Over $20 Billion Won by Our Serious Injury Attorneys in Baton Rouge
Louisiana sees roughly 26,000 hospitalizations for unintentional injuries each year. The most common are burns and head injuries, with spinal cord injuries and loss of limb more likely among Louisiana workers. Tens of thousands of Louisiana residents experience a life-altering injury every year in truck and other traffic accidents, work accidents, and beyond. When the injured need an advocate, they call the Baton Rouge catastrophic injury lawyers at Arnold & Itkin. Our firm has secured more than $20 billion in verdicts and settlements for our clients, including multiple billions in the last year alone. Because we prepare every case for trial, few firms have our track record for serious injury claims.
If you’re facing medical bills and lifelong impairment, call our Louisiana catastrophic injury attorneys. You can discuss your options in a free consultation: (888) 493-1629.
Our Louisiana catastrophic injury attorneys know that it takes significant commitment and resources to serve our clients. Serious injuries alter lives forever and lead to millions in medical expenses. We stand with those who should not have to bear the immense costs brought on by catastrophic injuries. Arnold & Itkin takes the steps needed to hold wrongdoers accountable after a serious accident and works to make things right for survivors.
In Baton Rouge, many catastrophic injury survivors face complex medical needs, extended rehabilitation, and long-term adjustments to daily routines. We help families navigate the maze of insurance policies, medical bills, and paperwork that often follow severe accidents in Louisiana. Our team listens closely to each client’s story to ensure we address not only immediate challenges but also long-term needs such as accessible housing or ongoing therapy. By connecting survivors with local and regional support resources, we guide individuals and families toward the stability they deserve.
If you're concerned about the costs associated with medical care, lost wages, and other damages, our Baton Rouge serious injury lawyers are here to help.
Record Settlements & Verdicts for the Catastrophically Injured
Our Louisiana personal injury firm has consistently taken on the largest, highest-stakes cases—including the case of a mother who lost all mobility below her neck in an ambulance accident. For the sake of her and her children, our firm committed resources to get her family everything they needed for a secure future, from medical bills to arranging at-home care. We won $117 million on behalf of our client—the largest injury verdict in Louisiana history.
Other life-changing catastrophic injury results we've won include:
$357 million settlement for workers living with lifelong afflictions after a work accident.
$193 million settlement for victims of a catastrophic pipeline explosion.
$177.5 million settlement for victims of an industrial fire who suffered serious burn injuries.
Every client's path to recovery is unique and requires a tailored approach to address all aspects of their suffering—physical, emotional, and financial. This personalized strategy sets us apart and reflects how much we care about those impacted by catastrophic injuries in Louisiana. We assist clients not only with legal advocacy but also by helping coordinate with healthcare providers to support the recovery process, making sure nothing is overlooked.
Catastrophic Personal Injury Cases in Louisiana
Louisiana’s economy is critical for the whole country, but it comes at a cost. Commercial trucks, offshore work, plants and refineries—these are primary drivers of serious accidents as much as they are economic engines. We make it our mission to see that people injured by major companies receive the medical and financial support they need to rebuild their lives.
Our recent cases show the various ways our firm advocates for Louisiana residents:
Catastrophic accidents in Baton Rouge often involve high-risk worksites, busy stretches like the I-10 corridor, and industrial plants that operate 24/7. Residents near these areas face a greater risk of injury from chemical exposures, machinery malfunctions, or transportation incidents. After severe accidents, local hospitals such as Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and Baton Rouge General play a critical role in emergency care and recovery. Our legal strategies draw on a deep understanding regional industry hazards and accident patterns unique to Baton Rouge.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries damage a person’s cognitive, physical, or sensory abilities. The word “catastrophic” describes these injuries because they cause profound and permanent changes in quality of life. The category is broad and includes everything from vision or hearing loss to severe burns. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and rehabilitation—and they impact not only survivors but entire families.
Understanding the full scope of these injuries shapes how we pursue fair compensation. When lives change forever, our focus extends to community reintegration and social adaptation, championing every resource that supports recovery.
The following are examples of catastrophic injuries:
Burn Injuries Severe burns are painful and debilitating, creating significant risk for infection and other complications. These injuries often cause major scarring and disfigurement, affecting survivors both physically and emotionally.
Blunt Force Trauma Any forceful impact from an object to a specific part of the body. These injuries often have the most effect when they occur to the head. Work environments with careless and relaxed regulations are often a source of blunt force trauma.
Vision Loss & Other Eye Injuries These are among the most common workplace injuries in industrial regions like Baton Rouge. Eye trauma or chemical exposure may cause permanent vision loss, especially when employers fail to provide proper protective gear.
Spinal Cord Injuries Spinal injuries can cause loss of strength, loss of mobility, or paralysis. Arnold & Itkin represented a mother who suffered spinal cord damage in a Louisiana ambulance accident, resulting in a $117 million jury verdict.
Acoustic Trauma Loss of hearing can permanently change how someone experiences and interacts with the world. Our attorneys seek to hold accountable those whose conduct leads to such a dramatic injury.
Neck & Back Injuries Neck and back injuries are the major source of ongoing pain in the U.S. and often result from workplace accidents or vehicle collisions. Many are preventable, and parties responsible should be held liable.
Brain Injuries Though not always visible from the outside, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in the loss of motor abilities and cognitive functions, significantly altering every single aspect of a person’s life. Ongoing care is often required.
Amputation Losing a limb is among the most devastating experiences anyone can endure. Our firm has helped people harmed in construction accidents, plant explosions, and serious incidents secure significant results for these injuries.
Electrocution Contact with electricity can occur at home or at work, leading to burns, heart failure, nerve damage, or even death. From downed power lines to improper lockout/tagout procedures, the results can be disastrous.
Beyond the physical impact, catastrophic injuries have long-term effects that go unseen at first. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder often accompany physical injuries. Our approach focuses on complete recovery so that survivors gain the resources and support needed to move forward. We investigate every incident thoroughly, gathering all evidence to present a strong case for our client’s benefits and rights.
By considering every detail, we maximize the chances of a positive result. Our serious injury attorneys in Baton Rouge use deep knowledge of Louisiana law to pursue cases for those affected by catastrophic injuries.
Louisiana handles catastrophic injury cases under a specific set of state laws and court rules. The state uses a modified comparative fault rule—so if you are partially at fault, your compensation is reduced by your share of responsibility. This affects potential financial recovery and shapes our legal strategies. Our lawyers work to address these issues, always protecting our client’s interests and right to fair compensation.
The deadline to file a lawsuit in Louisiana—known as the statute of limitations—is usually one year from the date of the accident. This short time frame makes it crucial to gather evidence and act quickly. Preserving accident details and supporting documentation gives families a stronger foundation for their claims. With experience navigating local court procedures and legal requirements, we guide clients step by step through their catastrophic injury cases, anticipating every local challenge along the way.
Louisiana caps non-economic damages (like pain and suffering or emotional distress) in medical malpractice claims only. General personal injury claims have no such caps, and there is also no universal cap on punitive damages. These legal differences make understanding the type of claim especially important.
At Arnold & Itkin, we use our full experience to pursue the best results for Baton Rouge clients.
After a Serious Injury: What You Can Do
Experiencing a catastrophic injury can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps can protect your future. Taking action early improves your chances of receiving care and fair compensation.
Every situation is different, but here are a few critical actions to take after a serious injury:
Seek medical attention as soon as you can. Even if they are not immediately apparent, a medical evaluation is essential to identify and document all injuries. This will be vital for treatment and any potential legal action.
Keep detailed records. This includes medical reports, treatment plans, receipts, and correspondence with insurance companies or other parties. Photographs of injuries and the scene can also be valuable evidence.
Contact an attorney. A local catastrophic injury attorney in Louisiana can help you understand your rights, navigate the legal system, and ensure that all paperwork and deadlines are handled correctly to maximize your recovery.
Follow your treatment plan. Stick to the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare providers. Attending all medical appointments and following through with rehabilitation or therapy is crucial for your health and your claim.
Consider your long-term needs. Work with your medical team and attorney to understand the full scope of your needs after a catastrophic injury, including future medical expenses, home modifications, and ongoing therapy.
Keep a journal. Maintaining a journal detailing your pain, emotional state, and the impact of the injury on your daily life can be a powerful tool in demonstrating the extent of your suffering and how the injury has affected you.
Explore all sources of compensation. Your attorney should explore all possible avenues for compensation, whether your employer or a motorist, manufacturer, property owner, medical professional, or other party was to blame.
Why Catastrophic Injuries Happen in Louisiana
Louisiana faces unique risks that make catastrophic injuries more likely than in many other parts of the country. Baton Rouge’s I-10 trucking corridor, one of the busiest freight routes in the South, sees thousands of 18-wheelers daily. The sheer volume of commercial traffic increases the likelihood of devastating trucking accidents. Add in frequent storms, heavy rainfall, and wet roads, and the dangers multiply—especially for drivers sharing highways with massive rigs.
Industrial hubs in Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and along the Mississippi River also contribute to a higher risk of catastrophic injuries. Petrochemical plants, refineries, and industrial parks deal with hazardous materials, heavy machinery, and complex processes that can turn deadly when companies cut corners on safety. Even public and commercial places—like hotels, theme parks, and water attractions—can become accident sites when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions.
Too often, catastrophic injuries occur because companies prioritize profit over people. Employers who skip equipment inspections, trucking firms that push exhausted drivers, or contractors who ignore safety regulations create preventable hazards that shatter lives.
Types of Accidents That Cause Serious Injuries
Our Baton Rouge catastrophic injury attorneys have seen the consequences of negligence in nearly every industry and setting. We believe that responsible parties must answer for preventable harm.
Arnold & Itkin represents clients across Louisiana and the U.S. in cases involving:
Trucking Accidents: Louisiana’s highways are packed with commercial trucks. A single crash with an 18-wheeler, flatbed, or tanker can cause spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations.
Industrial Accidents: From factory floors to industrial parks, workers in the Baton Rouge area and statewide face constant risks when employers neglect safety, provide inadequate training, or fail to maintain equipment.
Plant and Refinery Accidents: Explosions, chemical leaks, and fires in Louisiana’s petrochemical sector can devastate entire communities, not just plant and refinery workers on site.
Pipeline Explosions: With extensive oil and gas infrastructure, Louisiana is vulnerable to catastrophic pipeline failures that cause widespread harm. Pipeline workers, construction teams, and residents may be at risk.
Offshore Accidents: Offshore workers in the Gulf of Mexico endure some of the most dangerous conditions in the world, where a single equipment malfunction or inadequate storm preparation or evacuation can be fatal.
Maritime Accidents: Harbor workers, longshoremen, and seamen risk life-changing injuries in accidents involving ships, cranes, and heavy cargo in the Gulf of Mexico, on the coast, and on inland waters.
Construction Accidents: In Louisiana, construction workers face daily dangers from falls, collapsing scaffolds, and unsafe equipment. Road construction crews face may serious risks as well.
Crane Accidents: Tower and mobile cranes dominate industrial and construction zones; a collapse or dropped load can cause catastrophic injuries or death. Workers, motorists, and residents may be put in harm's way.
Defective Products: Consumers can suffer amputations, burns, or other catastrophic harm when manufacturers release unsafe products to market. The same applies if products contain inadequate warnings or are mismarketed.
Drowning Accidents: From hotel pools to offshore rigs, drowning remains a tragic cause of catastrophic injury and wrongful death across Louisiana. Children account for approximately one-fourth of fatal drownings in the U.S..
Our Louisiana catastrophic injury firm takes on cases for factory workers, plant and refinery employees, oilfield workers, drivers, truckers, consumers, and anyone who suffered significant harm due to another’s negligence. These cases are inherently complex, but we have the resources and focus to see them through.
Demonstrating the extent of physical, emotional, and financial impacts of catastrophic injuries is often challenging. Medical documentation and expert testimony establish these consequences for the long term. The legal process can also involve well-funded corporate defendants and insurers working to limit what they pay. Our legal team in Baton Rouge draws on years of experience and comprehensive support to help clients pursue the compensation they need.
Non-Economic Damages for a Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Claim
Recovering full compensation after a catastrophic injury is essential to rebuilding your life. Families may face hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in medical costs, lost income, ongoing care, and living expenses.
That is why our Baton Rouge firm works tirelessly to recover settlements and awards that will provide for our clients for the rest of their lives.
Non-economic damages—often called “pain and suffering”—form a crucial part of catastrophic injury claims. These damages address losses that can't be measured in dollars, like loss of comfort with family, the end of a career, or losing the ability to share special moments with loved ones.
Pain and suffering losses from catastrophic injuries may include:
Proving Emotional Distress for Non-Economic Damages
To claim non-economic damages such as emotional distress, the injured party must document the ways their injuries have changed their life. Psychiatric evaluations, mental health testimony, and records from counselors help clarify the psychological toll. Journals or diaries can also capture changes in mood and outlook. By quantifying anxiety, depression, and loss of joy, claimants make a clear case for fair compensation. At Arnold & Itkin, our team works alongside leading mental health professionals to ensure every dimension is considered.
While economic damages help replace lost income and pay medical bills, non-economic damage awards let families start building a '"new normal." Figuring out what your life looks like in the wake of a serious accident takes more resources than we realize; fighting for your future means fighting for your ability to rebuild your life.
Seek Fair Compensation with a Trial-Tested Serious Injury Lawyer in Louisiana
Economic damages often make up the largest portion of a catastrophic injury case. Treatment for injuries such as spinal cord trauma may cost from $300,000 to $1 million in the first year alone, and lifetime care can reach several million dollars. As catastrophic injury attorneys in Baton Rouge, we are committed to helping clients throughout Louisiana maximize their financial recovery.
A successful catastrophic personal injury lawsuit may include economic damages for:
Hospitalization
Outpatient care
Medication and medical supplies
Prosthetics
Assistive devices
Home modifications
Travel costs for medical care
Physical therapy
Lost wages
Loss of future wages
Building a strong case requires working with trusted legal and health professionals who understand medical care, economics, and life care. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Louisiana consult with these experts to project future costs and advocate for compensation that meets every client’s needs over a lifetime.
How Catastrophic Injury & Accident Claims Differ From Less Severe Cases
Catastrophic injury and serious accident claims in Baton Rouge require a different approach than less severe personal injury cases. Injuries that lead to permanent impairments—like paralysis or amputation—often require years of medical care, lasting lifestyle changes, and thoughtful financial planning. These claims involve substantial damages and require legal strategies that reflect both present and future hardships. Defendants in these high-stakes cases often involve national insurers and legal teams that work to limit liability and financial exposure.
Successful injury lawyers work with medical providers, economists, and life planners to establish damages thoroughly. In Baton Rouge, knowing local service providers allows clients to access essential care quickly. Our approach includes calculating immediate and long-term expenses—hospitalization, rehab, medication, home modifications, and missed earnings. This preparation lays the foundation for strong claims in Louisiana courts.
Navigating Local Courts & Insurance Companies in Baton Rouge
Handling catastrophic injury or serious accident cases in Baton Rouge means working within the region’s unique legal system. The 19th Judicial District Court manages many major injury cases, and local insurance companies often require extensive documentation before considering significant settlements. Navigating these procedures demands both local insight and ongoing attention to the details of each claim. Some claims in the area also involve federal regulations or maritime law when offshore, industrial, or plant accidents occur.
Our attorneys handle cases throughout East Baton Rouge Parish and statewide, drawing on years of familiarity with local court schedules, settlement conferences, and negotiation tactics. We communicate with clients at every stage, explaining how local insurers and opposing lawyers may attempt to reduce valid claims. Our thorough approach gives families confidence as they pursue fair and timely resolutions for catastrophic injuries.
About Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Located on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, Baton Rouge serves as the capital of Louisiana and the seat of East Baton Rouge Parish. French colonists established the area in 1721, building a military and trading post. The city grew rapidly, especially after the boom of the petrochemical industry in the 1950s and 1960s. In the 2000s, Baton Rouge was among America’s fastest-growing cities. As of July 2021, the population stood at 222,185.
Baton Rouge sits at a key crossroads of commerce where I-10 and I-12 highways converge, with a vital inland port for freight traffic. The city’s unique blend of industry, transportation, and culture shapes the types of serious accident and injury cases we see. The region has longstanding connections to manufacturing and chemical processing, which present specific risks for residents and workers.
Working with a local Baton Rouge attorney provides a significant advantage in catastrophic injury claims. Local lawyers understand regional court processes, know the details of state law, and are familiar with area judges and opposing attorneys. This knowledge leads to stronger strategies and more effective case navigation. At Arnold & Itkin, our Baton Rouge team uses local insight to deliver representation tailored to each client’s situation.
When choosing a catastrophic injury lawyer in Louisiana, several key factors set top choices apart. Look for a firm with a record of success securing verdicts and settlements for catastrophic injury cases. Experience with similar cases shows a deeper understanding of the legal and medical complexity each case brings. It’s also important to work with a team that communicates openly and keeps clients informed from start to finish. At Arnold & Itkin, we put each client’s needs first, guiding them through every step of the recovery process and prioritizing compassion as much as outcomes.
Our many high-value verdicts and successful case results make us a leader in Baton Rouge and beyond. Our attorneys know local court procedures and how to negotiate with area insurers, giving us practical insight to resolve cases efficiently and fairly. By concentrating on concerns like medical access, family security, and reliable support, we build representation that reflects the real priorities of people in Baton Rouge.
Catastrophic injuries upend a person’s life. Our catastrophic injury lawyers in Louisiana fight to help clients reclaim their future and pursue the maximum recovery allowed by law when a catastrophic event takes everything away.
People choose our Louisiana serious injury attorneys for many reasons:
We have won over $20 billion on behalf of our clients.
We secured the largest personal injury verdict in Louisiana history.
Our success relies on your recovery—you only pay if we win.
We fight for our clients like we would fight for our own families.
Contact us today at (888) 493-1629 to connect with an experienced attorney who can review your legal options.
CommonQuestions
How Is Compensation Determined for Catastrophic Injuries?
Compensation for catastrophic injuries is determined based on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s ability to work, medical expenses (both current and future), rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. In Louisiana, compensation can be sought through a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the injury. A skilled serious injury lawyer in Baton Rouge can help ensure that all relevant factors are considered to maximize the compensation awarded.
How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the injury if the injury occurred on or after July 1, 2024 and one year from the date of the injury if it occurred before July 1, 2024. This means you have one to two years to initiate legal proceedings against the party responsible for your injury. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in losing your right to seek compensation, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed on time.
What Medical Evidence Is Needed to Support a Serious Injury Lawsuit?
Supporting a catastrophic injury claim requires comprehensive medical evidence, including medical records, diagnostic test results, and detailed reports from treating physicians and specialists. Documentation of the injury’s impact on your daily life and ability to work is also crucial. Expert medical testimony may be necessary to explain the extent of the injury and its long-term consequences. An experienced Louisiana catastrophic injury attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively.
Can Family Members Receive Compensation for a Loved One's Catastrophic Injury?
Although this will vary from case to case, family members may be able to receive compensation for a loved one’s catastrophic injury in certain circumstances. This can include compensation for loss of consortium, which refers to the loss of companionship, affection, and support due to the injury. Additionally, if the injured person is unable to care for themselves, family members may seek compensation for the costs of providing long-term care and support. Consulting with an attorney can help determine the appropriate types of compensation available to family members.
What Should I Do After Experiencing a Catastrophic Injury?
After sustaining a serious injury, the immediate priority is to seek medical attention. Once your condition is stabilized, it’s important to document the incident and your injuries as thoroughly as possible. This includes keeping detailed records of all medical treatments, obtaining copies of medical reports, and documenting any impacts on your daily life and ability to work. Contacting a catastrophic injury lawyer in Louisiana as soon as possible can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you take the necessary steps to pursue compensation.
