New Orleans 

Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Representing Survivors of Catastrophic Injuries in New Orleans

By definition, a catastrophic injury is a devastating, life-altering event. These injuries are so extreme, they often leave victims facing major physical consequences, including permanent disability or disfigurement, significant financial hardships, like massive medical bills, and severe mental and emotional distress. 

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we recognize the profound impact these injuries have on our clients' lives. We also understand just how important it is that catastrophic injury survivors receive fair compensation, not only so that they can cope with the enormous challenges these injuries present but also to provide a much-needed sense of justice and accountability that is essential for healing. That is why we aggressively pursue these claims, taking on complex cases that many other law firms won't. Our compassionate approach ensures clients receive the support they need every step of the way, and our willingness to fight for their recoveries means we are always ready to go to trial if that's what it takes to secure the maximum compensation they are owed. 

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, call Clayton, Frugé & Ward at (225) 209-9943 to learn how our New Orleans catastrophic injury lawyers can help.

What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic”? 

A catastrophic injury is one that results in major physical, emotional, and/or financial hardships for the victim and/or their loved ones. 

Catastrophic injuries are often defined as injuries that result in at least one of the following: 

• Significant and/or permanent scarring or disfigurement 
• Significant and/or permanent disability (mental or physical) 
• Permanent impairment of an important bodily function 
• Death 

As opposed to typical injuries, catastrophic injuries are long-lasting, often permanent, and nearly always require long-term changes to the victim's typical lifestyle. 

Examples of catastrophic injuries include: 

• Amputation/loss of limb 
• Serious bone fractures 
• Severe burn injuries 
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Chronic or incurable illnesses 

These injuries require extensive, ongoing medical attention and often leave victims unable to work or earn a living to support themselves or their families. Some catastrophic injury survivors may require around-the-clock care and support, adding to the already costly toll victims and their families face. 

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries 

Catastrophic injuries tend to arise from serious accidents and traumatic events. However, even a seemingly minor incident can result in a life-altering injury. 

Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in New Orleans include: 

• Car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle wrecks, and other motor vehicle collisions
• Construction accidents, industrial accidents, and other work accidents
• Plant and refinery accidents, as well as offshore and maritime accidents
• Serious falls, including slip and falls and falls from heights 
• Recreation-related accidents, such as ATV crashes 
• Professional, collegiate, and amateur sports accidents 
• Acts of violence, such as assault

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, our catastrophic injury attorneys in New Orleans work carefully to investigate claims and determine the exact cause of our clients' injuries. This allows us to identify who is liable so that we can aggressively pursue maximum compensation. 

In some cases, multiple causes could be at play. For example, a motor vehicle accident could result from driver negligence, but it could also be exacerbated or even directly caused by a defective vehicle or component. Our team always looks at all possible options and pursues every available avenue of compensation on behalf of our clients. 

Why Choose Our Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in New Orleans?

Choosing the right legal team can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. People choose Clayton, Frugé & Ward because of our commitment to achieving successful outcomes for even the most challenging cases. Unlike other firms, we are not deterred by complexity or adversity; instead, we embrace these challenges, consistently taking cases other firms might turn away.

With Clayton, Frugé & Ward, you get: 

• A Diverse Team: Reflecting New Orleans' rich community, our diverse team draws on varied backgrounds and understands the unique needs of each individual client.
• Our Proven Track Record of Success: With over a billion dollars secured in verdicts and settlements, our history of achieving record-setting results speaks volumes.
• Comprehensive Support: Beyond legal guidance, we also offer ongoing emotional and practical support, helping clients navigate their post-injury recovery.

We take the time to understand each client’s individual circumstances and challenges. This personalized attention allows us to tailor our strategies specifically to meet our clients’ unique needs, providing not just innovative legal strategies but also pathways to restoring quality of life. 

Understanding the Legal Process for Catastrophic Injuries in New Orleans

Navigating a catastrophic injury claim in New Orleans can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with complex medical needs and uncertain futures. Understanding the legal process helps clients set realistic expectations and remain informed at every stage. Our goal is to provide clarity about the steps involved so that clients can focus on recovery while we handle the details of their cases.

The process typically begins with a comprehensive investigation into the cause of your injury, which may involve gathering police reports, witness statements, and medical records. In New Orleans, this may include obtaining documentation from local medical centers like Ochsner Medical Center or University Medical Center, frequently involved in the care of catastrophic injuries. Once our catastrophic injury attorney team establishes liability, we work to identify all responsible parties and ensure that critical evidence is preserved from the earliest moments of your claim.

Throughout the process, our attorneys handle all communications with insurers and opposing counsel, which is particularly important in claims related to incidents on local highways such as I-10, or in highly regulated environments like Port of New Orleans operations. We keep clients updated with clear explanations of timelines, expected challenges, and possible outcomes. This proactive approach allows our clients to make informed decisions as their claim advances through negotiation, settlement, or litigation, if necessary.

Key steps our team undertakes during the legal process include:

• Thorough evidence collection: Collaborating with law enforcement and medical professionals in New Orleans to build a strong foundation for your claim.
• Accurate damage assessment: Working with economic and medical experts to calculate the full extent of present and future losses.
• Strategic negotiation and advocacy: Advocating for fair settlements or preparing for trial at venues like Orleans Parish Civil District Court when needed.

Every situation is different, and having a catastrophic injury lawyer that New Orleans residents trust means you always have someone focused on your best interests at every turn of the process. Our commitment is to handle the legal complexities so you and your family can move forward with confidence.

We Provide Dedicated Support & Compensation for Victims

For catastrophic injury victims, financial compensation is crucial for covering extensive medical bills, rehabilitation, and adapting to a new way of life. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we understand just how important this is. We approach catastrophic injury cases differently because we recognize the unique needs our clients have. 

Our catastrophic injury attorneys in New Orleans can help you seek compensation for your: 

• Medical expenses and ongoing care
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and adaptive equipment costs
• Loss of future earnings and earning ability 
• Lost or reduced quality of life 

Many clients have questions about the types of support they may need as they navigate recovery from a catastrophic injury in New Orleans:

• Access to quality medical care: Our team helps connect clients with leading medical providers, such as University Medical Center, to ensure they receive the treatment vital for their recovery.
• Rehabilitation and therapy planning: We work with rehabilitation professionals in the area to help clients regain as much independence and function as possible.
• Guidance on home modifications: When catastrophic injuries require changes to living environments, our attorneys can refer clients to resources and experts skilled in accessible home design.

At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we craft compelling arguments by detailing the profound impact these injuries have on our clients’ lives, both in the short and long term. We work tirelessly to ensure our clients can secure the financial resources they need for a stable and fulfilling future.

What's more, we understand that compensation goes beyond monetary relief. It is about restoring dignity, autonomy, and a sense of normalcy to lives disrupted by catastrophic injuries. By taking a client-centric approach, we prioritize your overall well-being and develop strategies that address and anticipate your ongoing and future needs. Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom. We work to nurture long-standing relationships to support our clients through their recovery and reintegration into daily life.

For a free and confidential consultation, call (225) 209-9943 today.

New Orleans Catastrophic Injury FAQ

What Is Louisiana's Comparative Fault Rule & How Does It Affect My Catastrophic Injury Case?

Louisiana follows a pure comparative fault system where a plaintiff's damage award decreases by their percentage of fault in an incident. For instance, if you are found 20% at fault and are seeking a $100,000 award, your compensation would reduce by 20% to $80,000. In other words, the more “at fault” the liable party claims you are, the less you can recover. 

While being partially at fault for the incident that led to your injuries does not stop you from recovering compensation, it can significantly impact how much you receive. For this reason, it's crucial that you work with a knowledgeable attorney who can help you fight back against the insurance company's efforts to reduce your claim. In catastrophic injury cases, being found even a tiny bit at fault can mean the difference between recovering what you need to move forward and missing out on tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation. 

Can I Claim Lost Wages & Future Earnings in My Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Yes, victims of catastrophic injuries are entitled to compensation for current lost wages and projected future earnings if their ability to work is compromised. Calculating future earnings requires thorough analysis, including medical evaluations and economic forecasts. Our legal team collaborates with medical experts and economic analysts to present compelling evidence, helping clients receive equitable compensation corresponding to their actual and projected losses.

What Makes Catastrophic Injuries Different from Other Personal Injuries? 

Catastrophic injuries are distinguished by their permanent, life-altering implications, which significantly impact victims’ physical and financial capabilities. Unlike other personal injuries, catastrophic injuries usually require expansive medical intervention and ongoing rehabilitation. They also tend to result in extensive financial impacts, such as hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills and months, years, or even a lifetime of lost wages. 

How Long Do Catastrophic Injury Cases Take in New Orleans? 

While each case varies, factors influencing timing include case complexity, defendant negotiations, and court schedules. Although some cases resolve within months, others may extend over several years due to the need for comprehensive investigations, lengthy negotiations, or trials. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we work to expedite the processes without compromising. In many cases, it is in your best interests to continue pursuing maximum compensation rather than accepting a first or second settlement offer, even if that means taking your case to trial.