Jones Act claims, offshore accidents, and maritime injury cases involving vessels, barges, and oilfield operations.
What if my workers' comp claim was denied?
We challenge denied claims through administrative appeals and litigation. Our attorneys prove employer negligence and secure rightful benefits for workplace injuries.
