Lafayette Personal Injury Attorneys

Accident Law Firm Serving Individuals Throughout Lafayette Parish, Louisiana

At Arnold & Itkin LLP, we provide compassionate, dedicated legal representation to the injured and the grieving throughout Lafayette Parish and all of Louisiana. For more than a decade, we have been there to help clients who have been severely injured, as well as those who have lost loved ones. From plant explosions to work accidents to car accidents, we have helped our clients pick up the pieces and try to move on.

Since the very beginning, our Lafayette personal injury attorneys have earned a reputation for getting results. This can be seen in the billions we have recovered on behalf of our clients—money that has been utilized to help our clients recover and rebuild their lives, getting the medical care that they needed, covering for changes in income, and more. We know that compensation will never undo what happened, but we know that it can be critical in getting life back on track. Thus, we remain dedicated to fighting for the full, fair amount—helping support our clients during recovery and holding responsible parties accountable.

To learn more about how our lawyers can help you following a serious injury or wrongful death, we encourage you to call our Lafayette personal injury attorneys at (888) 493-1629!

Table of Contents

• Catastrophic Injuries
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Burn Injuries
• Brain Injuries
• Amputation
• Offshore Injuries
• Explosions
• Aviation Accidents
• Work Injuries
• Defective Products
• Railroad Accidents
• Wrongful Death

Our firm is proud to help clients throughout Lafayette and surrounding areas, such as Youngsville, Arnaudville, Opelousas, Abbeville, Broussard, Kenner, Scott, and more.

Lafayette Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Helping the Catastrophically Injured rebuild Their Lives

Catastrophic injuries are truly life-altering. These are not minor injuries that can be healed within a few days. These are injuries that require extensive medical treatment and often need rehabilitation moving forward; in some cases, the goal is not to get back to a similar point in life but to adjust to an entirely new lifestyle. At our firm, we are passionate about helping those affected by injuries such as this. We take the time to truly understand the scope of the injury and what will be required to recover from it; then, we work tirelessly to fight for that level of compensation, helping our clients take care of not only themselves but their families.

Our lawyers help clients in cases involving catastrophic injuries such as the following:

• Amputation
• Brain injuries
• Broken bones
• Burn injuries
• Crush injuries
• Hearing loss
• Spine injuries
• Vision loss

About Serious Injury Claims in Lafayette, LA

Louisiana law requires that personal injury cases are filed within one year from the date that the injury occurred. Claims may be made to recover damages for a range of losses and hardships, but any claim filed after the one-year deadline is likely to be thrown out of court. No matter what, you need an attorney to start working on your case as soon as possible. Even if you're uncertain if you have time to file a claim, call our serious injury law firm as soon as possible. Finding out if you have a case is free, confidential, and will help you decide what options are available for you.

Claimants may seek compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills and the cost of future care
• The loss of wages due to hospitalization
• The loss of future income due to disability
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium and support
• Other losses, depending on your circumstances

Louisiana places some limits on how much people can recover in certain instances. An experienced lawyer will be required to successfully navigate these limits so that the maximum amount of compensation is won or negotiated on your behalf. To learn what your options are, speak with Arnold & Itkin LLP as soon as possible.

Back to Top

Lafayette Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

Your Trusted Spine Injury Law Firm in Lafayette, LA

A spinal cord injury is one of the most serious types of trauma that a person can experience. It can lead to partial or total paralysis, leaving a victim reliant on caregivers, family members, and assistive devices to function. Depending on the extent of injury, a victim may be confined to a wheelchair or may be paralyzed from the neck down, unable to move or work in any capacity.

The disastrous nature of spinal cord injuries makes them one of the most important focuses of our Lafayette personal injury attorneys. When people suffer catastrophic injuries that alter the courses of their lives, we stand ready to hold at-fault parties responsible. We pursue the level of financial compensation that rebuilds our clients’ futures.

Why Are Spinal Cord Injuries So Serious & Expensive to Treat?

Your spinal cord acts as your body’s information superhighway, transmitting information to and from your brain to your organs, muscles, and limbs. It needs to operate uninterrupted for your body to function properly. If it is damaged in any way, it will significantly impact every aspect of your life.

Spinal cord injuries are typically permanent. Victims will require ongoing care in many aspects of their lives, and they may be unable to earn a living. This makes living with a spinal cord injury extremely expensive—and this is why our Lafayette spine injury attorneys are completely committed to recovering compensation that will actually cover these costs. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, a 25-year-old person with quadriplegia will face about $4.7 million in healthcare costs and living expenses through the rest of his or her life.

What Can Cause a Spinal Cord Injury?

Direct trauma or an unnatural twisting or pulling motion may cause serious damage to the spinal cord. Depending on the extent of damage, a person may experience a total or complete loss of sensation and motor function. This is usually permanent.

Spinal cord injuries may be caused by:

• Birth injuries
• Falls
• Motor vehicle accidents
• Sports
• Diving accidents
• Trampoline accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Assault

Every year, about 11,000 people in the United States experience spinal cord injuries. Serving Lafayette and all of Louisiana and the nation, our attorneys believe in alleviating the burden for spinal cord injury victims and their families, helping them secure compensation for their complete, ongoing care.

What Are Some of the Effects of a Spinal Cord Injury?

The location and severity of a spinal cord injury will influence its impact on a victim’s life. Injuries in the neck area, to the cervical spine, are more likely to cause paralysis of the arms and legs and affect breathing and other bodily functions. Injuries lower in the spine may cause paralysis of the legs and lower body. In addition to causing loss of sensation and muscle control, a spinal cord injury can leave a victim prone to infection, can cause breathing problems and require the use of a ventilator, and can lead to loss of bladder, bowel, and sexual function. A spinal cord injury will affect every part of your life. Let our attorneys help you get the support and care you need.

Back to Top

Lafayette Burn Injury Attorneys

Discover How You Can Rebuild & Recover After a Burn Injury

Severe burns can happen in many different scenarios. You may be working offshore when an explosion suddenly rages through the rig. You may be working as an electrician when an ungrounded wire causes electrical burns. You may be working at a plant when a spill puts you and every worker at risk of chemical burns. You may be using an appliance at home that malfunctions. You may be involved in an auto accident when your vehicle catches fire.

These are traumatic experiences that will forever change victims’ lives. At Arnold & Itkin, we understand what is at stake for victims and their families. Our Lafayette burn injury attorneys are prepared to step in and preserve your right to the compensation that can turn your life back around.

Our Burn Injury Verdicts & Settlements

Every person who comes to our firm has a story to tell. We listen and determine how to best protect their interests, creating a plan of action to pursue the level of compensation that will allow them to face a brighter future. Through it all, we take care of everything so they can focus on healing and spending time with their family.

We have secured life-changing recoveries in burn injury cases across the country, such as:

• $92.7 million for a client who was severely burned in a workplace accident.
• $87 million for a young man who suffered life-threatening burns in a refinery accident.
• $39.7 million for a worker who was seriously burned in a plywood plant fire and explosion.
• $12.5 million for a refinery worker who suffered electrical burns and other injuries.
• $12 million for a plant worker who was burned when a safety valve malfunctioned.
• $9 million for a man who suffered severe burns after falling through a hole at a plant.
• $7.4 million for a refinery worker who experienced severe burns and other injuries.
• $7 million for individuals severely burned in an oil refinery explosion.

Unlike some injury attorneys, who view verdicts and settlements as notches feathers in their caps, we view our results for what they represent: changed lives.

What Causes Burn Injuries?

Burn injuries may be caused by exposure to heat, fire, chemicals, electricity, or even the sun. They may range from minor to severe and even life-threatening. Some burns are so serious that they affect muscles, nerve tissue, and even bone. Immediate medical treatment is crucial after a serious burn to prevent infection and other complications, as well as provide the best chance of a full recovery.

What Type of Burn Injury Cases Does Your Firm Handle?

Our Lafayette burn injury lawyers handle all types of burn injury cases. We have extensive experience with maritime law, personal injury law, offshore injuries, traffic accidents, premises liability actions, product liability cases, and every state and federal law relating to burn injuries, their causes, and the parties that can be held liable. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your accident and injuries, you can count on our Lafayette burn injury attorneys’ ability to properly handle your case.

What Should I Do After Suffering Serious Burns?

The first thing to do after experiencing a serious burn is to seek medical attention. If needed, call 911. If it can wait, go to your local emergency room or urgent care center and get the treatment you need. Your health comes first.

The next step is to contact an attorney. If you were injured at work, you can’t trust that your employer has your best interests at heart. If you’re filing an insurance claim, the insurance company isn’t going to put your interests before its profits. The right lawyer will be your greatest weapon against efforts to downplay your injuries or deny you the compensation that’s rightfully yours. Everything you say and do after a burn injury can affect your ability to get the medical treatment and financial compensation you so desperately need, and a skilled attorney can prepare and protect you.

The Types of Burn Injuries

Burn injuries are categorized into categories according to the degree of severity. The least severe burn injuries are considered first-degree while the most severe are third- and fourth-degree burns. While painful, first-degree burns typically do not require professional medical treatment. While second-degree burns might not need professional medical treatment, they should always be assessed by a doctor. These burns can extend beyond the first layer of skin and should be treated with caution as they can become infected or have other complications.

Third- and fourth-degree burns are the most serious because they are life-threatening, painful, and require extensive medical treatment. These burn injuries can damage multiple layers of skin and can even cause damage to a person's muscles and bones. Adding to the difficulty of these injuries are their life-long repercussions. Even after healing physically from serious burn injuries, a person might have difficulty moving and often needs to battle the emotional hardships of living with disfigurement and severe scarring.

Back to Top

Lafayette Brain Injury Lawyers

Our Lafayette Injury Attorneys Have Won Billions for the Injured

Workplace accidents, falls, traffic accidents, and a host of other incidents can cause brain injuries that change victims’ lives forever. When this happens, it can seem impossible to rebuild and move on. Medical treatment is expensive, bills pile up, and life-changing decisions must be made about healthcare, insurance, and more.

Fortunately, brain injury victims and their families can seek answers and accountability with the help of Arnold & Itkin. Our Lafayette brain injury lawyers know just how difficult life can be after a catastrophic injury. We are here to provide insight and guidance to turn things around—and we have the resources to fight for our clients’ interests against any opponent.

What Are the Leading Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury?

A blow to the head or a sudden jolt may cause damage to the brain, classified as a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Some brain injuries are relatively minor and may resolve with little medical intervention. Others are severe and will affect a person’s ability to think, remember, speak, and perform motor skills.

The following are the most common causes of traumatic brain injury:

• Falls
• Traffic accidents
• Sports-related trauma
• Intentional assaults
• Blast/explosion injuries

Any of the above causes can be traced back to negligence or wrongdoing. This opens the door for a personal injury lawsuit or other legal action against the responsible party or parties. Serving Lafayette and all of Louisiana and the entire U.S., our firm is prepared to represent the interests of people who have suffered brain injuries. We’re committed to seeing justice served.

How Are Acquired & Traumatic Brain Injuries Different?

An acquired brain injury is any injury to the brain that develops after birth. It is not congenital or hereditary. There are two types of acquired brain injury: traumatic and non-traumatic. A traumatic brain injury is acquired through trauma, typically a blow to the head or a sudden impact that causes the brain to collide with the inside of the skull. A non-traumatic brain injury is one acquired through other means, like exposure to toxins, stroke, near-drowning, lack of oxygen, or pressure from a tumor.

When acquired brain injuries occur because individuals or corporations are negligent or put their interests above the safety of others, they can be held accountable. Our Lafayette brain injury attorneys take on cases for people who have suffered from near-drowning accidents, falls, exposure to hazardous materials, medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, and more.

What Are Some Symptoms & Consequences of a Brain Injury?

A brain injury can impact a victim in many different ways. The type and severity of symptoms will vary depending on the extent of trauma to the brain.

The following are signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury:

• Loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Memory problems
• Personality changes
• Difficulty balancing
• Speech problems
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred or double vision
• Cognitive difficulties

If you or someone you know has fallen, been struck in the head, or injured in any way and you notice these signs, be sure to seek medical attention right away. With brain injuries, immediate medical intervention can help to lessen the risk of further damage.

Back to Top

Lafayette Amputation Attorneys

Leading Loss of Limb Injury Lawyers in Lafayette, LA

Amputation forever change a victim’s life. Even with assistive devices and prosthetics, amputees face futures that are far different than they had imagined. They may be unable to return to the same field or may miss a significant amount of work while recovering. They may have an entirely altered outlook on life and may experience lasting psychological trauma. It’s crucial that victims of amputation be given the opportunity at bright and stable futures.

Record-Setting $44 Million Verdict for Amputation Victim

Arnold & Itkin secured the largest ever verdict won for an amputation victim when we represented a construction superintendent who lost his leg after a piece of a crane pinned him to the ground. At the time of the incident, our client was standing behind a safety fence, 100 feet away from an auger being operated by a crane. The auger was stuck, and the superintendent instructed the crane operator to get it unstuck. The operator tried but was unsuccessful. He tried to stop the job at least five times, but the crane ended up collapsing. When the crane collapsed, our client was pinned underneath a piece of it. It took another crane to lift the piece of equipment off, and he was rushed to the hospital. He ended up requiring an above-the-knee amputation.

After a three-week trial, Attorney Kurt Arnold’s thoughtful and compelling arguments showed the jury that two companies were responsible for our client’s injuries. The resulting $44 million verdict ensured our client was taken care of for life.

What Compensation Is Available in an Amputation Claim?

If you lost a limb or extremity in an accident, while using a defective or dangerous product, or in any situation caused through no fault of your own, you could recover a significant settlement or award from the responsible party or parties. This would make all the difference in your ability to get the care you need and pay your bills after such a serious injury. You could get a settlement that covers your care for the rest of your life.

Through an amputation lawsuit, you could pursue compensation for:

• Medical bills
• Ongoing treatment
• Prosthetic devices
• Assistive devices
• Home or work modifications
• Medication and medical supplies
• Lost income
• Loss of potential earnings
• Physical pain
• Mental anguish
• Treatment-related travel costs
• Physical impairment

What Should I Do After a Work-Related Amputation?

In Lafayette, Louisiana, people who are injured at work have the right to file claims to seek workers’ compensation benefits. This applies to amputation and all other on-the-job injuries. Workers’ compensation is provided on a no-fault basis, without requiring the injured worker to prove that someone else was to blame for his injuries.

Amputation is a catastrophic injury. The only way a worker can achieve any semblance of financial stability is if he or she recovers maximum workers’ compensation benefits. A third-party lawsuit may also be necessary to cover damages like pain and suffering and all of a worker’s lost earnings.

What Steps Can a Lafayette Amputation Lawyer Take to Help?

If you involve Arnold & Itkin to handle your amputation injury claim, you’re freeing yourself to focus on healing and spending time with loved ones while we fight for justice on your behalf. Instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your bills or get the treatment you need, let us take care of everything for you. We can handle all communication with your employer (if it was a work-related amputation), with the insurance company, and with any other involved parties. We can investigate the circumstances surrounding your amputation to identify who is to blame. We can then take the necessary steps to hold that party (or those parties) accountable.

Back to Top

Lafayette Offshore Injury Law Firm

Seasoned Counsel for Injured Maritime Workers in Lafayette & Beyond

Our law firm has a long history of fighting for injured offshore workers and their families. After the Deepwater Horizon explosion, we helped a third of the crew secure the compensation they needed. When the El Faro sank after sailing into a hurricane and 33 lives were lost, we were there to demand answers and help the grieving widows seek justice. Our Lafayette maritime attorneys understand the unique laws that govern offshore injuries, and we refuse to settle for less than what our clients deserve.

Read more about our Lafayette maritime lawyers.

Back to Top

Lafayette Explosion Lawyers

Get Answers & Accountability AFter an Explosion

While Lafayette and Louisiana are major parts of the oil and gas industry, it doesn't make explosions that harm workers acceptable. Explosions are often as physically catastrophic as they are visibly terrifying. Workers in the path of explosions face serious injuries that can have life-altering implications. Often, these injuries are so severe that they result in death, forcing grieving families to wonder what to do next.

Louisiana explosions often happen because of:

• Improper gas well maintenance
• Unsafe oil rig drilling practices
• Inadequately maintained refineries
• Pipeline accidents

No matter what the cause of an explosion is, one thing is certain: workers should never suffer from them. Companies are responsible for making sure workers are trained, facilities are maintained, and that every step to prevent explosions is taken. When they fail to do this, our Lafayette explosions lawyers are ready to hold them accountable. We've been there after significant oil rig explosions to help survivors and their families. We've demanded answers after major industrial explosions.

The St. Mary Parish Well Explosion

On May 25, 2021, a gas well exploded in the Gulf of Mexico in St. Mary's Parish, approximately 70 miles from Lafayette. The explosion occurred as Wild Well Control, a contractor, was attempting to cap a well owned by Texas Petroleum Investment Company. Texas Petroleum initially tried to cap the well and called Wild Well Control after failing to do so.

Officials remain uncertain where the spark came from that ignited the well came from. The incident injured eight people, sending four of them to the burn units in local hospitals. Notably, the explosion was the second explosion involving a Texas Petroleum Investment Company property in less than a year. In August of 2020, a platform owned by the company exploded, igniting a fire near 15,000 gallons of oil.

Back to Top

Lafayette Aviation Accident Attorneys

Experienced Help AFter Plane & Helicopter Crashes in Lafayette Parish, LA

Injured in an airport accident? Involved in a helicopter crash? Aviation accidents are complex and require knowledgeable legal counsel. These cases are up against industry giants who have teams of lawyers, and they often involve more than one party at fault. Therefore, it is not the case you want to entrust to an inexperienced attorney. You need an aviation accident lawyer who can navigate the complexities of this kind of case—standing up to large companies and forcing them to take responsibility for the damage that they have caused. From private airplane accidents to offshore helicopter accidents, you can trust in our firm to represent your best interests.

Back to Top

Lafayette Work Injury Lawyers

Because You Deserve a Safe Work Environment

From industrial worksites to office jobs to work that takes you offshore, our careers take up huge portions of our lives. Tragically, this means that for thousands, these job sites also become the location of life-altering accidents and injuries. At Arnold & Itkin, we’re dedicated advocates for those who’ve been seriously hurt while on the job. We have been there to help countless individuals throughout the years, representing the rights of workers who suffer personal injuries, as well as families who’ve lost a loved one to a fatal workplace accident.

If you have been injured in a work-related accident, we’re here to help:

• Construction accidents
• Gas well explosions
• Crane accidents
• Forklift accidents
• Gas truck accidents
• Oilfield accidents
• Plant and refinery accidents
• Plant and refinery explosions
• Scaffolding accidents
• Workplace falls

Back to Top

Lafayette Product Liability Attorneys

Helping Consumers Injured by Defective & Dangerous Products

The Lafayette personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have a history of holding manufacturers responsible for harming others. When a company makes a product, they have an obligation to make sure it's safe to use. No one should suffer because of a faulty product. Our Lafayette attorneys have held companies from auto parts manufacturers to pharmaceutical companies responsible for recklessly putting others at risk.

Our Lafayette personal injury attorneys handle product liability cases including:

• Defective auto parts
• Failure to warn
• Manufacturing defects
• Dangerous medical products

Back to Top

Lafayette Railroad Accident Lawyers

Our Train Crossing & Railroad Accident Attorneys Can Help

While trains are one of the most convenient forms of modern transportation, they are not without their risks.

Every year, catastrophic accidents occur involving trains and railroads—leaving passengers and crew alike to deal with the consequences. If you or a loved one have been involved in a railroad accident such as this, we encourage you to contact a law firm as quickly as possible for the representation that you need. Our Lafayette railroad accident lawyers are not afraid to stand up to large companies such as Amtrak and Union Pacific. From railroad crossing accidents to derailments to cases involving FELA, we are the advocates that you can trust.

Back to Top

Lafayette Wrongful Death Attorneys

Our Wrongful Death Law Firm in Lafayette, LA Has Won Billions

No words can convey the emotional pain of losing a a loved one in an accident, especially when their death could have been prevented. We've known hundreds of families that have lost a loved one because of another person’s negligence. If you have lost your loved one in an accident that could have been prevented, you have the right to seek justice against the at-fault companies or individuals. Filing a wrongful death claim could secure your family’s future while holding the wrongdoers responsible for what they did.

Our Lafayette wrongful death attorneys have helped hundreds of families recover the compensation they rightfully deserve for the loss of their loved ones. We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients and have won record-setting verdicts and settlements nationwide. When you need a firm who can rebuild your life and help you hold at-fault people accountable, we're the ones to call.

What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death Claim?

When the negligent actions of another person caused the death of a loved one, a family can file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death claims are civil claims, which means that they are filed by families of victims and not by the state (like in a criminal case). If a company’s wrongdoing was the case of your loved one’s fatality, the only justice you're ever going to be able to bring is a civil claim.

Below are examples of what might qualify for a wrongful death claim:

• Car accidents caused by drunk driving, texting, or another form of distracted driving
• Workplace accidents caused by the lack of training or supervision.
• Attacks, assaults, or other criminal actions.
• Malpractice by a doctor who failed to identify or treat an ailment correctly
• Drowning accidents due to property damage or premises liability
• Defective products or drugs that caused the fatality

Who Can File a Lafayette Wrongful Death Claim?

If you have lost a loved one in an accident that was caused by another party, you may be eligible to bring a wrongful death claim against the individual or company responsible. Most states allow close family members to bring forth a wrongful death claim. Children and spouses have the primary right to file a wrongful death claim. Consult with our Lafayette wrongful death attorneys to determine if you are eligible to file a wrongful death claim.

In Louisiana, the eligible beneficiaries of a wrongful death claim include the following:

• Children (over 18 years of age)
• Siblings
• Parents
• Parents of unmarried children
• Spouses or life partners
• Any other dependents

It is important to know that there is a one-year statute of limitations on wrongful death claims in Louisiana. This means that you only have a year to bring forth a wrongful death claim after the death of your loved one.

What Damages Can a Lafayette Wrongful Death Lawyer Recover?

Money won’t bring back your loved one, nor will it remove the grief you are feeling. However, seeking monetary compensation can relieve the financial burdens that you might be going through and allow you to grieve in peace. If you have lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence, there are three general types of damages, depending on the applicable laws of the state.

Survivors of wrongful death victims may claim:

• Economic Damages: You may receive compensation for monetary expenses related to the death of your loved one. For example, funeral and medical expenses prior to death. You may also claim the value of the victim’s future lifetime earnings.
• Non-Economic Damages: You may also receive compensation for non-economic damages including pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium.
• Punitive Damages: Sometimes punitive damages are awarded as a way of punishing the responsible party for their negligent behavior.

Ultimately, hiring a wrongful death lawyer helps families find answers, justice, and the financial means to move forward. Your loved one should have been protected, and our Lafayette wrongful death law firm is ready to fight to help you move forward after losing so much.

Back to Top

Contact Our Lafayette Personal Injury Attorneys: (888) 493-1629

The road to recovery after a severe injury or the loss of a loved one is long and painful. The party or parties responsible for causing you harm should be held accountable, and that’s why we’re here. At Arnold & Itkin, we believe in using the civil justice system for its intended purpose: to help people who have suffered harm through the negligent, irresponsible, and outright illegal conduct of others. Our dedication to results and commitment to never backing down has resulted in billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for clients.

To learn how you can put our experience to work for you, all you need to do is call (888) 493-1629.