
If you’re going to file a catastrophic injury claim in Louisiana, it’s imperative that you understand state catastrophic injury laws and how they pertain to your case. With a Lake Charles catastrophic injury lawyer on your side, you can be sure you file everything in a timely manner and include all the necessary documentation to support your claim.
For years, Sanchez Burke has been a trusted partner for personal injury cases throughout Louisiana. We have a deep understanding of state catastrophic injury laws, and we aren’t afraid to provide the aggressive representation you need to reach a fair settlement. Our personal injury lawyer has experience navigating cases through the Lake Charles City Court and the 14th Judicial District Court, so you can count on us to be there no matter what.
In 2024 alone, there were a total of 54,500,000 preventable medically consulted injuries and nearly 200,000 fatalities from injuries recorded in the United States. While Louisiana only accounts for 1.4 percent of the United States population, the state accounts for 3.65 percent of bodily injury claims filed across the country.
Many incidents can lead to catastrophic injuries. There is no exact definition for “catastrophic” injuries under Louisiana law. Motor vehicle accidents and falls are among the top five leading causes of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in Louisiana. Medical malpractice and workplace accidents are both frequent factors in catastrophic injury claims in the state.
Factors such as where the incident occurred, how it happened, and what types of injuries you’ve sustained can impact how you go about filing a claim to recover damages. Our skilled attorneys at Sanchez Burke have experience navigating a wide range of complex personal injury cases, including:
The rules and statutes of limitations can vary based on who you’re filing against. It’s up to you and your personal injury attorney to gather enough evidence and information that supports your claim and clearly demonstrates the scope of your losses.

Sanchez Burke boasts skilled personal injury attorneys who are prepared to navigate the complex catastrophic injury laws in Louisiana. Our attorney Joseph M. W. Burke is named in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch and Acadiana Profile’s “Top Lawyers of Acadiana.” Moreover, our firm has a high rating on Avvo and SuperLawyers®, and we’re featured in The Best Lawyers in America®.**
We go above and beyond to advocate for our clients and have secured settlements of varying sizes for them over the years. Our past successes don’t guarantee the same for your case, but you can rest assured you’re working with a local firm that cares when you choose Sanchez Burke. We know what it takes to secure a fair settlement in even the most complex cases.
Louisiana is an at-fault state for accidents. This means that injured parties can recover damages for their losses by filing a claim against the party that caused the crash. It’s possible for more than one party to be at fault for an accident.
Under Louisiana’s modified comparative fault laws, you can file a personal injury claim and secure compensation as long as you’re not more than 50 percent at fault for the accident. Fault affects your settlement total, too.
You may be able to file a personal injury claim for a catastrophic injury sustained at work in Lake Charles, depending on where you work and how you were injured. Most workers have state workers’ compensation benefits, which prohibit them from pursuing additional legal action against their employer.
That said, there are situations where you can file a claim. Additionally, maritime workers and railroad workers operate under different laws that dictate how they can recover damages after sustaining an injury.
The damages that are recoverable in a catastrophic injury case in Lake Charles depend on the nature of the incident. You can recover both economic and non-economic damages by filing a personal injury claim in Louisiana. This covers the direct costs and the more abstract losses you suffered.
Common recoverable damages in catastrophic injury cases include disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, lost wages, medical care expenses, pain and suffering, and any other ongoing costs related to your injuries.
If the injured party succumbs to their injuries in a Lake Charles catastrophic injury case, another eligible party can file to recover damages on their behalf. In Louisiana, you can file a wrongful death claim and a survival action if you lose a loved one due to another party’s negligence or misconduct.
Wrongful death claims allow you to recover compensation for the loss of your loved one, and survival actions recover damages on the victim’s behalf.
If you have sustained a serious injury and another party is to blame, it’s important to act quickly to start the claims process and work toward the compensation you deserve. This can be a lot for any one person to take on by themselves, which is why it’s wise to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer who can advocate for you.
The attorneys at Sanchez Burke bring decades of personal injury law experience to the table, and we’re ready to put our knowledge to work for you. Our team understands how much you can potentially lose in the wake of a catastrophic accident, and we’re determined to help you secure the compensation you’re rightfully owed.
If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, schedule a consultation with a trusted attorney from our firm. We have two offices here in Louisiana to help us serve even more of our clients in need. Come visit us at our offices in Lake Charles or New Iberia, and we can get started on your legal strategy.
**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
For a free initial consultation, contact our Louisiana law firm online today or call us to speak with one of the firm’s talented attorneys.






