Most people think of broken bones as short-term injuries. But in some cases, fractures can leave you facing a lifetime of pain, oppressive medical bills, and major life changes. These characteristics are often what people mean when they describe an injury as catastrophic.

Though catastrophic injuries don’t inherently mean more in compensation than those that aren’t considered catastrophic, their severity often means victims are entitled to significant compensation in damages.

If a break causes lasting impairment, disfigurement, or keeps you from returning to work, you may have a case for compensation. Louisiana’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases can be as little as 1 year; if you fail to settle or file your suit timely, you could lose your right to recover anything.

A Louisiana catastrophic injury lawyer can explain your rights in a free consultation and help you get a fair settlement.

When Broken Bones Are Considered Catastrophic Injuries in Louisiana

A clean break in an arm or other limb that heals fully within a few months is usually treated as a temporary injury. However, certain types of broken bones can cause permanent consequences, making them catastrophic injuries.

Examples include:

  • Multiple fractures in one limb that require multiple surgeries, leading to limited mobility or permanent weakness.
  • Complex fractures like compound or comminuted breaks, where the bone shatters into several pieces or pierces the skin, raising the risk of infection and long-term complications.
  • Spinal fractures that damage the spinal cord or cause chronic pain and mobility issues.
  • Pelvic fractures that interfere with walking, standing, or even basic self-care tasks.
  • Fractures near joints (like the knee, elbow, or hip) that cause arthritis, stiffness, or loss of range of motion for life.

If a doctor determines that your broken bone will never fully heal or that you’ll have a permanent loss of function, that injury could be considered catastrophic for legal purposes.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Broken Bones

Catastrophic fractures often happen in high-impact accidents, such as:

  • Car, Truck, or Motorcycle Crashes: The force of impact can crush bones or cause multiple breaks.
  • Slip-and-Fall Accidents: Falls from heights or onto hard surfaces can cause life-changing fractures, especially in the hips, spine, or wrists.
  • Workplace Accidents: Construction site falls, equipment malfunctions, or industrial mishaps can lead to severe fractures.
  • Sports and Recreational Accidents: High-speed collisions or falls during athletic activities can cause complex fractures.

In many cases, these accidents happen because someone else acted negligently, so you could be entitled to pursue compensation.

The Impact of a Catastrophic Broken Bone

A catastrophic fracture isn’t just painful; it can change your life. Victims often face:

  • Multiple surgeries to repair damage, sometimes with plates, screws, or rods inserted permanently.
  • Extended hospital stays and lengthy rehabilitation programs.
  • Permanent disabilities like reduced mobility, weakness, or chronic pain.
  • Loss of independence, requiring assistance with daily activities.
  • Emotional distress from disfigurement, scarring, or the inability to return to previous work or hobbies.

Because these challenges can last a lifetime, it’s common for these injuries to result in greater compensation than more minor injuries.

What Compensation Is Available?

Victims pursuing injury claims in Louisiana may recover special and general damages. The amount of compensation available in Louisiana depends on the severity of the injury, the impact on your life, and future medical needs.

  • Medical Expenses: Current and future costs for surgeries, rehab, medications, and assistive devices.
  • Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Income already lost plus future wage losses if you can’t return to your job or work at the same level as before.
  • Pain and Suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and psychological impact from the injury.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in hobbies, activities, or experiences you once enjoyed.
  • Home or Vehicle Modifications: Ramps, lifts, or specialized equipment for independent living if mobility is severely impacted.
  • Long-term Care Costs: In-home caregivers, physical therapy, or ongoing support services.

Why You Need an Experienced Louisiana Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injury cases require extensive evidence, medical documentation, and expert testimony to prove the extent of your damages and the effect on your life. Insurers fight to minimize these claims because payouts can be substantial.

At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, our Louisiana catastrophic injury lawyers understand the stakes and work with medical experts, financial specialists, and life-care planners to show the full scope of your losses, now and in the future. Whether from a crash, workplace accident, or fall, we negotiate for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Call Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers for a free case review. We’ve fought for countless Louisianans facing life-changing injuries, and we’ll fight just as hard for you.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.