Being involved in any type of accident that results in an injury can feel catastrophic, but not all personal injury claims are classified as such. If you have grounds to file a bodily injury claim in Louisiana, it’s beneficial to have working knowledge of state personal injury laws. This includes knowing what qualifies as a catastrophic injury in Louisiana. That way, you can file a claim that is aimed at recovering a fair settlement based on the full scope of your injuries.
Navigating the claims process in the wake of a serious injury can be a lot of hard work. It’s recommended that you hire a catastrophic injury lawyer. Even with the right legal support on your side, it’s wise to have a basic understanding of Louisiana’s catastrophic injury laws for yourself as well.
Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Cases
While there is no one definition of “catastrophic injury,” it typically refers to severe injuries that lead to lifelong injuries and permanent disabilities. It’s imperative that you understand the scope of your injuries to recover the compensation you’re rightfully owed.
Trauma is the leading cause of death for people 45 years and younger in the United States. Traumatic events like catastrophic accidents can lead to serious injuries and fatalities, which is why it’s important to understand what steps to take to secure compensation for your losses.
In a single year, there were 222,698 preventable deaths and 62 million injuries recorded across the country. In Louisiana alone, around 500,000 people visit emergency departments for unintentional injuries, and another 26,000 are admitted to the hospital.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Louisiana Injury Claims
No two catastrophic injuries are going to look alike. It can be difficult to determine what is and is not a catastrophic injury under Louisiana law. That being said, there are common types of injuries that are typically labeled as catastrophic injuries. This includes:
- Amputations
- Blast injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
The nature of your injuries can impact how you go about filing your claim to recover damages for your losses. Injuries that lead to long-term disability require extra care when determining what damages to recover.
How you sustained your injuries can also affect the catastrophic injury claims process. For example, medical malpractice claims and government claims have a cap on damages and typically must be filed more quickly than most other types of personal injury claims.
It’s wise to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer to help you navigate the claims process and recover the appropriate compensation. They can collect evidence, interview doctors for expert opinions, and present a solid case for a fair settlement based on the scope of your injuries.
FAQs
What Types of Incidents Lead to Catastrophic Injury Claims in Louisiana?
The types of incidents that lead to catastrophic injury claims in Louisiana can range from intentional misconduct to pure accident. You can hold another party accountable for your injuries even if it was an accident, as long as you can prove negligence or some other wrongdoing.
Common types of catastrophic accidents include animal attacks, defective products, medical accidents, motor vehicle accidents, sporting accidents, and workplace accidents. Acts of violence due to negligent security are another leading cause of catastrophic injuries.
What Evidence Do I Need to Prove Fault in a Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Case?
What evidence you need to prove fault in a Louisiana catastrophic injury case is going to depend on the details of how and where you were injured. In general, it’s wise to document the incident. Take detailed notes, pictures, and videos.
It’s also wise to talk to any witnesses, get a copy of any police report, and keep your medical records handy. From there, a Louisiana catastrophic injury attorney can help you secure more specific pieces of evidence.
Does Louisiana Cap Recoverable Damages in Catastrophic Injury Claims?
Louisiana does cap some recoverable damages in catastrophic injury claims. For example, damages from medical malpractice claims are capped at $500,000. Claims against the government or any covered employee of the state also have the same cap.
The good news is that there is not generally a cap on damages for most other types of personal injury claims, including non-economic damages for things like loss of enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Louisiana?
How much it costs to hire a catastrophic injury attorney in Louisiana can depend on how complicated your case is and how much you recover through your claim. When you work with a Louisiana catastrophic injury attorney, you can typically expect to pay a contingency fee.
This means you don’t pay up front, and you don’t pay out of pocket. Instead, you focus on securing the compensation you deserve. Once that’s done, your attorney collects their fees from your total settlement.
Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Louisiana to Discuss Your Case in More Detail Today
Navigating a catastrophic injury case can be overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to represent yourself. It’s highly recommended that you connect with a local Louisiana catastrophic injury attorney who has experience with these types of cases. As a nationally recognized leader in personal injury and mass torts, Ron Austin Law is confident we can help you with your catastrophic injury claim.
Our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for our clients over our 20+ years in business. We have a commitment to justice and aren’t afraid to advocate for your needs in and out of the courtroom. Our experience spans different districts and multiple states.
While our past case results aren’t a guarantee for your claim, you can rest assured you’re working with a team that is dedicated to our community members. We even take it a step further by sponsoring events for schools, youth camps, and local civic organizations in the area. If you’re ready to learn more about how we can help with your case, call our office to set up a consultation with a member of our team today.
