Louisiana

Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Our Louisiana Serious Injury Lawyers Help Undo Medical Debt, Lost Wages & More

Catastrophic injuries can change a life in just a few quick moments. From burns or spinal cord injuries to brain trauma, catastrophic injuries are made even more tragic and frustrating by the fact that another person’s negligence is almost always the cause. 

Our Louisiana catastrophic injury attorneys strive to hold negligent parties accountable by forcing them to cover the cost of their victims’ medical bills, lost wages, and more.

After decades in practice, the results speak for themselves—Clayton, Frugé & Ward has won over $1 billion fighting for people who need compensation, including the largest single-injury verdict in state history.

If you have been seriously injured, call our Louisiana catastrophic injury attorneys at (225) 209-9943 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries

Injuries that are considered catastrophic significantly impair a person’s cognition, mobility, or sensory abilities. When these accidents occur, they devastate the survivor's quality of life. Victims of these severe injuries experience pain, debt from medical treatment, and a decreased ability to earn a living.

Understanding the complex nature of catastrophic injuries is essential for proper legal representation. These injuries often involve long-term rehabilitation, adjustments to the living environment, and, sometimes, the need for lifelong medical care.

Catastrophic injuries include:

When a person experiences the drastic transformation of life that catastrophic injuries cause, they are forced to undergo a radical change that no one should endure. Those who caused it must be held accountable.

Employers, property owners, and manufacturers can sometimes fail to meet safety standards, contributing to these life-altering injuries. For example, employers can neglect to follow regulations, creating unsafe work environments to increase profits. Then, when workers are injured, those same employers dodge responsibility by attempting to place blame on anything and anyone but themselves when simply implementing proper workplace rules would have prevented the incident from ever occurring.

Taking legal action against a negligent employer, manufacturer, or individual can not only compensate the victim but also serve as a catalyst for policy and safety improvements, safeguarding others in the community. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we are not only dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients but also forcing powerful entities to change how they operate through legal accountability, making sure similar tragedies do not befall other families. 

Laws Impacting Catastrophic Injury Cases in Louisiana

Catastrophic injury claims are different from typical personal injury cases, largely due to the severity of the injuries and the resulting high value of the damages. Though there are no state laws specific to catastrophic injury claims, understanding Louisiana's personal injury laws becomes even more important in these complex and costly matters. 

What Is Comparative Negligence?

Louisiana catastrophic injury claims fall under the state's civil law system, and one notable aspect is its comparative negligence rule. Under this rule, a claimant's damages can be reduced by their percentage of fault if they are found partly liable for the incident that led to their injuries. For example, if the insurance company says that you were 40% at fault, your total compensation would be reduced by 40%, meaning you could only recover 60% of the total amount you are seeking in damages. 

In catastrophic injury cases, even a small percentage of fault could amount to tens of thousands of dollars lost. Insurance companies know this and often claim that an injured victim was largely to blame, even when this is not the case. At Clayton, Frugé & Ward, we know how to fight back against these tactics, fiercely protecting our clients and their right to a full, fair recovery.  

Louisiana's Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims

Another important factor is the statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Louisiana, or the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit against the liable party. For most personal injury cases where the injury happened on or after July 1, 2024, plaintiffs have two years from the date of injury to file their lawsuits. If an injury occurred before this date, the plaintiff has just one year to sue for damages. 

This relatively short timeframe makes it crucial for victims to seek legal assistance as soon as possible in order to preserve their right to compensation. Furthermore, Louisiana's unique legal framework, including the state's no-pay, no-play insurance rule, can affect how catastrophic injury claims are handled. Our team understands these nuances and uses this in-depth knowledge to level the playing field for our clients.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Louisiana

In Louisiana, catastrophic injuries arise from various accidents, many of which involve situations specific to the state's industries and infrastructure. 

Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Louisiana include: 

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Traffic accidents are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries in Louisiana. These incidents are often exacerbated by factors such as distracted driving, intoxication, and poorly maintained roads. 
• Workplace Accidents: Given Louisiana's significant industrial, oil, and petrochemical sectors, workplace accidents involving heavy machinery and hazardous materials also contribute to the frequency of severe injuries in the state. 
• Falls: Accidents involving slips, trips, and falls, as well as falls from significant heights, often lead to catastrophic injuries like broken bones, head injuries, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, and blunt force trauma. 
• Alcohol-Related Incidents: Many catastrophic injuries arise from alcohol-related incidents, such as drunk driving accidents, falls, and acts of violence, like assault. 
• Violence: Assault and other forms of violence frequently lead to catastrophic injuries, including gunshot or knife wounds, blunt force trauma, head injuries, soft tissue damage, and more.

While the exact causes of catastrophic injuries vary, one thing they often have in common is negligence. Rarely are these incidents true accidents; in most cases, they result from the careless, reckless, and wrongful actions of others. When this happens, victims have the right to seek justice and fair compensation for their damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from the incident and the victim's injuries.

Louisiana Catastrophic Injury FAQ

What Should I Do Immediately After Sustaining a Catastrophic Injury?

Immediately after sustaining any type of injury, you should seek medical attention, even if your initial symptoms appear mild. Medical professionals can accurately assess the extent of your injuries and begin necessary treatment. In many cases, the shock of an accident can mask the true severity of an injury. It's always important to see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis. 

After you have received medical care, you should try to document the incident as much as possible. This might include gathering evidence, such as photos of the scene, the contact details of any witnesses, and copies of the accident report, if applicable. If you are unable to gather evidence yourself, an attorney from our firm can do it for you. Reach out to us today to learn more.

How Do I Choose the Right Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Louisiana?

Choosing the right catastrophic injury lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case, but there are several important things to consider. First, look for a firm with a proven track record of handling complex personal injury cases and securing significant verdicts and settlements. Client testimonials and references can provide insight into the firm's reputation. It's also important to find an attorney who demonstrates a strong commitment to the community and understands the local legal landscape, as this ensures that they can effectively navigate Louisiana's specific laws and regulations that may pertain to your case.

Can I Pursue Compensation If I Share Fault for the Accident?

Under Louisiana's comparative negligence law, you can pursue compensation even if you share some fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 30% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by that amount. Because of this, it is crucial to have skilled legal representation on your side. An attorney can help minimize your perceived fault and work to maximize your compensation, providing a better chance for a full recovery of the damages you have incurred.

What Are the Long-Term Implications of Catastrophic Injuries?

The long-term implications of catastrophic injuries can be extensive and varied. Many victims face permanent physical limitations, requiring continuous medical care and significant adjustments in their everyday lives. The economic impact can also be profound, as victims face months, years, or even a lifetime of lost income and considerable medical expenses for immediate and future care. Emotional and psychological challenges are also common, as victims may experience issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety related to the event that caused their injuries. It's incredibly important, therefore, that those who have suffered catastrophic injuries are represented by someone who knows the full extent of the impact these injuries have on victims' lives, as well as how to pursue maximum compensation for past, current, and future damages.

How Do Catastrophic Injury Cases Differ from Other Personal Injury Cases?

Catastrophic injury cases differ from other personal injury cases primarily in the severity and lasting impact of the injuries involved. These cases often require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony to demonstrate the long-term effects on the victim's life. The stakes are typically higher, with significant compensation sought due to the profound impact on physical abilities, mental health, and overall quality of life. Consequently, these cases demand meticulous preparation and strategic execution to ensure fair compensation that aligns with the comprehensive needs stemming from such life-altering events is effectively obtained.

Injured? Call Our Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Lawyers at (225) 209-9943

We are proud Louisianans who operate on the foundation of treating clients with excellent service and the dignity they deserve. We fight for clients because they’re our neighbors, and it’s the right thing to do.

Our serious injury attorneys in Louisiana know catastrophic injuries are life-changing. If you or a loved one is struggling with the hardships of recovering from a catastrophic injury, let us help. These cases can be time-intensive and expensive. Our firm invests the time, resources, and dedication required to produce tangible results for you. 

Call our Louisiana catastrophic injury attorneys to obtain the legal representation you deserve. The consultation is free, and we do not charge fees unless your case is won. Call (225) 209-9943 as soon as possible.