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Shreveport Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

We know the moment your doctor said "spinal cord injury," your world stopped turning. In an instant, everything changed — not just for you but for your entire family. The simplest daily tasks now feel overwhelming, and questions about your future keep you awake at night.

At Rice & Kendig, we see you, we hear you, and we understand what you're going through. For over five decades, we've stood beside Shreveport families facing the life-altering impact of spinal cord injuries. The road ahead may seem daunting, but with Rice & Kendig by your side, you'll never walk it alone.

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Cases

Victories That Help Families Move Forward

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 Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. These life-altering injuries occur when damage to the spinal cord disrupts the communication between the brain and body, potentially leading to permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the injury site.

There are several types of spinal cord injuries:

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level.
  • Often results in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
  • Requires lifetime medical care and assistance.
  • Necessitates extensive home modifications and specialized equipment.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Partial preservation of motor or sensory function below the injury.
  • Various syndromes, including Central Cord and Brown-Séquard.
  • Allows for some recovery through intensive rehabilitation.
  • Requires ongoing medical monitoring and support.

Specific Injury Locations

  • Cervical (C1-C8): Affecting neck, arms, hands, and breathing.
  • Thoracic (T1-T12): Impacting chest, trunk, and legs.
  • Lumbar (L1-L5): Affecting hips, legs, and bladder control.
  • Sacral (S1-S5): Impacting pelvic organs, hips, and back of thighs.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries We Handle

Our Shreveport spinal cord injury attorneys have extensive experience handling cases arising from various causes:

  • Car Accidents

    Car crashes are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in Shreveport, particularly on major highways like I-20 and I-49. Whether caused by distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior, these accidents can result in devastating spinal injuries that require immediate and long-term care.

  • Truck Accidents

    Collisions with commercial trucks often cause catastrophic spinal injuries due to the sheer size and force involved. The average 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Just imagine such a large truck crashing into you going 70 mph. We handle complex cases involving trucking companies, drivers, and manufacturers to ensure all responsible parties are held accountable.

  • 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 Accidents

    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.

  • Bicycle Accidents

    Cyclists struck by vehicles often suffer severe spinal trauma, even when wearing protective gear. We fight to ensure cyclists receive full compensation for these life-changing injuries and hold negligent drivers accountable.

  • Bus Accidents

    When commercial buses or public transit vehicles are involved in accidents, the results can be catastrophic for passengers and other road users. We handle complex cases involving multiple parties, including bus companies, maintenance providers, and government entities.

  • Falls from Heights

    Construction site falls, ladder accidents, and dangerous property conditions can cause severe spinal trauma. We investigate every aspect to hold property owners and employers accountable for unsafe conditions.

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Our Promise Is to Give Honest Answers. Call Us Today.

You have questions. We have decades of experience helping families like yours. Put our knowledge and skills to work for you. There’s no downside. Schedule your free consultation with our caring legal team today.

Write to Us

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772

Important Steps to Follow After a Spinal Cord Injury

The actions you take after a spinal cord injury can significantly impact your future. At Rice & Kendig, we've guided countless Shreveport families through this challenging time, and we know exactly what steps matter most.

Get Immediate Medical Care

With spinal cord injuries, every minute counts. Don't try to "tough it out" — get emergency care immediately and follow through with all recommended treatments. We've seen how early intervention can make a crucial difference in recovery outcomes.

Document Your Journey

Keep detailed records of your medical care, daily challenges, and how the injury affects your work and family life. Take notes on all expenses and save medical records, as these details will be vital for your case. Photos, witness information, and incident reports can also strengthen your claim significantly.

Avoid Insurance Company Pressure

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, often while you're still vulnerable and uncertain of what to do. Just imagine that you’re lying in a hospital bed in pain, and an insurance adjuster calls to take a recorded statement that could affect your entire case. They do this kind of stuff all the time. Don't let their friendly manner fool you — their job is to pay you as little as possible, or even nothing at all if they can manage it. Never give a recorded statement to anyone without first having one of our spinal cord injury lawyers present. Never accept early offers without first speaking to one of our attorneys. These rushed settlements rarely cover the true cost of long-term care.

Contact Our Experienced Attorneys

Louisiana law sets strict deadlines for spinal cord injury claims, and building a strong case takes time. It’s best if our Shreveport spinal cord injury lawyers can investigate the incident while the evidence is fresh and work with medical experts to understand your long-term needs. The sooner you have our legal representation, the better protected your rights will be.

Let Rice & Kendig handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most — your recovery and your family. Our experienced team of spine injury lawyers will guide you through each step, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation You Can Win for Your Spinal Cord Injury

At Rice & Kendig, we understand the overwhelming financial burden a spinal cord injury creates for Shreveport families. Our experienced spine injury attorneys work tirelessly to secure comprehensive compensation that covers not just your current needs but your future care as well.

Medical Care Coverage

Your recovery shouldn't be limited by financial concerns. We fight to ensure you receive compensation for essential medical care, including:

  • Emergency treatment, surgeries, and immediate hospital care.
  • Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy services.
  • Specialized medical equipment and medications.
  • Future procedures and home healthcare support.

Lost Income & Career Impact

A spinal cord injury can dramatically impact your ability to work and earn. We help recover:

  • Lost wages and employment benefits.
  • Future earning capacity losses due to ongoing disability.
  • Career retraining expenses.

Life Care Expenses

Living with a spinal cord injury often requires significant lifestyle modifications. We pursue compensation for the following:

  • Home accessibility modifications.
  • Specialized transportation equipment.
  • Adaptive technology and devices.
  • Personal care assistance costs.

Personal Impact Damages

The impact of a spinal cord injury goes far beyond financial costs. We fight for compensation that recognizes the following:

  • Physical pain and emotional suffering.
  • Loss of life enjoyment and activities.
  • Changes in personal relationships.
  • Mental health challenges and counseling needs.
  • Loss of consortium damages for your spouse

Understanding Louisiana Spinal Cord Injury Laws

Louisiana has specific laws that directly impact your spinal cord injury case. Our decades of experience navigating these laws help ensure you receive maximum compensation under state regulations.

Critical Timelines for Filing Spinal Injury Claims

Louisiana recently enacted significant changes to personal injury filing deadlines under Civil Code Article 3493.1:

  • For injuries occurring before July 1, 2024: You have 1 year from the date of injury.
  • For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024: You have 2 years from the date of injury.

Certain circumstances can affect these deadlines. For instance, if your spinal cord injury was caused by the negligence of a government entity, you may have additional notice requirements and shorter filing windows. Therefore, it’s critical that you contact us as soon as possible so you don’t miss these short deadlines.

Louisiana's Fault Laws and Your Rights

Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323, our state follows a "pure comparative fault" system. This means:

  • You can pursue compensation even if you're partially responsible for your injury.
  • Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
  • There's no “fault threshold” that prevents recovery.

For example, if you have $1,000,000 in damages but are found 20% at fault, you can still recover $800,000. This differs from many other states where being 50% or more at fault bars any recovery.

Mandatory Automobile Insurance Requirements

Louisiana law (RS 32:900) requires minimum automobile insurance coverage of:

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

However, these minimums rarely fully cover serious spinal cord injuries. We often look beyond basic insurance to secure full compensation through:

  • Umbrella policies.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
  • Third-party liability claims.

Medical Treatment Rights

Under Louisiana law (RS 40:1299.96), you have the right to:

  • Choose your own healthcare providers.
  • Access copies of your medical records.
  • Seek second opinions without jeopardizing your claim.

Multiple Liable Parties

Louisiana's solidary liability laws (Civil Code Article 2324) allow the pursuit of compensation from multiple responsible parties. Common defendants include:

  • At-fault drivers and their insurers.
  • Property owners in premises liability cases.
  • Equipment manufacturers under product liability laws.
  • Healthcare providers in medical negligence cases.
  • Government entities responsible for unsafe conditions.

Our thorough investigation often uncovers multiple liability sources, maximizing your potential compensation.

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

Life After Injury:

Stories of Hope and Healing

  • 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 Trust Rice &

Kendig After a Spinal Cord Injury

A life-altering spinal cord injury demands experienced legal support you can trust:

  • A Family-First Approach When You Need It Most
    We understand that a spinal cord injury affects your entire family. That's why we treat you like our own, providing personal attention and genuine support throughout your case. You'll never be just another file number — you'll be part of the Rice & Kendig family.
  • Decades of Experience Fighting for Families Like Yours
    For over 50 years, we've stood beside Shreveport families facing spinal cord injuries. Insurance companies know our reputation – when we take your case, they understand we're prepared to go all the way to secure fair compensation.
  • Your Neighbors in Shreveport, Fighting for You
    As your neighbors for generations, we know Shreveport's medical community and legal system inside out. We'll connect you with the city's best care providers and navigate the local legal landscape with deep community knowledge.
  • Direct Access to Senior Partners Who Care
    Your case deserves the attention of our most experienced attorneys. When you choose Rice & Kendig, our senior partners personally handle your case, bringing decades of experience directly to your fight for justice.
  • Communication That Makes You Feel Heard
    Whether you prefer English or Spanish, clear communication is our priority. We explain complex legal matters in terms you can understand and ensure you're never left wondering what comes next.
  • Our Promise: No Recovery Means No Fee
    Worrying about legal fees shouldn't add to your burden. We handle your case on a contingency basis — you don't pay unless we win. We are committed to making quality legal representation accessible to every family.
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Spinal Cord Injury Victims Across Northern Louisiana

Rice & Kendig proudly serves communities across Northern Louisiana, bringing our skills directly to you. Whether you're in bustling Shreveport or a quiet rural town, we're here to help.

Our commitment to spinal cord injury victims extends throughout:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

Trusted to Win, Proven to Deliver.

We’re Waiting for Your Call

We know you have questions. Concerns. Fears about the future. And right now, you might be wondering if anyone truly understands what you and your family are going through.

We do. For over five decades, Rice & Kendig has walked alongside Shreveport families just like yours through their darkest moments. We've seen the courage it takes to face each day after a spinal cord injury, and we've helped countless clients find their way forward.

Call our Shreveport spinal cord injury lawyers today to get honest answers to your questions. The consultation is free with no obligation. We're here to listen, to understand, and to help you find your path forward.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:

Spinal Cord Injury FAQ

  • Every spinal cord injury case is unique. At Rice & Kendig, we evaluate your specific medical needs, lost wages, ongoing care costs, and quality of life changes. Working with medical and financial professionals, we calculate full compensation that covers both current and future expenses. Our Shreveport team has secured millions for local families facing similar injuries.

  • While some cases resolve in 6-12 months, complex spinal injury claims may take longer to ensure maximum compensation. Our experienced Shreveport attorneys work efficiently but never rush your case. We keep you informed at every step, focusing on securing the full settlement you deserve rather than a quick but inadequate resolution.

  • If someone’s negligence caused your injury — whether from a car crash, workplace accident, or medical error — you probably have a case. During your free consultation, our senior partners will review your situation and explain your legal rights under Louisiana law. We'll give you honest answers about your case's strengths and potential outcomes.

  • Don't let medical costs stop you from getting treatment. We connect you with Shreveport's spine professionals who work on a medical lien, meaning they'll wait for payment until your case settles. Our team also helps identify insurance coverage and alternative payment options to ensure you get the care you need now.

  • Our skilled legal team investigates every possible compensation source. We look beyond the obvious to find additional coverage through multiple insurance policies, property owners, employers, or product manufacturers. With 50+ years of experience in Louisiana law, we know where to look for full compensation that others might miss.