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Shreveport Amputation Injury Lawyers

Traumatic amputations happen more than you think.

In the United States, approximately 185,000 amputations occur each year, which translates to about 500 people losing a limb every day. Though vascular disease is a leading cause of amputation, traumatic injuries still account for a significant number — around 45% of all amputations in the United States are due to trauma.

Behind each statistic is a person whose world was turned upside down in an instant. At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport amputation injury attorneys have done more than just give legal advice — we've become part of their journey toward a new normal. While we can't turn back time, we can fight to ensure you have the resources needed to rebuild your life with dignity and independence.

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Cases

Victories That Helped Amputation Victims
Have a Renewed Future

See How We’ve Won for Others
$1,000,000

Premises Liability

The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.

$2,150,000

Wrongful Death

The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.

$1,600,000

Truck Accidents

Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.

$1,275,000

Car Accidents

The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.

$750,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.

$4,000,000

Car Accidents

The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.

$750,000

Civil Rights Violation

A 68-year-old client's 4th amendment rights were violated when police illegally entered his home and wrongfully arrested him.

$650,000

Car Accidents

The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.

$465,000

Truck Accidents

An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.

$1,000,000

Car Accidents

An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.

$2,500,000

Pedestrian Accidents

The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

$987,525

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.

$500,000

Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.

$504,150

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.

$545,000

Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$800,606

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$987,610

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$1,000,000

Insurance Bad Faith

Insurance company refused to pay for hail damage to a commercial property.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,250,000

Wrongful Death

Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

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Understanding Amputation Injuries

Understanding the nature and extent of amputation is essential to addressing its long-term impact and developing an effective rehabilitation and support plan. Amputations are not a one-size-fits-all situation; instead, they are complex medical events with various classifications and considerations that influence the individual's journey forward.

Medical professionals categorize amputations based on various factors, and considering them is crucial for determining the most appropriate surgical approach, prosthetic options, and therapeutic interventions to maximize the individual's functional abilities and overall quality of life.

Types of Amputations

Medical professionals classify amputations based on the surgical technique and location:

  • Complete vs. Partial
    Complete amputations involve total separation of the body part, while partial amputations leave some connection to the body. Partial amputations sometimes offer better reconstruction options but may still require complete surgical amputation, depending on tissue viability.
  • Open vs. Closed
    ‍    Open amputations leave the wound unclosed to allow for drainage and future procedures, often necessary when infection is present. Closed amputations involve immediate wound closure and are generally preferred when tissue conditions allow.
  • Guillotine vs. Flap
    ‍    Amputations cut straight through tissue layers and are typically performed in emergencies. Flap procedures carefully preserve skin and muscle tissue to create a more functional residual limb for prosthetic fitting.
Types of Amputations

Common Amputation Locations

The location of an amputation significantly impacts recovery, prosthetic options, and long-term adaptation:

  • Upper Extremity
    From finger to shoulder amputations, these injuries profoundly impact daily activities requiring fine motor skills. Work accidents account for 70% of these cases in Louisiana.
  • Lower Extremity
    Ranging from toe to hip amputations, these injuries affect mobility fundamentally. Higher-level amputations require significantly more energy expenditure for movement.
  • Multiple Limb Loss
    These catastrophic cases present extraordinary rehabilitation challenges and typically require lifetime specialized care and assistance.

The financial burden can be overwhelming with prosthetics often needing replacement every 3-5 years and costing tens of thousands of dollars each time. Our Shreveport amputation injury lawyers work with medical experts to document your immediate and long-term needs and fight for compensation that accounts for all aspects of your injury.

Common Causes of Amputation Injuries We Work With

At Rice & Kendig, we've seen firsthand how amputation injuries happen in an instant, but change lives forever. Our Shreveport amputation injury lawyers have decades of experience with these devastating cases.

  • Car Accidents

    When vehicles collide at high speeds on I-20 or I-49, the crushing forces can trap limbs and cause irreparable damage. We've helped numerous Shreveport drivers who suffered amputations when their vehicles were crushed in rollovers or T-bone collisions. These cases often involve complex insurance negotiations and questions about vehicle safety design.

  • Truck Accidents

    An 80,000-pound commercial truck can devastate a passenger vehicle, often pinning occupants and causing traumatic amputations. We recently represented a client who lost an arm when a fatigued truck driver crossed the center line on Highway 71. These cases require a thorough investigation of trucking company policies, driver logs, and maintenance records.

  • Motorcycle Accidents

    Without the protection of a vehicle frame, motorcyclists often suffer limb injuries when forced off the road or struck by inattentive drivers. A motorcyclist's exposed limbs can be crushed or severed upon impact or during a slide across the pavement. We understand the unique challenges riders face and how to overcome bias in these cases.

  • Pedestrian Accidents

    When vehicles strike pedestrians, the impact often throws victims against hard surfaces or under vehicles. We represented a Shreveport father who lost his leg after being pinned against a storefront by a driver who jumped the curb. These cases typically involve multiple injuries beyond the amputation, requiring comprehensive medical documentation.

  • Bus Accidents

    Public transit and commercial bus accidents can cause severe crush injuries leading to amputation, especially when passengers are thrown during a collision or when pedestrians become trapped under these massive vehicles. The large size and weight of buses create devastating force during accidents. These cases often involve government entities or commercial carriers with complex insurance coverage.

  • Boat Accidents

    Louisiana's extensive waterways see numerous boating accidents each year. Propeller strikes can cause traumatic amputations, while boat collisions can crush limbs against hard surfaces. We've represented clients who suffered amputations in recreational boating accidents on the Cypress Black Bayou and Cross Lake. These cases involve specialized maritime laws and multiple potential liability sources.

  • Aviation Accidents

    Though less common, aircraft crashes and airport ground accidents can result in severe trauma, leading to amputation. From small private plane incidents at regional airports to commercial aviation accidents, these cases require detailed industry knowledge. We work with aviation experts to determine liability in these complex cases involving federal regulations.

  • Dog Bites

    Severe dog attacks can cause devastating tissue damage, particularly to extremities like hands, arms, and lower legs. In some cases, injuries are so severe that amputation becomes necessary due to infection or irreparable damage. Louisiana's strict liability for dog owners means pet owners are responsible when their animals cause serious injuries like those requiring amputation.

Important Steps to Take After an Amputation Injury

After suffering an amputation injury, the actions you take can significantly impact your recovery and your ability to secure fair compensation. Our Shreveport attorneys recommend the following critical steps:

Focus on Medical Treatment

Your health must be your top priority. Follow all medical advice from your doctors and specialists. Attend every follow-up appointment, participate actively in rehabilitation, and keep all medical recommendations. Consistent medical care not only supports your recovery but also creates a strong record of your injury's impact.

Create Thorough Documentation

Evidence strengthens your case. We recommend:

  • Taking photographs of your injuries during various stages of healing.
  • Saving all medical bills, prescriptions, and healthcare records.
  • Keeping receipts for expenses related to your injury.
  • Recording missed workdays and lost income.
  • Maintaining a daily journal about your pain and challenges.
  • Documenting any home modifications or assistance you require

Protect Yourself from Insurance Companies

An insurance adjuster’s main job is to pay you as little as possible. Don’t let them minimize how your injury is affecting your life and how much pain you’re going through. To protect your interests:

  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance representatives.
  • Decline to sign any documents without legal review.
  • Never accept initial settlement offers.
  • Refrain from discussing fault or minimizing your injuries.
  • Refer all insurance communication to your attorney.

Contact Rice & Kendig Immediately

The sooner you involve an experienced amputation injury attorney, the stronger your case will be. Early legal intervention allows us to:

  • Preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
  • Interview witnesses while memories are fresh.
  • Handle all insurance communications.
  • Build a comprehensive case for maximum compensation.

At Rice & Kendig, we handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most — your recovery and adaptation to life after an amputation.

Compensation Available for Amputation Victims in Louisiana

Under Louisiana law, amputation victims can pursue various types of compensation when their injuries result from someone's negligence. Our attorneys work tirelessly to secure every dollar you deserve.

Economic Damages

These cover quantifiable financial losses:

  • Current and Future Medical Expenses
    All costs related to your injury, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and lifelong medical needs.
  • Lost Income and Earning Capacity
    Compensation for wages lost during recovery and reduced future earning potential if your amputation affects your ability to work in your chosen field.
  • Prosthetic Devices and Adaptive Equipment
    The cost of initial prosthetics, plus all future replacements and upgrades throughout your lifetime.
  • Home and Vehicle Modifications
    Expenses for making your living environment and transportation accessible based on your specific needs.
  • Personal Assistance Services
    Compensation for in-home care or assistance with daily activities when needed.

Non-Economic Damages

These address the profound personal impact of your amputation:

  • Pain and Suffering
    Compensation for physical pain, both past and ongoing.
  • Emotional Distress
    Addressing the psychological and emotional trauma associated with losing a limb.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life
    Compensation for activities, hobbies, and experiences you can no longer participate in or must experience differently.
  • Loss of Consortium
    Recognizing the impact on your relationship with your spouse.
  • Permanent Disfigurement and Disability
    Acknowledging the lifelong physical changes and limitations you face.

Punitive Damages

While rare in Louisiana, courts may award these additional damages in cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm. Unlike compensatory damages that make you whole, punitive damages are designed to punish the responsible party and prevent similar behavior in the future. These damages can significantly increase your overall compensation.

compensation-available-for-amputation-victims-in-louisiana

Understanding Louisiana Laws Affecting Your Amputation Case

Successfully navigating an amputation injury claim requires a deep understanding and knowledge of Louisiana's legal system. Here are the key legal elements that could affect your case:

Filing Deadline Requirements

Louisiana law sets strict time limits for filing amputation injury claims:

  • For injuries occurring before July 1, 2024: One-year filing deadline from injury date.
  • For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024: Two-year filing deadline from injury date.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation. Certain amputation cases, such as those involving government entities or medical malpractice, may require additional notice and specific procedures. It’s important to contact us immediately so we can protect your right to receive compensation and file everything on time.

Louisiana's Comparative Fault System

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, our state follows a "pure comparative fault" rule:

  • You can recover compensation even if you're partially responsible for your amputation.
  • Your percentage of responsibility reduces your recovery.
  • No threshold of fault completely bars your recovery.

For instance, if your amputation case is valued at $1,000,000 but you're found 25% at fault, you could still recover $750,000. Our attorneys gather strong evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Liability for Amputation Injuries

Louisiana law establishes several liability pathways for amputation victims:

  • Direct negligence by individuals or businesses.
  • Strict liability for defective products causing amputation injuries.
  • Vicarious liability holds employers responsible for employee actions.
  • Premises liability for dangerous property conditions.
  • Special maritime provisions for offshore amputation incidents.

We thoroughly investigate all potential sources of liability to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable for your life-changing injury.

Damage Limitations and Exceptions

Certain Louisiana laws may impact amputation compensation:

  • No general caps on most personal injury damages.
  • Medical malpractice damages are limited to $500,000 plus medical expenses.
  • Special considerations for workers' compensation amputation claims.
  • Enhanced damages are possible in cases of gross negligence.

Our experienced amputation injury attorneys navigate these complex legal frameworks to pursue maximum compensation for your devastating loss.

Missing a Limb due to Someone's Negligence?

You deserve full compensation for a lifetime of expenses. Our amputation injury lawyers have already helped hundreds secure the funding they need.

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

In Their Own Words:

Amputation Survivors on Finding Justice

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Shreveport Families Put Their Trust in
Rice & Kendig After Amputation

When trying to move forward after losing a limb, having the right legal team makes all the difference. Here's why families across Northern Louisiana have turned to us for over five decades:

  • Champions for Our Injured Neighbors
    Amputation cases demand attorneys who truly understand what you're going through. We've walked this path with hundreds of clients and know exactly what it takes to secure the compensation you'll need for a lifetime.
  • Results That Speak Volumes
    Insurance companies recognize our name and what it means to them. Our reputation for preparing every case for trial often leads to settlement offers that reflect your true needs. Adjusters and their attorneys know that we are not afraid of any case and we won’t stop until our clients get the money they deserve.
  • Not Just Attorneys, but Part of the Family
    You'll never be just another case number in our office. Our senior partners work directly with you, taking the time to understand how your amputation has changed your daily life.
  • Hometown Advocates with Hometown Advantages
    Over the decades, we've built relationships with Shreveport's finest medical specialists, prosthetic experts, and rehabilitation professionals. These local connections strengthen your case immeasurably.
  • Bilingual Support When You Need It Most
    Language should never be a barrier to justice after an amputation. Our Spanish-speaking team ensures nothing gets lost in translation during this crucial time in your life.
  • Our Promise: No Recovery, No Fee
    Focus on healing, not legal bills. We handle all costs of building your case and only get paid when you do, ensuring our goals remain perfectly aligned with yours.
Your Local Advocates

Serving Amputation Injury Victims

Across Northern Louisiana

At Rice & Kendig, we understand that amputation injuries can happen anywhere — at construction sites in Shreveport, on highways in Bossier City, at industrial facilities in Natchitoches, or on oil rigs serving our region. That's why we've built a practice that reaches every corner of Northern Louisiana, including:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

This Doesn’t Have to be the End of Your Story

Let Us Help

The day your amputation happened, choices were taken from you in an instant. Today is different. Today, you have the power to choose who fights for your future.

For over five decades, our Shreveport amputation attorneys have stood beside families facing the same challenges you're experiencing now. We've seen the determination in our clients' eyes as they adapt to their new reality, and we've matched that determination with relentless advocacy that delivers results.

Don't face this journey alone. Call Rice & Kendig today at (318) 222-2772 for a free, confidential consultation. Let's take this important step forward together.

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Your Questions Answered

Amputation Injury
FAQ

  • Cases involving children have special considerations, including court oversight of settlements and the establishment of protected trusts to safeguard their compensation. We have extensive experience representing children with life-altering injuries and understand how to structure settlements that provide for their changing needs throughout development and into adulthood.

  • Insurance companies routinely downplay future prosthetic needs to minimize settlement offers. We work with certified prosthetists who provide expert testimony about your specific requirements based on your activity level, occupation, and life circumstances. We've successfully fought for settlements covering advanced prosthetics that insurance companies initially claimed were unnecessary "luxury" items.

  • We document how your amputation affects every aspect of your life through detailed journals, day-in-the-life videos, and testimony from family members. Rather than using generic formulas, we present your unique story, showing the jury precisely what was lost and how your daily experiences have changed. This personalized approach consistently results in more substantial non-economic damage awards for our clients.

  • Most amputation cases resolve within 12-24 months, though complex cases may take longer. We prioritize thoroughness over speed, ensuring we fully understand your long-term medical needs before considering settlement. While we work efficiently, rushing an amputation case often results in inadequate compensation that fails to cover future needs.