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Shreveport Burn Injury Lawyers

A serious burn can mean weeks in a burn unit, multiple surgeries, and a body that will never look or feel the same. Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers has stood beside Shreveport families through the recovery process from significant injuries, handling the insurance company phone calls, the complex paperwork and bills, and the legal fight so you can focus on healing.

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Cases

Real Results That Changed Lives

See How We’ve Won for Others
$900,000

Motor Vehicle Accident

A truck towing a large piece of equipment blocked a rural roadway, leading to a collision that left our client with rib and ankle fractures.
$1,000,000

Wrongful Death

A series of truck collisions on a rural roadway resulted in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of our client.
$900,000

Car Accidents

Clients were rear-ended by an oilfield service truck, resulting in shoulder and wrist injuries and the aggravation of a hernia.
$755,000

Car Accidents

A distracted driver failed to stop for our client’s vehicle, causing injuries, including sacroiliac joint dysfunction and post-concussion syndrome.
$650,000

Trip and Fall

A caterer suffered major shoulder and knee injuries requiring surgery after tripping over a loose board that the facility had failed to repair.
$826,000

Car Accidents

A client was rear-ended in Haughton by a distracted driver, resulting in herniated discs and central stenosis.
$675,000

Car Accidents

Our client sustained spinal injuries and chronic headaches after being rear-ended by a distracted driver in Desoto Parish.
$850,000

Car Accidents

A driver’s failure to yield on LA 3132 led to a high-impact rear-end collision, causing the client to suffer multi-level disc disease and chronic pain.
$2,000,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler driver suffered severe facial and internal injuries after a defective tire blew out, causing the truck to flip several times.
$2,700,000

Slip and Fall

A client suffered a head injury after slipping on unattended mop water in a facility that failed to post warning signs.
$16,000,000

Wrongful Death

A tragic head-on collision caused by a speeding 18-wheeler resulted in the wrongful death of a mother and great-grandmother and injuries to an infant.
$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.
$2,000,000

Car Accidents

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

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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Burn Injury Types and Severity Levels

Burns are classified by depth and by cause, and both affect your case. Insurance adjusters use the medical severity of a burn to argue a claim isn’t worth what it should be, so knowing where your injury falls matters from the very beginning.

Burn Severity Levels

  • First-Degree Burns: These surface-level burns affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness, pain, and minor inflammation. While they typically heal within a week without scarring, they can cause significant discomfort, especially when covering large areas or affecting sensitive parts of the body.
  • Second-Degree Burns: More serious burns that damage both outer and deeper skin layers. These painful injuries cause intense redness, blistering, and potential wound weeping. Seeing a doctor early prevents complications and helps manage the significant level of pain burn injuries can cause.
  • Third-Degree Burns: These severe burns destroy all skin layers and can damage underlying tissues. Characterized by a white or charred appearance and numbness due to nerve damage, they require immediate emergency care. Recovery involves specialized burn center treatment, including skin grafts and extensive rehabilitation.
  • Fourth-Degree Burns: The most devastating burns extend beyond the skin into muscle, tendons, and even bone. These life-threatening injuries require immediate emergency intervention and often result in permanent tissue damage, requiring multiple surgeries and long-term medical care.

Common Types of Burns

  • Thermal Burns: Caused by contact with flames, hot surfaces, scalding liquids, or steam. These are the most common types of burns, often occurring in household accidents or workplace incidents.
  • Chemical Burns: Result from contact with strong acids, alkalis, or other caustic substances. They can continue causing damage until the chemical is completely removed and often occur in industrial settings.
  • Electrical Burns: Caused by electric current passing through the body. These burns can cause severe internal damage even when external injuries appear minor and require immediate medical attention.
  • Radiation Burns: Result from prolonged exposure to UV rays, X-rays, or other forms of radiation. These burns can develop slowly and may have long-term health implications.
  • Friction Burns: Occur when skin is scraped off by contact with hard surfaces, often in motorcycle or bicycle accidents. These burns frequently combine with other injuries.

Each type of burn calls for its own treatment path, and often its own legal strategy for identifying who is responsible.

Burn Injury Cases We Handle

Burns show up in nearly every kind of accident we handle, from highway collisions to workplace incidents. As Shreveport burn injury lawyers, we build each case around how the injury happened and who let it happen, including:

  • Car Accidents

    A routine commute can turn devastating when a collision leads to a fuel fire or contact with hot engine parts. These cases layer a serious burn on top of the crash itself, and insurers try to minimize both.

  • Truck Accidents

    When commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the risk of catastrophic burns increases dramatically due to larger fuel tanks and hazardous cargo. These cases often involve multiple liable parties, from trucking companies to cargo handlers.

  • Motorcycle Accidents

    Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to burns, whether from a hot exhaust pipe during the crash or a fuel fire afterward. Riders often face unfair assumptions about who caused the wreck, and we push back on that bias while documenting the full extent of the injury.

  • Pedestrian Burn Injuries

    Even pedestrians can suffer severe burns in vehicle accidents, especially when pinned against hot engine parts or exposed to leaking fuel. These injuries often mean extensive medical treatment, and the amount of compensation you receive should reflect that.

  • Special Needs Transportation Accidents

    Specialized transport vehicles serving disabled passengers carry added risk. A mechanical failure or an electrical fire makes it harder for a passenger who can’t self-evacuate quickly to escape. When a transportation provider skips maintenance or safety procedures, we hold them accountable.

  • Aviation Accidents

    Aviation incidents, from private plane crashes to helicopter accidents, often result in severe burn injuries from fuel fires. These cases typically involve multiple parties, from aircraft operators to manufacturers, and call for attorneys who know how to investigate them.

  • Bus Accidents

    Public transit and commercial bus accidents can lead to serious burns affecting multiple victims. Whether it’s a school bus fire or a commercial bus accident, we know how to handle these complex cases involving government entities and commercial carriers.

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Critical Steps After a Burn Injury: Protecting Your Health and Rights

Immediate Medical Care Comes First

Seek emergency medical attention right away, even if the burn seems minor. Burns can worsen quickly, and prompt treatment helps prevent serious complications. Follow your doctor’s recommendations carefully and attend all follow-up appointments. Your health and potential legal case depend on proper medical documentation.

Creating a Recovery Record

Keep a daily journal noting your pain levels and how the injury affects your daily life. Save all medical records, bills, and photographs showing your injury’s progression. Document any work you miss and how the injury impacts your ability to perform regular activities.

Gathering Critical Evidence

As soon as possible after the incident, take photographs of where the burn occurred and any equipment or products involved. If there were witnesses, get their contact information while the memories are fresh. Save any incident reports or correspondence about your injury. These details can matter later when proving who was at fault and holding them responsible.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after your injury, often sounding friendly and concerned. Their job, however, is to pay you as little as possible, or even nothing at all if they can get away with it. Don’t give a recorded statement without one of our skilled lawyers present. Don’t give them the opportunity to take what you tell them out of context and use it against you. Do not accept an early settlement offer without first discussing your case with us. A quick settlement might sound good at first, but it might not cover your long-term needs.

Contact Our Experienced Attorneys

After a serious burn injury, having the right legal counsel in your corner can make all the difference in your recovery journey. Our experienced burn injury attorneys will:

  • Handle all communication with insurance companies.
  • Ensure evidence is properly preserved.
  • Connect you with appropriate medical specialists.
  • Protect your legal rights while you focus on healing.

The sooner you have legal representation, the better protected your rights will be. Our team at Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers understands the complexities of burn injury cases and knows how to build strong claims so you can focus on your recovery.

Securing Your Future: What Burn Injury Compensation Covers

Burn injury victims in Louisiana may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on the case. Here’s what that typically covers:

Medical Compensation

Burn victims can seek compensation for all medical expenses, from immediate emergency care to long-term treatment. This includes specialized burn unit care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical procedures. Essential medical expenses often include:

  • Emergency treatment and hospitalization.
  • Surgeries and specialized burn care.
  • Physical and occupational therapy.
  • Mental health support and counseling.

Economic Damages

When a burn injury affects your ability to work and earn, you deserve compensation for these financial losses. Economic damages cover current and future financial impacts, including lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and career retraining needs. You may also receive compensation for out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.

Life Care Expenses

Serious burns often require significant lifestyle adjustments. Your compensation should cover necessary modifications and ongoing care needs, such as:

  • Home and vehicle modifications.
  • Specialized medical equipment.
  • Personal care assistance.
  • Adaptive devices and technology.

Non-Economic Damages

Louisiana law recognizes that burn injuries cause more than just financial hardship. You may receive compensation for personal impacts such as physical pain, emotional suffering, and changes in quality of life. This includes compensation for permanent scarring, disfigurement, and the emotional trauma of your experience.

Additional Compensation

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may also qualify for punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, workers’ compensation benefits for workplace injuries, or disability benefits. Each case is unique, and a thorough evaluation of your situation will determine which types of compensation apply.

At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, we work with medical professionals, life care planners, and economists to calculate the full value of your claim. While financial compensation can’t erase what happened, it can provide the resources needed for the best possible recovery and future quality of life.

Burn Injuries Are More Common Than You’d Think

U.S. hospitals admit an estimated 29,165 people for burn injuries every year, and 61% of those burns happen in private homes, according to the American Burn Association’s national burn data. That figure only counts hospital admissions, so it doesn’t include the burns treated in emergency rooms and doctors’ offices without an inpatient stay; the real number is far higher.

A serious burn is rarely just a bad day. It’s often the start of months of surgery, skin grafts, and rehabilitation. If someone else’s negligence caused yours, our skilled Shreveport burn injury lawyer can help you hold them accountable for that entire recovery, not just the first hospital bill.

Louisiana Law and Your Burn Injury Claim

Louisiana has specific laws that directly affect your burn injury case, from filing deadlines to how fault gets divided.

Critical Filing Deadlines for Burn Injury Lawsuits

Louisiana recently enacted significant changes to personal injury filing deadlines:

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

These deadlines are strict, and missing them can permanently bar you from compensation, no matter how serious your injuries are or how clear the at-fault defendant’s negligence was. Special circumstances, such as cases involving government entities, may have even shorter notice requirements, so it is critical to contact us immediately after an injury.

Modified Comparative Fault (Civil Code Article 2323)

Since January 1, 2026, Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323 has used a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar: you can recover compensation if you’re less than 51% at fault, reduced by your percentage of fault, but 51% or more bars recovery entirely. For example, a $100,000 award, reduced by 30% for fault, still pays $70,000; at 51% fault, it pays nothing. Burns from before that date remain under Louisiana’s former pure comparative fault rule, which allowed a reduced recovery regardless of how large your own share of fault was, so an attorney should confirm which version applies to your case.

Product Liability Laws (Louisiana Products Liability Act)

Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2800.51-60, manufacturers can be held strictly liable for burn injuries caused by defective products. This means you generally don’t need to prove negligence. You need to show that:

  • The product was unreasonably dangerous in construction or design.
  • The danger existed when the product left the manufacturer.
  • Your injury was caused by the product’s defective condition.

Premises Liability and Fire Safety (Civil Code Article 2317.1)

Property owners in Louisiana have a legal duty to maintain safe premises, including proper fire safety measures. This includes:

  • Following state and local fire codes.
  • Maintaining working smoke detectors.
  • Providing proper fire exits.
  • Regular inspection of electrical systems.

Workers’ Compensation for Burn Injuries (Louisiana R.S. 23:1021)

If your burn injury occurred at work, you’re typically entitled to workers’ compensation benefits regardless of fault. However, you may also have additional claims against third parties, such as:

  • Equipment manufacturers.
  • Contractors.
  • Property owners.
  • Maintenance companies.

Medical Treatment Rights (Louisiana R.S. 40:1299.96)

State law protects your right to:

  • Choose your own healthcare providers.
  • Obtain copies of your medical records.
  • Seek second opinions.
  • Receive emergency care when needed.

Louisiana’s rules on fault, deadlines, and liability can affect the value of your burn injury claim. An attorney who knows this framework can keep your case on track from the start.

Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.

At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport burn injury lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!

No Fee Unless We Win For You

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Real Stories from

‍Burn Survivors We've Helped

  • They were there to support me all the way. Even when I wanted to give up, honestly.

  • I genuinely feel like Rice & Kendig had my best interest at heart and they made sure that nothing was left out.

  • 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 Families Choose Rice &

Kendig Injury Lawyers for Their Burn Injury Claims

When facing the life-changing impact of a burn injury, you need advocates who truly understand your journey and stand beside you every step of the way. At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, we’ve earned the trust of countless Shreveport families through our unique combination of legal excellence and genuine care.

  • Family First, Always
    Every burn survivor’s story touches our hearts. We treat each client like family, providing the personal attention and emotional support you need during this challenging time.
  • Champions with Honesty and Experience
    Since the 1970s, we’ve fought for injury victims across Shreveport, and that experience carries into every burn case we take on. Insurance companies know when we take your case, we’re prepared to go the distance for your family.
  • Your Trusted Local Advocates
    As your longtime neighbors, we know Shreveport’s medical and legal communities inside out. We’ll connect you with the right care while fighting for your rights.
  • Our Vast Experience Working for You
    Unlike big firms, our senior partners work directly with you. You’ll have experienced attorneys who understand your journey and will personally guide your case.
  • Clear, Caring Communication
    We believe in straight talk with genuine compassion. Whether in English or Spanish, we make sure you always know where your case stands and what comes next.
  • No Recovery, No Worry
    Focus on healing, not bills. Our fee is contingency-based, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Northern Louisiana: Your Local Burn Injury Advocates

When every minute matters after a burn injury, distance shouldn’t stand between you and exceptional legal care. From busy city streets to quiet country roads, our team brings decades of experience right to your community.

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Your Fight Is Our Fight:

Your Path Forward Starts with One Call

A burn injury changes everything in an instant, leaving you with questions about your future and wondering who you can trust. At Rice & Kendig Injury Lawyers, we’ve guided hundreds of Louisiana families through this challenging journey, and we’re ready to help yours too. Let’s start with a free, caring conversation about your situation. Call our Shreveport burn injury lawyers today. We’re here to listen, understand, and show you the path forward.

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    Thank you for your interest. Please note that Rice & Kendig is a personal injury law firm. If your claim is not injury related, we recommend you contact a legal professional in the correct practice area or your local legal aid for general assistance.

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    FAQ

    Shreveport

    Burn Injury FAQ

    • Each case’s value depends on factors like burn severity, long-term prognosis, and available insurance coverage. We work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate lifetime costs, including medical care, lost income, and personal impacts. Our goal is to secure compensation that ensures all your current and future needs are met.

    • While some cases settle in months, complex burn injury cases may take longer to ensure full compensation. We focus on building strong cases that account for all your damages rather than rushing to settle. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and fight for fair compensation.

    • Multiple parties may be responsible depending on how your injury occurred. This could include property owners, product manufacturers, employers, contractors, or other negligent parties. We thoroughly investigate every case to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation.

    • Never accept an early settlement offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly before you understand the full extent of your injuries and future needs. Early settlements rarely account for long-term care costs, ongoing medical treatment, or future complications.

    • While workers’ comp provides basic benefits like wage loss and medical payments, we investigate whether other parties (equipment manufacturers, contractors, property owners) may be liable for additional compensation. If we determine that a third party was at fault, we can file a lawsuit to seek compensation in excess of what workers’ compensation pays you.