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Shreveport Burn Injury Lawyers

We've sat with families in hospital waiting rooms, held hands during difficult conversations about recovery, and witnessed the incredible strength it takes to overcome a severe burn injury. At Rice & Kendig, we know that a burn injury doesn't just leave physical scars — it changes every aspect of your life and challenges your entire family.

From the moment you reach out to us, you'll find more than just lawyers. We've helped countless Shreveport families navigate this difficult journey, and we're here to help yours, too.

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Cases

Real Results That Changed Lives

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.

$987,525.93

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.

$800,606.26

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.

$987,610.32

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.

$1,855,500.8

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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Table of Contents

Understanding Burn Injury Types

Burn injuries vary significantly in severity and impact on daily life. Understanding the different types of burns is crucial for proper treatment and recovery planning:

Burn Severity Levels

  • First-Degree Burns: These surface-level burns affect only the outer skin layer, 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. Healing takes 2-4 weeks, and professional medical treatment is crucial to prevent complications and manage pain.
  • 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 presents unique challenges and requires different treatment approaches. Prompt recognition of burn severity ensures appropriate medical care and optimal recovery outcomes.

Burn Injury Cases We Handle

Every burn injury tells a story of a life suddenly changed. At Rice & Kendig, we've helped Shreveport families through many types of burn injury cases, each unique but all requiring dedicated support and experienced legal guidance.

  • Car Accidents

    A routine commute can turn devastating when a collision leads to fuel fires or contact with hot engine parts. For example, we represented a local teacher whose car erupted in flames on I-20 after being struck from behind. Car fires often result in severe burns requiring extensive treatment, and we know how to navigate the complex insurance landscape to secure full compensation.

  • 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 particularly vulnerable to burn injuries, whether from direct contact with hot exhaust pipes during a crash or from fuel fires. We understand the unique challenges riders face and how to overcome bias while proving the full extent of burn injuries.

  • 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 result in extensive medical treatment requiring compensation.

  • Special Needs Transportation Accidents

    Buses serving disabled passengers have additional responsibilities to ensure safe transport. When proper procedures aren't followed or equipment isn't properly maintained, we fight for those who may not be able to fight for themselves.

  • Aviation Accidents

    Aviation incidents, from private plane crashes to helicopter accidents, often result in severe burn injuries due to fuel fires. These complex cases at airports like Shreveport Regional require knowledge and skill not every lawyer possesses, as they typically involve multiple parties — from aircraft operators to manufacturers.

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Your Story Deserves to Be Heard. Call Us Today.

The road to recovery starts with one call. Our experienced burn injury team knows how to secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Reach out for a free consultation.

Write to Us

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772

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 be crucial for proving liability later.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly after your injury, often seeming friendly and concerned. Remember: their job is to pay you as little as possible. Don't give a recorded statement without one of our lawyers present. 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 understands the complexities of burn injury cases and knows how to build strong claims while you concentrate on your recovery.

Securing Your Future: Understanding Available Compensation

Burn injury victims in Louisiana may be entitled to several types of compensation, depending on their case circumstances. Understanding these options helps ensure you seek full and fair compensation for your injuries.

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 your case circumstances, 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, 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.

Understanding Louisiana Burn Injury Laws

Louisiana has specific laws that directly affect your burn injury case. Understanding these laws is crucial for protecting your rights and securing fair compensation.

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 your right to compensation. 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.

Pure Comparative Fault (Civil Code Article 2323)

Louisiana's pure comparative fault law means you can seek compensation even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you're never completely barred from recovery. For example, if you're awarded $100,000 but found 30% at fault, you can still receive $70,000.

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 don't need to prove negligence — only 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.

Understanding these laws is essential for protecting your rights after a burn injury. While the legal system can seem complex, having knowledgeable legal representation ensures your case is handled properly within Louisiana's legal framework.

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

At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident 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

  • 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 Law Firm 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, 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
    For over five decades, we've fought for burn injury victims across Shreveport. 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 guiding your case personally.
  • Clear, Caring Communication
    We believe in straight talk with genuine compassion. Whether in English or Spanish, we ensure you always know where your case stands and what comes next.
  • No Recovery, No Worry
    Focus on healing, not bills. We only get paid when we win your case — that's our promise to your family.
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, 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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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:

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 above and beyond what workers’ compensation is paying you.