Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Louisiana

Support and guidance for severe, life-changing injuries across Louisiana.

David Laborde & Digger Earles

Founding Partners

$1 Billion+

Recovered for Louisianians

25+ Attorneys

Collaboration on every case

350+ Years

Combined years of experience

1,700+ Reviews

4.9 Google Rating

Standing With Louisianans Facing Life-Altering Injuries

Catastrophic injuries change everything. A single moment can bring lasting physical challenges, overwhelming medical needs, financial pressure, and major adjustments to daily life. When an injury is severe enough to affect your long-term health or independence, the legal process must reflect the seriousness of what you are facing.

Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers represents catastrophic injury victims throughout Louisiana. With offices in Lafayette, Alexandria, Marksville, New Iberia, Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans, we support individuals and families across the entire state. Our team understands the profound impact of these injuries on the body, mind, and future, and we work to secure compensation that supports long-term recovery.

What Makes an Injury Catastrophic

A catastrophic injury is one that permanently affects your ability to live, work, or function as you once did. These injuries often require surgery, long-term medical care, and extensive rehabilitation. They may also affect your capacity to earn an income or live independently.

Catastrophic injuries often involve higher financial stakes. Insurance companies may try to protect their bottom line by minimizing or disputing the severity of the harm. Our team helps you navigate these challenges with clarity and confidence.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Severe injuries take many forms. Some affect mobility. Others impact cognition, speech, or behavior. Many require long-term treatment or completely reshape a person’s day-to-day life.

Catastrophic injuries may include:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage
Severe burns
Amputations
Loss of vision or hearing
Major organ damage
Crush injuries
Permanent nerve damage
Complex orthopedic injuries
Injuries leading to paralysis

We work to understand the full medical picture so that your claim reflects not only your current challenges but also your future needs.

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Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Life-changing injuries can occur in various settings. Some results from extreme force in a crash. Others occur on the job, at sea, or through exposure to hazardous conditions. Frequent causes include:

Commercial truck collisions
High-speed car accidents
Motorcycle crashes
Maritime or offshore accidents
Industrial incidents
Defective products
Explosions and fires
Falls from height
Construction site hazards
Medical errors

No matter the cause, it is important to identify the responsible party and show how their actions contributed to your injury.

The Long-Term Impact of a Catastrophic Injury

The effects of a catastrophic injury reach far beyond the initial trauma. Many individuals experience changes to mobility, communication, memory, or independence. Families often take on caregiving responsibilities, manage new expenses, or adjust their homes to accommodate their loved one’s needs.

These injuries may require:

Surgical procedures
Extended hospital stays
Physical therapy
Psychological counseling
Home health support
Assistive devices
Ongoing medication
Vehicle or home modifications

An effective claim must address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

Compensation Available for Catastrophic Injury Victims

Compensation in a catastrophic injury case must consider both the short-term and long-term consequences of the injury. Your future health, your ability to work, and your overall quality of life are key factors in determining the value of your claim. You may be able to recover compensation for:

Current and future medical treatment
Rehabilitation costs
Long-term care needs
Lost income
Reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Loss of independence
Household or mobility modifications
Emotional distress
Supportive care for daily activities

We work closely with medical professionals, life care planners, and financial experts to build an accurate picture of your needs.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

I highly recommend Derek Hebert to anyone in need of a skilled and trustworthy attorney. From the very beginning, Derek was professional, honest, and ...

Brylan Cormier

Lafayette

Michelle Brouillette is always so pleasant whenever I call or stop by the office. She always has a smile on her face.

Christine G.

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

Tracie M.

Love Laborde Earle's. They're dependable lawyers that let you know you can trust them. I would specifically recommend Derek Hebert. He's a great attor...

Kaitlin H.

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Megan C.

At the very first meeting with Alexis and Danielle they took the time to explain everything to us so that we understood what we were going to go throu...

Hazel G.

The team at Laborde Earls is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. While I would recommend any team member, I would strongly urge you to speak with Mrs...

Tracie Martin

Alexandria

Eryn Laughlin is a good employee, we love her!

anonymous

Car Accident

I am very impressed with Jillie Boone’s professionalism and dedication. She demonstrates excellent communication skills, strong attention to det...

jazlynn meece

Baton Rouge

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Back & Spinal Cord Injuries

Gas Plant Refinery Explosion

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Wrongful Death

How Laborde Earles Supports Catastrophic Injury Clients

Catastrophic injury cases require patience, experience, and a firm that understands the stakes. These are not simple claims. They demand careful preparation, specialized knowledge, and a deep commitment to the client. When you work with Laborde Earles, you receive:

A free consultation
No fees unless we win your case
A full legal team reviewing and supporting your claim
Consistent communication about each stage of the process
Experience with severe injury litigation
Guidance based on Louisiana law and insurance practices
Access to resources that strengthen your case

Our goal is to help you regain stability, confidence, and a sense of direction as you move forward.

Our Legal Team We fight for our own.

Meet Our Team

Digger Earles

Founding Partner

Hunter, fisherman, and aggressive trial attorney, most recently securing a historic $5 million bad faith excess verdict.

Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Top 100 National Trial Lawyers

David Laborde

Founding Partner

In addition to owning a ranch and hunting on the weekends, David is recognized as a top trial lawyer in Louisiana, most recently winning a $7.2 million settlement.

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
Acadiana Profile Top Lawyer
Multi–Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Alexis Davis

Associate

Personal injury attorney at Laborde Earles, Alexis combines award-winning legal writing with diligent advocacy, focusing on protecting clients’ interests throughout Louisiana.

Best Case Note
Law Review award winner

Aaron Bergeron

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Aaron Bergeron brings a client-first approach shaped by courtroom and judicial experience.

Law Clerk, 27th Judicial District Court
Graduated cum laude, Southern University Law Center

Ben Alexander

Attorney

Litigation attorney Ben leverages years of experience defending catastrophic, maritime, and insurance cases, including those involving the Deepwater Horizon incident.

Deepwater Horizon MDL
Rising Star 2013–2018
Top 100 honoree

Cade Melancon

Attorney

Cade brings judicial and court experience, as well as catastrophic injury litigation skills developed from pre-suit preparation through trial support and appeals.

Federal court internship
District staff attorney

Carolina De La Peña Rogers

Attorney

Carolina represents motor-vehicle crash victims, applying nationwide immigration litigation experience with a proactive strategy, clear communication, and client-focused guidance.

Spanish speaker
Immigration courts admitted
Louisiana Association for Justice

Daniel Snellings

Attorney

With more than 30 years in complex litigation, Daniel represents injured victims in auto, maritime, product liability, toxic tort, and class matters.

Martindale-Hubbell rated
Best Maritime Attorneys 2022
NITA skills certificate

David Charles Laborde Jr.

Attorney

DC handles diverse injury matters, using prior insurance-defense and entertainment-law experience to anticipate tactics, strengthen claims, and guide clients through every step.

Former defense attorney
Louisiana Bar admitted
Tulane football letterman

Derek B. Hebert

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Derek Hebert takes a proactive, detail-driven approach, building cases early to apply pressure and pursue strong results.

Full-Tuition Merit Scholarship Recipient
Certificate in Civil Law Studies

Frances Gossen O'Neal

Attorney

Fran is an experienced litigator with strong research roots, clerkship experience, and broad court admissions, providing thoughtful, steady representation for injured clients.

23rd JDC clerkships
LSU Law J.D.

Jeanne Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Jeanne has spent decades guiding clients through treatment, billing, and insurance issues with diligence, clarity, and compassion.

Bilingual English/Spanish
20+ years serving clients

Jennifer Coussan

Attorney

Lafayette native Jennifer brings sharp judicial perspective from federal and appellate clerkships, strengthening litigation strategy, motion practice, and outcomes for clients.

Federal law clerk
Third Circuit attorney

Jonathan Chatwin

Attorney

Jonathan focuses on workers’ compensation and personal injury, combining accounting training and Army service with practical, disciplined advocacy for Louisiana clients daily.

U.S. Army veteran
Fifth Circuit admitted

Kade Stutes

Attorney

Storm claim attorney Kade serves Acadiana homeowners with local roots, judicial-clerkship experience, and a steady, responsive approach to complex insurance disputes.

27th JDC judicial clerk
Society VP
Louisiana Bar 2023

Kelby Rasmussen

VP of Legal Operations/Attorney

Kelby practices personal injury law, drawing on courtroom insight from district-judge clerkships, to provide clear answers and steady guidance to clients following serious accidents.

36th JDC law clerk
LAJ member

Kristen Broussard Guidry

Litigation Attorney

Kristen brings more than 25 years of experience and deep insurance-defense insight, now using industry knowledge to zealously advocate for injury clients.

Top 15% LSU
Outstanding Young Lawyer
Past YLA President

Mary Cryar

Attorney

Mary turns two decades of insurance and injury defense experience into advocacy for people facing serious injuries or denied insurance claims today.

NITA instructor
Taught LSU trial advocacy
Multi-state bar admissions

Nicholas R. Rockforte

Attorney

Nicholas represents clients in injury, complex litigation, and class actions, bringing a first-in-class mindset and underdog focus to every case for clients.

Top 40 Under 40
Levee counsel

Paul Laborde

Attorney

Personal injury attorney Paul Laborde brings a thorough, disciplined approach shaped by strong legal training and a deep respect for the profession.

LSU Law Graduate
Judicial & Legislative Experience

Ryan Saunders

Attorney

Ryan brings first-responder experience and trial-driven precision to complex matters, dedicated to helping clients who need a prepared, strategic advocate always today.

First responder 10+ years
Felony defense
Patent bar passed

Scott Higgins

Attorney

Scott is a seasoned injury litigator handling wrongful death, maritime, and complex multi-party cases, valuing client relationships as much as results always.

AV Preeminent rated
Licensed in Louisiana/Texas

Shawn Bordelon

Attorney

Shawn is a personal injury litigator with defense-side insight, representing clients through trial and appeals, including matters that reach the Louisiana Supreme Court level.

Former defense counsel
Louisiana Supreme Court experience

Victor Rushing

Attorney

Victor is a pre-litigation attorney who guides injured clients through early case strategy, providing clear communication and responsive, detail-oriented representation.

Western District admitted
Knights of Columbus

Wesley Elmer

Attorney

Wesley evaluates claims from both sides, helping clients understand strengths and risks while pursuing fair outcomes in personal injury matters statewide fully.

Dual-perspective counsel
Fifth Circuit admitted
Former parish bar president

Will Casanova

Attorney

Will devotes his practice to Louisiana workers’ compensation, providing injured workers with steady, informed guidance to navigate benefits, treatment, and claims.

Past Acadia Bar President
Southern graduate

Amit Gulati

Attorney

Attorney Amit Gulati brings courtroom-tested advocacy and a trial-first mindset to personal injury and criminal defense cases.

Former Orleans Public Defenders Attorney
Extensive Felony Trial Experience

What You Should Do After a Catastrophic Injury

The steps taken in the days and weeks following a severe injury can significantly influence your claim. While your health should be your top priority, documenting important details can help protect your rights later.

If possible, we advise:

Getting immediate medical attention
Following up with recommended specialists
Keeping copies of medical records
Saving receipts for related expenses
Recording changes in your abilities or symptoms
Gathering contact information for witnesses
Photographing injuries or accident conditions
Speaking to Laborde Earles before signing documents or giving statements

These actions help ensure your case is built on solid, reliable information.

Case Results & Recoveries Our team shows up for you and results follow—every time.

Catastrophic Injuries $42 Million

For a burn victim in plant explosion

Wrongful Death $23 Million

For the family of a mother who died

Insurance Bad Faith $17 Million

For patients who were overbilled

Insurance Bad Faith $11.8 Million

Largest hurricane claim verdict in LA

Insurance Bad Faith $10.4 Million

Loss of revenue

Maritime Injury $8 Million

Maritime worker injured offshore

Car Accident $5.25 Million

Auto accident resulting in brain injury

Thousands of Louisianans have trusted us and won.

See Our Case Results

Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Clear Answers to Important Questions

What makes an injury catastrophic under Louisiana law?

It is generally considered catastrophic when it results in permanent disability, loss of function, or long-term medical needs.

Can a family member file a catastrophic injury claim on someone else’s behalf?

Yes. In many cases, a spouse, parent, or legal guardian may take action on behalf of the victim if they are unable to do so themselves.

Are catastrophic injury settlements higher than other personal injury cases?

They often are because the long-term impact is much greater. Each case depends on its specific details.

How long do I have to file a claim?

In Louisiana, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the incident. Acting early helps protect your rights.

What if my injury happened at work?

You may have both a workers' compensation claim and a third-party claim, depending on the circumstances. We can help evaluate both.

Do you have more questions?

Our team is here to answer every question about your case—clearly and honestly.

(337) 777-7777 Call Us 24/7

Speak With a Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

You should not face the financial and emotional challenges of a catastrophic injury alone. Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers is here to guide you, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you need for long-term security. Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and discover how we can support your recovery and future.