Are You Living with a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury changes everything.
When life as you know it is shattered by an injury this severe, you need an ally who’s ready to go all in for you. Not just any lawyer, but someone who understands the stakes—who knows what it takes to secure compensation that truly supports a new reality.
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we’re here to demand the justice and resources you deserve, giving you and your family the foundation to move forward on your terms.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Shreveport due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, contact us today.
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic”?
While there’s no universal legal definition of a catastrophic injury, it generally refers to an injury that is severe enough to have a significant, long-term impact on the victim’s life.
Some common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe burns
- Amputations or loss of limb
- Organ damage
- Disfiguring facial injuries
- Injuries resulting in permanent disability
What sets these injuries apart is not just their severity but also their long-term consequences. Victims often require extensive medical treatment, lengthy rehabilitation, and ongoing care. They may be unable to work or engage in activities they once enjoyed. The physical, emotional, and financial toll can be enormous.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Shreveport
Catastrophic injuries can result from a wide variety of incidents, but some of the most common causes we see in Shreveport include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed collisions, particularly those involving large commercial trucks or motorcycles, can result in devastating injuries.
- Workplace Accidents: Industrial settings, construction sites, and other dangerous work environments can lead to life-altering injuries, especially when safety protocols are not followed.
- Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery, misdiagnosis of serious conditions, and other forms of medical negligence can have catastrophic consequences.
- Defective Products: When manufacturers release dangerous or defective products, from faulty auto parts to hazardous medications, consumers can suffer severe harm.
- Premises Liability: Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions can be liable for catastrophic injuries resulting from slip and falls, swimming pool accidents, and other incidents.
No matter how your injury occurred, if it was due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. Our Shreveport catastrophic injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for the justice you deserve.
Proving Liability in a Catastrophic Injury Case
To recover compensation in a catastrophic injury case, you must prove that another party’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your harm.
This involves establishing four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The defendant owed you a legal duty of care. This could be a duty to drive safely, to provide a safe work environment, to manufacture a safe product, etc.
- Breach of Duty: The defendant breached that duty through negligent actions or failure to act. For example, a driver running a red light or a doctor failing to diagnose a serious condition.
- Causation: The defendant’s breach of duty directly caused your catastrophic injury. You must show that you would not have been harmed but for the defendant’s actions.
- Damages: You suffered actual, compensable losses as a result of your injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.
Proving these elements requires significant evidence and strategic legal arguments. Our Shreveport catastrophic injury lawyers know how to build compelling cases by:
- Investigating the cause of your injury
- Gathering evidence like accident reports, medical records, and expert testimony
- Identifying all potentially liable parties
- Calculating the full extent of your damages
- Negotiating with insurance companies and opposing counsel
- Presenting powerful arguments in court, if necessary
We have the resources and experience to take on even the most complex catastrophic injury cases and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
Damages in a Shreveport Catastrophic Injury Claim
Given the severity and long-term impact of catastrophic injuries, the damages in these cases can be substantial.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of future earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence or intentional harm
Calculating these damages often requires the input of medical experts, life care planners, vocational specialists, and economists. Our attorneys work with trusted experts to fully assess the impact of your injury and ensure your compensation accounts for all current and future needs.
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims in Louisiana
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including catastrophic injury cases, is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have one year to file a lawsuit, or you could lose your right to seek compensation.
However, there are some exceptions that can extend this deadline in certain circumstances. For example, if your injury wasn’t discovered right away, you may have one year from the date of discovery to file suit.
Get Help from a Dedicated Shreveport Catastrophic Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Shreveport, you’re likely facing a long road to recovery filled with challenges and uncertainties. But you don’t have to face this journey alone.
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, our compassionate Shreveport catastrophic injury lawyers are here to be your advocates and your guides. We understand the impact a catastrophic injury can have on every aspect of your life, and we’re committed to fighting for the full compensation you need to rebuild and move forward.
When you choose our firm, you can expect:
- A free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case
- Thorough investigation and strong case building
- Compassionate, personalized service at every step
- Aggressive advocacy in negotiations and in court
- No fees unless we win for you
Don’t let someone else’s negligence define your future. Contact the Law Office of Heather C. Ford today to schedule your free consultation with a Shreveport catastrophic injury lawyer who will fight fiercely for you. Let us be your voice for justice.
Frequently Asked Questions After an Auto Accident Injury
If you’ve been hurt in a car crash, you likely have many questions. Here are some of the most common concerns our clients have:
How much does it cost to hire a Shreveport catastrophic injury lawyer?
At the Law Office of Heather C. Ford, we handle catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win compensation for you.
What if I was partly at fault for my catastrophic injury?
Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule (CC Art. 2323). This means your damages can be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover as long as you were less than 100% responsible.
How long will my catastrophic injury case take?
The timeline of a catastrophic injury case can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and the willingness of the other party to settle. Some cases may resolve in months, while others could take years. We work diligently to move your case forward while also ensuring we have the time to build the strongest case possible.
Will I have to go to court for my catastrophic injury claim?
Many catastrophic injury cases can be resolved through settlement negotiations without the need for a trial. However, if the other side is not willing to make a fair offer, we are always prepared to take your case to court and fight for you in front of a judge and jury.
