Baton Rouge Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer

Spinal Cord Injury Attorney in Baton Rouge, LA

If you or a loved one has suffered a serious spinal injury, hiring an experienced Baton Rouge spinal cord injury lawyer is one of the most important steps when it comes to securing the compensation you deserve. Handling a spinal cord injury case requires extensive knowledge of the mechanism of spinal cord injuries, the treatment options, the damage model, and the catastrophic impact a paralyzing injury has on a person’s self-esteem, livelihood, and family.

Each Baton Rouge, Louisiana spinal cord injury attorney at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege has handled numerous cases on behalf of paralysis victims, and has collected millions of dollars in compensation for quadriplegic and paraplegic injury clients.

The Numbers: U.S. Spinal Cord Injuries

Each year, there are about 18,000 new spinal cord injury (SCI) cases in the United States. In 2024, the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) reported that:

• Over 308,000 Americans live with an SCI
• The average age of those with an SCI is 44 years old
• 78% of new cases were males
• Motor vehicle accidents and falls account for 70% of recent injuries

Understanding the scope and prevalence of these injuries provides important context for both medical care and legal planning. With thousands of new cases each year and hundreds of thousands of Americans living with SCI, securing proper medical care and pursuing a spinal cord injury claim can make a meaningful difference.

Types and Levels of Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord causes one of the most devastating injuries a person can sustain. Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. A complete injury (AIS A) results in total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level. Incomplete injuries (AIS B–E) preserve some sensation or movement.

Both complete and incomplete injuries can result in quadriplegia (tetraplegia) or paraplegia. These injuries usually render the victim totally disabled from any gainful employment and in need of 24/7 attendant or custodial care, as well as other necessary future medical expenses and related benefits. The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) provides a standardized method for assessing injury severity and prognosis in every patient. SCI levels vary based on the spinal region, such as:

• Cervical injuries can result in quadriplegia or partial paralysis of all limbs.
• Thoracic injuries often affect the trunk and legs.
• Lumbar and sacral injuries typically impact the hips, legs, and bladder/bowel function.

Not all paralyzing injuries occur as a result of car wrecks and truck accidents. We have also handled spinal cord injury cases resulting from athletic and sporting injuries; diving injuries (swimming pool and recreational waters); motorcycle accidents; product defects; highway and roadway defects; crane accidents; admiralty, maritime, and offshore accidents; and auto defects.

The Baton Rouge spinal cord injury attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege can interpret medical details in the legal context. This can help to secure the compensation you need to adapt to your new life.

What to Do Right After a Suspected Spinal Cord Injury

Knowing what to do immediately after a suspected SCI can protect both the injured person’s health and their future legal rights. Acting quickly and carefully can help prevent further damage and ensure medical professionals have the information they need to provide optimal care. If you suspect an SCI, some important steps to take include:

• Make sure nobody moves you
• Call 911 immediately to make sure emergency professional care arrives
• Ensure emergency professionals stabilize the neck and head
• Note all symptoms, including numbness, tingling, weakness, or any loss of sensation
• Request a CT or MRI imaging once you’re at the emergency room
• Once you’re cleared for release, request professional transport via ambulance, as traveling via personal vehicle could worsen your condition

For guidance on protecting your rights and pursuing a spinal cord injury claim, the experienced Baton Rouge spinal cord injury attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege are prepared to fight for your rights at every turn. Contact an experienced spinal cord injury attorney as soon as you are able after your incident.

Common Complications and Recovery

Recovering from a spinal cord injury is often complicated, and it can involve a range of medical challenges and concerns. Understanding potential complications in advance can help patients, families, and caregivers prepare for the rehabilitation process and the types of compensation they may need to pursue. Some common complications involving an SCI can include:

• Respiratory issues
• Muscle spasticity
• Neurogenic bowel and bladder
• Pressure injuries
• Osteoporosis
• Chronic pain

The Baton Rouge spinal cord injury attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege understand the medical and legal complexities involved. We can help ensure your spinal cord injury claim accounts for both immediate and ongoing recovery needs.

Damages and Life-Care Planning

Spinal cord injuries often result in significant, long-term expenses and lifestyle changes. Understanding the full scope of your damages is vital when calculating your losses for a spinal cord injury claim. Depending on the specifics of your case, you could be entitled to damages for:

1. Hospitalization and rehabilitation expenses
2. Attendant care and personal assistance
3. Home and vehicle modifications
4. Mobility aids and assistive technology
5. Lost earning capacity or vocational limitations
6.  Mental health and counseling needs
7. Community reintegration support

A detailed life-care plan and the guidance of a medical and vocational economist can make a substantial difference in securing fair compensation. The Baton Rouge spinal cord injury attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege are dedicated to helping clients navigate these complexities to get you the compensation you deserve.

Who Might Be Liable in Louisiana SCI Cases

Determining liability is a critical step when you’re pursuing a spinal cord injury claim in Louisiana. Multiple parties could be responsible for your personal injury, and understanding the potential sources of fault can help make sure all avenues for compensation are explored. Some potential defendants could include:

• Drivers or vehicle owners involved in car accidents
• Manufacturers of defective products or equipment
• Medical providers in cases of malpractice
• Public entities responsible for unsafe roadways, bridges, or facilities
• Pharmaceutical companies for harmful or improperly labeled medications
• Architects or construction companies for unsafe building designs
• Recreational or amusement park operators for unsafe rides or equipment
• Contractors or maintenance companies who fail to properly repair or maintain public areas

Louisiana’s comparative fault rules can affect how damages are allocated once liability is established, as sometimes multiple parties could be liable. The experienced Baton Rouge spinal cord injury attorneys at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege can investigate all potential sources of liability and advocate for the damages you’re entitled to.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Usually Take?

A: Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Some patients could spend weeks in inpatient rehab, while others require months or years of therapy, including physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Recovery is often ongoing, with intermittent follow-ups and adjustments to treatment plans. Goals typically include improving mobility, regaining independence in daily activities, and managing long-term complications.

Q: Can Someone With a Complete Spinal Cord Injury Regain Movement?

A: It’s possible for someone with a complete spinal cord injury to regain minimal movement, but a complete spinal cord injury typically results in total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury. Some patients could regain minimal movement with intensive rehabilitation or through experimental therapies. Research into nerve regeneration, stem cell treatments, and neuroprosthetics continues, but complete restoration of function is currently rare.

Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Spinal Cord Injury Claim in Louisiana?

A: Most spinal cord injury claims in Louisiana must be filed within two years of the incident, under La. Civ. Code art. 3493.1. Medical malpractice claims have a separate filing period that varies between one and three years. Property damage claims follow different deadlines under La. Civ. Code art. 3493.2. Our team makes sure your claim meets legal deadlines.

Q: Are Spinal Cord Injury Settlements Taxable in Louisiana?

A: Generally, compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and physical injury-related damages isn’t subject to federal or state income tax. Punitive damages and certain interest payments could be taxable. Each case is unique, and tax implications can vary depending on the settlement or judgment structure. Consulting a qualified attorney ensures that clients understand potential tax obligations.

Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Lawyer at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege Today

When you hire a spinal cord injury lawyer from Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege, you get a team that’s well-experienced in SCI cases. Our Baton Rouge, Louisiana spinal cord injury lawyers handled the well-known Fox v. Board of Supervisors case and the Bergeron v. State Boxing and Wrestling Commission case.

We also handled multiple diving injury cases, including one for a young man rendered quadriplegic while diving into deceptively shallow water at False River in New Roads, Louisiana. We also represented a man in Tallulah, Louisiana, who suffered paraparesis after losing control of his vehicle and striking a tree after encountering potholes and ruts on a poorly maintained roadway.

Our Baton Rouge, Louisiana spinal cord injury attorneys have also represented multiple victims whose injuries were made much worse by inadequate assessment or treatment, or by negligent handling of the victim after the injury was sustained.

If you or a loved one has sustained a paralyzing spinal cord injury, contact the experienced Baton Rouge, Louisiana back accident lawyers at Dué Guidry Andrews Courrege to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION.

Contact Us Today at 225-929-7481