Before you sign a contract in Louisiana, watch for these red flags: unclear scope of work , vague or risky payment terms , one‑sided termination rights , broad indemnity clauses, and missing or lopsided liability caps . These five issues cause most disputes we see. A careful review—preferably before emotions or deadlines kick in—can save you time, money, and stress. If anything feels confusing or unfair, pause and get advice before you sign. A Plain‑English Contract Review Checklist (Louisiana Edition) Contracts don’t have to be scary—but in Louisiana, they do need to be clear and properly tailored to our civil law system. At Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville, LA , we regularly help clients across the Northshore (Covington, Abita Springs, St. Tammany Parish) and throughout Louisiana avoid problems by reviewing contracts before they’re signed. Use this checklist as a practical guide. 1) Scope of Work: What Exactly Are You Agreeing To? Red flags: Vague descriptions (“as needed,” “from time to time”) Open‑ended duties without limits No clear deliverables or deadlines What to look for: A clear list of services or products Timelines and milestones What’s not included (this matters just as much) If the scope isn’t specific, disputes almost always follow. 2) Payment Terms: When, How, and What Happens If There’s a Dispute Red flags: Payment due “upon request” or without an invoice No late‑payment terms—or penalties that are extreme The other side can withhold payment for vague reasons What to look for: Exact amounts or rates Payment schedule and method Late fees that are reasonable and lawful in Louisiana 3) Termination: Can You Get Out If Things Go Wrong? Red flags: Only the other party can terminate Termination allowed “for convenience” without notice No explanation of what happens after termination What to look for: Mutual termination rights Clear notice periods What happens to unfinished work, payments, and obligations Being locked into a bad deal is one of the most common contract regrets. 4) Indemnity: Who Pays If Something Goes Wrong? Red flags: You indemnify the other side for everything, even their mistakes No limits on indemnity obligations Language you don’t understand (this clause is often dense) What to look for: Indemnity limited to your own actions Clear boundaries on responsibility Alignment with insurance coverage Indemnity clauses can shift massive financial risk—don’t skim this one. 5) Liability Caps: Is There a Limit on Exposure? Red flags: No cap at all Caps that only protect the other party Caps lower than the fees you’re paying (or none for you) What to look for: Mutual caps on liability Reasonable limits tied to contract value or insurance Clear exclusions (for fraud or intentional misconduct) Bonus Checks People Often Miss Governing Law & Venue: Is it Louisiana? If not, why? Automatic Renewals: Do you need to cancel by a specific date? Amendments: Can terms change without your written consent? Entire Agreement Clause: Does it wipe out promises made earlier? What to Ask the Other Side (Simple, Professional Questions) “Can we clarify the scope so we’re aligned on expectations?” “What happens if payment is disputed or delayed?” “Is termination mutual, and what’s the notice period?” “Can we narrow the indemnity to each party’s own actions?” “Is there a reasonable cap on liability for both sides?” How the other party responds tells you a lot.  When Should You Get a Lawyer Involved? If the contract is more than a page or two If the dollar amount or risk feels meaningful If the language is confusing or one‑sided If the contract came from out of state (very common issue in Louisiana) If you’re being pressured to “sign today” Louisiana’s civil law rules can change how contracts are interpreted. Boilerplate from other states often doesn’t work the way people expect here. Learn more about how we help with agreements on our Contract Law page: https://www.olivierlawfirmllc.com/contract-law Or see how contracts fit into the bigger picture on Business Law : https://www.olivierlawfirmllc.com/business-law Bottom Line If you don’t understand a contract, don’t sign it. A short review now can prevent a long dispute later. Need a second set of eyes? Request a contract review with Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville, LA . We serve clients across the Northshore and throughout Louisiana—virtually or in person—and we explain everything in plain English before you commit.
If you’re in a car accident in Louisiana, your first priorities are safety, documenting the scene, getting checked for injuries, and being careful with insurance statements. Stay calm and take it step by step—even a minor crash can have long-term effects. Whether your accident happened on I-12, the Causeway, or anywhere across the Northshore, knowing what to do can protect your health, your finances, and your rights. Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville helps accident victims throughout Louisiana navigate the aftermath and get the support they need. What To Do After a Car Accident in Louisiana Car accidents are stressful and confusing, especially on busy roads like I-12 or the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. If you’re ever in this situation—whether it’s a major wreck or a fender-bender—having a clear plan can make a huge difference. Here’s what you need to do, step by step: 1) Make Safety Your First Priority Move vehicles out of traffic if possible and safe to do so. Turn on your hazard lights. Check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 right away—even for what seem like minor injuries. Tip: Even low-speed collisions can cause hidden injuries. Don’t ignore pain, dizziness, or confusion. 2) Document the Scene Take clear photos of all vehicles, the surrounding area, road signs, license plates, and any visible injuries. Get the names, phone numbers, and insurance information of all drivers involved. Collect contact info for any witnesses. Their perspective can be important later. Make a quick written note (or voice memo on your phone) about what happened—memories fade fast. On the Northshore, police often respond quickly on major routes like I-12 or the Causeway. Always wait for an officer to make an official report if possible. 3) Seek Medical Attention Promptly Even if you feel fine, see a doctor soon after the accident. Some injuries (like whiplash, concussions, or soft-tissue damage) don’t show up right away. Medical records are key for both your health and any potential insurance or legal claims. 4) Be Careful With Insurance Statements Notify your insurance company as soon as you can, but stick to the facts. Do not admit fault or give detailed recorded statements to any insurance adjuster (even your own) without talking to a lawyer—what you say can be used against you later. Don’t rush to accept a quick settlement offer, even if bills are piling up. These offers are often much less than what you actually deserve. 5) Know Your Rights and Get Help If You Need It If your car accident happened anywhere on the Northshore—or anywhere in Louisiana—Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville is here to help you: Understand your legal options Handle all communication with insurance companies Pursue compensation for injuries, vehicle damage, lost wages, and more You can read more about what to expect after a crash on our Car Accidents page, or learn about broader Personal Injury help. After a Crash, Don’t Go It Alone Even a minor accident can lead to major headaches if not handled properly. If you’ve been in a wreck—on the Causeway, I-12, US-190, or any Northshore road—get advice before making big decisions. Request a free case evaluation from Olivier Law Firm LLC in Mandeville, LA. We’ll review your accident, explain your options, and handle the details so you can focus on recovery.