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Shreveport Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

When your life changes in an instant, you need more than just a lawyer — you need an advocate who understands the lifetime impact of catastrophic injuries. At Rice & Kendig, we've spent decades fighting for victims of life-altering injuries across Shreveport and Northern Louisiana. We know that catastrophic injuries don't just affect you — they impact your entire family's future.

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Cases

Results That Change 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

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a devastating injury that requires extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and often results in permanent disability. The financial impact is equally severe — the lifetime cost of a catastrophic injury can exceed $3 million when accounting for medical care, lost wages, and necessary lifestyle modifications.

In Louisiana, these severe injuries impact thousands of families each year. According to recent Louisiana Highway Safety Commission data, our state sees over 3,700 severe injury crashes annually, with catastrophic injuries accounting for approximately 15% of these cases. 

Additionally, Louisiana's workplace injury rates are 30% higher than the national average, with catastrophic injuries representing a significant portion of serious workplace accidents.

Types of Catastrophic Injury Cases We Handle

At Rice & Kendig, we've stood beside hundreds of catastrophic injury victims across Shreveport and Northern Louisiana. Our experience runs deep, and our commitment runs deeper — we understand the unique challenges each type of injury presents. 

Here are the serious injury cases we handle with dedication and proven skill:

  • Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

    Brain injuries can transform every aspect of your life — from basic daily tasks to complex cognitive functions. Our team works with neurologists, life-care planners, and rehabilitation specialists to ensure your compensation covers both immediate and long-term needs.

  • Spinal Cord Injuries

    The impact of spinal cord injuries extends far beyond physical paralysis — it affects your mobility, independence, and ability to work. We fight for compensation covering medical treatments, rehabilitation, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and long-term care needs to secure your future.

  • Severe Burns

    Burn injuries often require extensive surgeries, lengthy rehabilitation, and ongoing psychological support. Whether caused by workplace accidents, defective products, or property owner negligence, we pursue maximum compensation for specialized treatment, reconstructive surgeries, emotional trauma counseling, and lost earning capacity due to permanent disfigurement.

  • Multiple Fractures and Crushed Limbs

    Severe fractures and crush injuries can lead to permanent disability, chronic pain, and multiple surgeries. Our experienced catastrophic injury attorneys work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and fight for compensation that covers all your needs.

  • Amputations

    Losing a limb changes everything — from how you work to how you interact with loved ones. We fight for compensation covering prosthetic devices, occupational therapy, necessary modifications to your home and workplace, and the profound physical and emotional impact of your injury.

  • Internal Organ Damage

    Severe damage to internal organs often requires lifelong medical care and monitoring. We work with medical specialists to understand the full scope of your injuries and ensure your compensation covers all future medical needs.

  • Vision and Hearing Loss

    The loss of sight or hearing can dramatically impact your career, relationships, and quality of life. Our catastrophic injury lawyers fight for compensation that helps you adapt to these life-changing circumstances.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Shreveport

Behind every catastrophic injury is a story of a life suddenly and dramatically altered. In our decades of serving Shreveport families, we've seen how these devastating injuries often result from others' negligence. 

  • Car Accidents: High-speed collisions and multi-vehicle crashes on busy highways like I-20 and I-49 often result in catastrophic injuries. In Shreveport alone, severe car crashes account for over 200 catastrophic injuries annually.
  • Commercial Truck Accidents: When 80,000-pound commercial trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the results are often devastating. These complex cases involve multiple parties, from trucking companies to maintenance providers.
  • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcycle riders are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries. Without the protection of a vehicle frame, even relatively minor collisions can result in life-altering injuries. 
  • Pedestrian and Bicycle Accidents: When vehicles strike unprotected pedestrians or cyclists, the injuries are often severe. These accidents frequently occur in busy areas like downtown Shreveport and residential neighborhoods.
  • Workplace Accidents: Industrial accidents, construction site injuries, and falls from heights can cause devastating injuries. We pursue not only workers' compensation benefits but also third-party claims against negligent contractors or equipment manufacturers.
  • Premises Liability: Property owners' negligence can lead to devastating accidents. Whether it's inadequate security, dangerous conditions, or maintenance failures, we know how to prove liability and secure maximum compensation.
  • Product Liability: Defective products, from industrial equipment to consumer goods, can cause catastrophic injuries. We pursue claims against manufacturers, designers, and distributors to hold them accountable for their dangerous products.

At Rice & Kendig, our thorough and proven strategies have helped us secure millions in compensation for catastrophically injured Louisianans.

Catastrophic Injury? Your Recovery Is Our Mission!

Your catastrophic injury doesn't have to be the end of your story. Rice & Kendig's proven track record and dedicated team are here to help you write the next chapter of your life. Contact us now for your free consultation.

Write to Us

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772

Critical Steps to Take After a Catastrophic Injury 

After a severe injury, every action you take can impact your recovery and legal rights. Here's your roadmap to protecting both: 

1. Prioritize Your Medical Care

Your health comes first — always. Seek emergency medical attention immediately, even if you think you can "tough it out." Many catastrophic injuries, particularly head trauma and internal injuries, may not show immediate symptoms.

2. Document Everything

Evidence begins to disappear the moment an accident occurs. While focusing on your recovery, try to preserve as much evidence as possible: 

  • Photograph your injuries throughout the recovery process.
  • Save all medical records, bills, and receipts.
  • Preserve accident scene photos and videos.
  • Keep a detailed journal of daily pain levels and limitations.
  • Record how your injuries affect your daily activities.
  • Save all correspondence with insurance companies.
  • Track all work missed and income lost.

3. Avoid Insurance Company Tactics 

Insurance adjusters may seem friendly, but their goal is to minimize your compensation. Protect yourself by:

  • Refusing to give recorded statements.
  • Declining to sign any documents without legal review.
  • Not accepting initial settlement offers.
  • Avoiding discussions about fault or liability.
  • Directing all communication through your attorney.

4. Contact an Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorney 

Time is critical in these cases. Early legal representation helps preserve evidence, handle insurance companies, and ensure you don't miss important deadlines. 

5. Focus on Recovery

Let your legal team handle the complexities of your case while you concentrate on medical treatment and rehabilitation. We'll fight for your rights while you fight to rebuild your life.

Compensation You May Receive for Your Catastrophic Injury in Louisiana

After a catastrophic injury, understanding your right to damages is crucial. Louisiana law recognizes that these injuries impact every aspect of your life and allows for full compensation to address both current and future needs.

Immediate Financial Recovery

Your compensation begins with covering the immediate impact of your injury, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, and lost wages. We ensure all current expenses are fully documented and included in your claim.

Long-Term Care and Support

The true value of a catastrophic injury lawsuit lies in future care needs. We work with medical experts to calculate lifetime medical expenses, including ongoing treatments, rehabilitation services, medical equipment, and potential complications.

Life Impact and Personal Losses

Beyond medical expenses, we pursue compensation for the profound personal impact of your injury, including:

  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Lost quality of life and enjoyment
  • Changes to family relationships
  • Lost career opportunities and earning capacity
  • Necessary home and vehicle modifications
  • Personal care assistance needs
  • Loss of consortium damages for your spouse

Every catastrophic injury case is unique, and compensation can range from several hundred thousand to multiple millions of dollars. Our experienced team works tirelessly to ensure your compensation reflects the full impact of your injuries and provides for your lifetime needs.

Louisiana Laws Affecting Your Claim

Understanding Louisiana's legal framework is crucial for maximizing your compensation:

Statute of Limitations

Time is critical in catastrophic injury cases:

  • For injuries occurring before July 1, 2024: 1-year filing deadline.
  • For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024: 2-year filing deadline.

Don't wait to take action — evidence can disappear, and witnesses' memories fade. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Comparative Fault

Louisiana's pure comparative fault system allows recovery even if you're partially at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you're not barred from recovery. Our team works to minimize any fault attributed to you and maximize your compensation.

Modified Joint and Several Liability

When multiple parties are responsible, each party's liability is based on their percentage of fault unless jointly responsible parties conspire to commit an intentional or willful act. La. Civ. Code Ann. art. 2324. Understanding this law is crucial for maximizing your recovery.

No Damage Caps

Unlike many states, Louisiana doesn't cap compensation in most catastrophic injury cases, with the exceptions being medical malpractice cases and lawsuits against the government (both capped at $500,000). This allows us to pursue full compensation based on the true impact of your injuries.

Insurance Requirements

Louisiana requires minimum insurance coverages for automobile liability: 

  • $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury to multiple people
  • $25,000 for property damage

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

Recovery Stories:

Clients Who Rebuilt Their Lives

  • 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 Choose Rice &

Kendig for Your Catastrophic Injury Case?

For over five decades, we've stood beside Shreveport families during their toughest moments. Here's why countless catastrophic injury victims trust us with their futures:

  • Local Warriors with a Winning Record
    Insurance companies know our reputation for taking cases all the way to trial. While other firms rush to settle, we prepare every case as if it's going to court. This approach has helped us recover millions for our catastrophically injured clients.
  • You’re Not Just a File Number to Us
    Unlike big firms that treat their clients like numbers and pass cases to junior associates and paralegals, our senior partners personally handle your case. You'll work directly with attorneys bringing decades of trial experience to your fight for justice.
  • Resources to Take on Any Opponent
    Catastrophic injury cases often mean facing large insurance companies or corporations. We have the financial strength and resources to stand toe-to-toe with any opponent.
  • Clear Communication Throughout Your Case
    We keep you informed at every step, explaining complex legal issues in straightforward terms. You'll always know where your case stands and what comes next.
  • No Recovery, No Fee Promise
    We believe everyone deserves justice, regardless of their financial situation. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs and only get paid when you do.
  • Bilingual Support When You Need It Most
    Our Spanish-speaking team ensures nothing gets lost in translation. From initial consultation to final resolution, you can discuss your case in your preferred language, ensuring you're always fully informed and comfortable.
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Northern Louisiana's Catastrophically Injured

For over five decades, Rice & Kendig has fought for catastrophic injury victims across Northern Louisiana. From Shreveport's medical centers to the rural communities of our parishes, we bring experienced legal representation directly to you.

We proudly serve catastrophic injury victims throughout:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Don’t Leave Your Future to Chance:

Contact the Rice & Kendig Team Now!

Every day after a catastrophic injury counts. Evidence fades. Witnesses' memories blur. And insurance companies work tirelessly to minimize your claim. You don't have to face this challenge alone.

At Rice & Kendig, we understand that behind every catastrophic injury case is a family fighting for their future. Your story matters to us. Your recovery matters to us. And most importantly, your future matters to us.

Contact us now for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Shreveport catastrophic injury attorney.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:

‍ Catastrophic Injury FAQs

‍

  • Every case is unique, but catastrophic injury claims typically take longer than standard personal injury cases due to their complexity. Some cases settle within months, while others may take a year or more. We focus on securing maximum compensation rather than quick settlements, ensuring all future medical needs are accounted for in your recovery.

  • We can help arrange medical treatment through providers who will wait for payment until your case is resolved. We also work to identify all available insurance coverage and explore options like medical liens or medicaid or medicare coverage to ensure you receive necessary care during your case.

  • We explore every possible source of compensation, including multiple insurance policies, third-party liability claims, and potential business or corporate responsibility. Our thorough investigation often uncovers additional sources of recovery beyond the obvious.

  • Yes, in many cases family members can pursue claims for their own losses, including loss of consortium (companionship), loss of support, and compensation for providing care. We'll evaluate your family's situation and pursue all available claims.

  • Catastrophic injury cases require exceptional legal knowledge and skill due to their complexity and long-term impact. They typically involve more extensive medical evidence, expert testimony, and detailed life-care planning. The stakes are also higher, as these injuries often result in permanent disability and lifetime care needs.