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Date Last Updated: August 7, 2025
A catastrophic injury is a life-altering event and a single accident can lead to a previously healthy person facing years of medical treatment, therapy, and rehabilitation. For some people, the consequences last a lifetime, impacting their ability to live and work independently.
If you or someone you love has sustained a catastrophic injury in Louisiana, the immediate first step is to seek medical care. But once you’re stable, it’s time to think about getting a lawyer.
The attorneys at Shamieh Law can help you pursue the settlement you rightly deserve. Our Louisiana catastrophic injury lawyers have extensive experience navigating these difficult cases and are here to help victims and their families pursue justice. Reach out online or call us at 866-552-1801 to schedule a free case review.
After a Catastrophic Injury, Shamieh Law Is Here for You
Ramez Shamieh, a Louisiana native, is committed to helping injured victims across the state. He has built an elite team of catastrophic injury attorneys in Louisiana, as well as paralegals and case managers, who share the strength and resilience necessary to handle medically complex cases.
We leverage our expertise to provide catastrophic injury victims with skilled legal representation and compassionate, personalized care. Our team focuses on Winning With Awareness: pursuing the case results our clients deserve while treating everyone with dignity, respect, and understanding.
We handle the legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on rehabilitation and healing. Whether we’re gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or preparing a case for trial, we stand up for your rights and pursue fair treatment.
Award-Winning Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
The attorneys who lead each catastrophic injury case have received a variety of awards and honors, including:
- Lawyers of Distinction
- Top 100, The National Trial Lawyers
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- Top 1 percent of Attorneys in America, Distinguished Justice Advocates
- 10 Best in Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys
- Best Lawyers Under 40, D Magazine
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
The legal and medical professions define catastrophic injury as causing severe and long-term damage to the affected individual. These injuries often inhibit a person’s ability to function independently and can leave the individual unable to work, often for a lifetime. Many people with catastrophic injuries are permanently unable to care for themselves and need long-term services.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
These serious injuries can affect any part of the body. Common examples include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs
- Limb loss
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal injuries
- Severe burns
- Fractures
- Blindness
- Paralysis
Such injuries are often the result of another person’s negligence, defined as a violation of a duty to others’ safety. When that is the case, the injured party deserves compensation to relieve the financial, logistical, and emotional burden of their accident.
What Damages Are Available in a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Taking legal action after a catastrophic injury can help the victim and their families recover financially by seeking compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Costs of past, current, and future treatment, including trauma care, surgeries, hospitalizations, rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapies, and at-home or residential care
- Costs of accessibility accommodations: Adaptive equipment, specialized transportation, mobility and speech aids, and communication devices
- Home modifications: Access ramps, wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and kitchens, and other necessary renovations
- Lost income: Long-term impact of the injury or disability on the patient’s ability to support themselves
- Loss of companionship: A family member’s loss of relationship benefits following a severely disabling or fatal injury
While some of these damages are similar to what you’d see in other personal injuries, catastrophic injury cases tend to focus more on long-term impact. Securing a fair and accurate settlement may be more challenging, but an experienced severe injury lawyer can provide valuable assistance. Our Louisiana lawyers connect with medical and economic experts to determine accurate future costs, build your case, and fight for fair compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injuries in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, you typically have one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim, including those involving catastrophic injuries. This deadline is known as the prescriptive period and is outlined in Louisiana Civil Code Article 3492.
There are limited exceptions. One important exception involves injured minors. In these cases, the one-year time limit does not begin until the child turns 18, effectively giving them until their 19th birthday to file a claim.
Although a year may sound like plenty of time, medical recovery, insurance negotiations, and documentation can take months. The sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence, protecting your rights, and filing before the deadline expires.
What If I'm Partially at Fault in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
Louisiana follows the rule of pure comparative fault, meaning an injured person can sue for damages if they share responsibility for the accident. Only full responsibility bars recovery.
The main caveat is that the court will reduce your compensation based on your fault percentage. For example, if you receive $100,000 in damages and are 60 percent at fault, you stand to collect $40,000.
What Are Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries?
Catastrophic injuries can happen anytime, anywhere, and in any accident, including:
- Car crashes
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle collisions
- Construction accidents
- Explosions
- Slip and falls
- Pedestrian accident
Catastrophic or otherwise, any bodily harm can prompt a personal injury case if it results from someone else’s negligence. Our attorneys have experience handling cases of all sizes and types and are here to lead you through the process.
Let Shamieh Law Handle Your Catastrophic Injury Case: Call Us Today
We understand how traumatizing catastrophic injuries can be. As a family-focused firm, we believe no one should go through something like this alone.
When you work with us, we treat you like our own family. We draw on our network of compassionate resources to pursue the necessary compensation for your losses. By taking care of the legal aspects of your case, we give you the peace of mind you need to focus on healing.
If you or a family member has experienced a catastrophic injury in Louisiana, call 337-477-7222 or contact us online today to schedule a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do Catastrophic Injury Cases Differ From Other Personal Injury Cases?
The same laws apply to catastrophic injuries as to other personal injuries, but more severe injuries typically translate to higher claim values. Catastrophic injuries may also have a greater focus on future care, which can be more challenging to prove. It’s important to work with a skilled attorney who can gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case.
What Should I Do Immediately After Sustaining a Catastrophic Injury?
First, call 911 and request immediate medical attention. While waiting for the ambulance, take photos of the scene and any visible injuries, or ask a companion to do so. Keep all documentation, including medical bills, and contact an experienced attorney for help.
What Medical Evidence Is Needed to Support a Serious Injury Lawsuit?
To claim fair compensation for your injuries, you will need to submit paperwork supporting your request. Plan to submit detailed records of your diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, including any tests or scans. Expert testimony can also go a long way toward strengthening your case.
Can Family Members Receive Compensation for a Loved One's Catastrophic Injury?
If your family member passed away from catastrophic injuries, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death case. These actions can help you recover damages for injury-related care, end-of-life expenses, and loss of future support.
Family members may also recover compensation on a loved one’s behalf if they become incapacitated. This typically follows a process called interdiction, in which a person assumes responsibility for another’s affairs.
