How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Ruston, Louisiana?

Louisiana's prescriptive period for personal injury is two years from the date of injury under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1 (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1386443), effective July 1, 2024. For accidents that occurred before July 1, 2024, the old one-year period may apply depending on the specific facts. Product defect claims under the LPLA are delictual actions and carry that same prescriptive period; the article's only product-specific provision suspends prescription for minors and interdicts in actions involving permanent disability. If a government entity is involved, a 90-day notice of claim under La. R.S. 13:5108.1 (https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78684) must be filed before suit. That deadline runs concurrently with the prescriptive period, not in addition to it.

What does the 2024 tort reform mean for my catastrophic injury case?

La. R.S. 9:2800.27 (https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=1254220), effective 2024, limits recoverable medical expenses to amounts actually paid or payable, not the amounts originally billed. In catastrophic cases, hospital bills often show large gross charges that are reduced significantly by insurer-contracted rates. Under the reform, your recoverable medical damages reflect what was actually paid, not the gross billed amount. This affects both past and future medical damages calculations. Life care planners working on Louisiana catastrophic cases now adjust projected future costs to post-reform billing assumptions.

Can a family member file on behalf of someone who is incapacitated after a catastrophic injury?

Yes. A family member can seek to be appointed as a legal representative, called a curator in Louisiana, for an incapacitated adult under Louisiana interdiction law. The curator then has standing to bring the lawsuit on behalf of the incapacitated person. For minors, a parent or legal guardian has standing directly. The prescriptive period for incapacitated plaintiffs may be suspended under Louisiana's tolling rules. An attorney can advise on the process and timeline for establishing legal representation in your specific situation.

What if I was partially at fault for my own catastrophic injury?

Louisiana follows comparative fault under La. C.C. Art. 2323 (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109387), as amended effective January 1, 2026. If you are 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is a hard cutoff. Insurance adjusters know this rule and often build their defense strategy around getting the plaintiff's fault percentage to or above 51%. The specific facts of how the incident occurred determine fault allocation, including who had what opportunity to avoid it.

How is the value of a catastrophic injury case calculated in Louisiana?

A Louisiana catastrophic injury case value is built from three categories. Economic damages include all past and future medical expenses (calculated under La. R.S. 9:2800.27 at amounts paid or payable, not billed), lost income to date, and loss of earning capacity for the remainder of the plaintiff's working life. A spouse's loss of consortium is a separate economic damage category. General damages, including pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life, have no statutory cap in Louisiana personal injury cases. They require life care planner, vocational expert, and economist testimony to fully support at trial.

Does Trey Morris Injury Lawyers handle catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis?

Yes. Trey Morris Injury Lawyers handles catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost and no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. Case costs such as expert fees, court filings, and depositions are advanced by the firm and resolved at the time of settlement or verdict. You can discuss the specific fee structure and cost arrangement with us at no charge.

ruston catastrophic injury lawyer | Trey Morris Injury Lawyers

Ruston’s catastrophic injuries come off I-20 and US-167 at highway speed, off US-80 and LA-33, and off the industrial and worksite accidents around Lincoln Parish. The injured are taken to Northern Louisiana Medical Center on East Vaughn Avenue. The Ruston Police Department on North Trenton Street writes the report inside the city, and the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office writes it in the parish. A Lincoln Parish suit is filed at the courthouse at 100 West Texas Avenue in the 3rd Judicial District Court, where the Clerk of Court keeps the record. Trey Morris Injury Lawyers is at 1831 North Trenton Street, Suite 2, in Ruston, and in the first week we order the report, request the emergency and imaging records, and send a preservation letter for the vehicle data or the failed product before it is repaired or discarded.

The law that governs the claim is Louisiana law, and it is the same in Lincoln Parish as in every other parish. A Ruston catastrophic injury on or after July 1, 2024 is a two-year claim under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1. For accidents on or after January 1, 2026, a 51% fault finding under Art. 2323 bars the claim. We build that file from lifetime medical and earning-capacity proof before an insurer treats a TBI or burn as a short hospital stay.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Physical injuries caused by trauma or disease are generally categorized as catastrophic injuries when they cause painful, irreversible disabilities. Catastrophic injuries typically impact key aspects of life such as mobility, perception, cognition, memory, and quality of life.

Sometimes, these injuries prevent people from being able to take care of themselves and live independently. In the worst cases, catastrophic injuries cut lives short with deadly complications.

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1831 N Trenton St, Ste 2
Ruston, LA 71270

318-702-8648

Open 24/7 for injured Ruston residents

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Traumatic Brain Injury

Blows to the head and violent shaking of the head can damage the brain, causing traumatic brain injury. Whether mild, moderate, or serious, TBIs can be difficult to diagnose in their early stages due to hidden, mild, or generic early symptoms.

Every week in the U.S., TBI complications kill nearly 1,200 people while causing more than 4,300 others to be hospitalized. Even in milder forms like concussions, TBIs can cause lasting damage that accumulates with subsequent injuries. In more severe cases, TBI can interfere with the abilities to communicate, coordinate movement, and control moods.

Spinal Cord Injury

Compressing, tearing, or completely severing the spinal cord can result in spinal cord injury. The severity depends on whether the injury is complete or incomplete, and the precise location of the damage. Every day in the U.S., 49 people are newly diagnosed with a spinal cord injury. The most severe cases are diagnosed as paraplegia, triplegia, tetraplegia, or quadriplegia.

What We Handle

Ruston Practice Areas

Other Physical Injuries

Brain and spinal cord damage are just two types of life-altering injuries that negligence can cause. Others include vision and hearing loss, loss of limbs, burn injuries, disfigurement and scarring, internal organ damage, and severe bone fractures.

What Causes Most Catastrophic Injuries?

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Traffic collisions are one of the top causes of catastrophic injuries. Driver negligence, high speeds, vulnerable victims such as pedestrians and motorcyclists, and catastrophic crash types such as rollovers and underride crashes all contribute.

Dangerous and Defective Products

When manufacturers cut corners or fail to test the safety of their products, dangerous items can end up in consumers’ homes and hands. Companies that design, manufacture, market, or distribute unsafe products can be liable for the harm they cause.

Unsafe Premises

Property owners, landlords, and others who fail to maintain safe premises can be liable for catastrophic injuries that occur on their properties. Risk factors include insufficient lighting, broken elevators and stairs, slippery or uneven flooring, defective skylights, and failures to provide sufficient security.

Work Accidents

The most dangerous jobs expose workers to perilous environments where one mistake can cause catastrophic injury or death. From industrial equipment and hazardous substances to high elevations and long hours, on-the-job dangers vary by profession. Whenever work accidents cause catastrophic injuries, it is crucial to investigate whether third-party negligence was involved.

Representative Results

$409 Million Wrongful Death

A tragic case where an impaired driver of a commercial vehicle ran a red light, then collided with our client, causing serious bodily injury to the mother and the loss of life of her daughter.

$49 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

An impaired driver of a stolen vehicle driving the wrong way collided with our client head-on, resulting in brain injury and multiple broken bones.

$32.2 Million Industrial / Workplace

Failure to maintain proper safety protocols led to an explosion at an industrial plant causing a series of catastrophic injuries from broken bones, burns, spinal injury, and mental anguish.

$31.5 Million Industrial / Workplace

Brain and spinal injuries followed an oil-field company failing to maintain equipment and provide a safe work site.

$17.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Client was struck head-on by a disconnected load of an 18-wheeler that crossed the median causing broken bones and amputation.

$13 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

On the interstate, an 18-wheeler failed to yield right of way then made an unsafe lane change causing the accident which resulted in major bone breaks, damaged organs, and ultimately a leg amputation.

$12.1 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle failed to stop at a red light subsequently crashing into our client causing serious brain injury and permanent loss of function.

$7 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

When the other vehicle struck our client, the result was a major hemorrhage and a stroke.

$7 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

An 18-wheeler cut across traffic on an illegal left turn and hit our client, who suffered neck and back injuries.

$6.2 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

A fatigued commercial-vehicle driver fell asleep at the wheel and rear-ended our client, leaving our client with severe neck and back injuries.

$5 Million Wrongful Death

A hydraulic line exploded at a job site, taking the life of our client's loved one.

$4 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Our client's vehicle was struck by the at-fault vehicle, resulting in neck and back injuries.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

Commercial vehicle collision. Details not publicly disclosed.

$3.2 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

While our client was stopped, the at-fault driver rear-ended our client's vehicle and set it on fire, leaving our client seriously hurt.

$3.1 Million Wrongful Death

An 18-wheeler caused a fatal collision that took the life of our client's loved one.

$3 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident

A commercial vehicle struck and killed our client's loved one, who was on foot.

$3 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Out on the highway, the at-fault driver hit our client.

$2.9 Million Motor Vehicle Accident

Our client was rear-ended by the other driver and seriously injured.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes; each case is decided on its own facts. See our full case results.

Who Can I Sue After a Catastrophic Injury?

You may be able to sue all of the parties at fault for your accident and injuries. Liability can be complex, with several parties potentially sharing fault. Louisiana law provides two years to file catastrophic injury claims (for injuries on or after July 1, 2024; earlier injuries fall under the prior one-year period), though the starting point for that timeframe can vary depending on when injuries were diagnosed.

Your Ruston Injury Attorneys

Founding partners Trey Morris lead every Ruston injury case Trey Morris Injury Lawyers takes.

Trey Morris
Founding Partner

When Should I Talk to a Ruston Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

Talk to an attorney as soon as you can. Insurance companies and others may already be working to build a defense against claims of liability. You also have limited time to file a claim, and the chances of losing key evidence increase the longer you wait.

What Happens After I File a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

At least one insurance company will likely be involved at some point. Insurers are not your partner or advocate; they are typically working against you. Most catastrophic injury claims settle outside of court rather than going to trial.

What clients say

★★★★★
Great experience with the Trey Morris Injury Lawyers Ruston office.
The staff is friendly, helpful, and always willing to answer questions. Definitely recommend!
Jaime CarterRuston Office · Sep. 2, 2026
★★★★★
Trey Morris Injury Lawyers was the best while dealing with my case.
The process was painless. I would recommend them to everyone!
Bailey RamosRuston Office · Sep. 2, 2026
★★★★★
The team here (Brian, Seth, Chelsea, and Jessica) have been amazing.
We were new to the area and hit by an impaired driver. Their support, guidance and friendship got us through a very difficult time. Thank you so much!
Pamela HughesCovington Office · Sep. 3, 2026
★★★★★
I was overwhelmed dealing with everything after my injury, but their team took a lot of the pressure off of me.
They were patient, answered all my questions, and made sure I understood what was happening.
Emma DvorakShreveport Office · Sep. 3, 2026
★★★★★
Brooke and Ms.
Shavers did great and helped me so much and I am so grateful. Go see Trey Morris Injury Attorneys!!
Jontiana WilliamsLake Charles Office · Aug. 26, 2026
★★★★★
I hired Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers to represent me with my case.
Mr. Lane Robinson, Jessica, and Yadira has been with me every step of the way, making sure I received the proper care I needed to get well. They always called emailed and text to make sure I was doing OK. I would recommend the firm to anyone. They have an amazing team. I couldn’t have made a better choice. Thank you all for everything you have done for me and my family.
Katerrica CarterMinden Office · Aug. 12, 2026

Reviews reflect individual client experiences. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

What Damages Are Included in Catastrophic Injury Compensation?

Most catastrophic injury claims cover medical bills past and future, lost earning capacity, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Ruston, Louisiana?: Louisiana's prescriptive period for personal injury is two years from the date of injury under La. C.C. Art. 3493.1, effective July 1, 2024. For accidents that occurred before July 1, 2024, the old one-year period may apply depending on the specific facts. Product defect claims under the LPLA are delictual actions and carry that same prescriptive period; the article's only product-specific provision suspends prescription for minors and interdicts in actions involving permanent disability. If a government entity is involved, a 90-day notice of claim under La. R.S. 13:5108.1 must be filed before suit. That deadline runs concurrently with the prescriptive period, not in addition to it.
What does the 2024 tort reform mean for my catastrophic injury case?: La. R.S. 9:2800.27, effective 2024, limits recoverable medical expenses to amounts actually paid or payable, not the amounts originally billed. In catastrophic cases, hospital bills often show large gross charges that are reduced significantly by insurer-contracted rates. Under the reform, your recoverable medical damages reflect what was actually paid, not the gross billed amount. This affects both past and future medical damages calculations. Life care planners working on Louisiana catastrophic cases now adjust projected future costs to post-reform billing assumptions.
Can a family member file on behalf of someone who is incapacitated after a catastrophic injury?: Yes. A family member can seek to be appointed as a legal representative, called a curator in Louisiana, for an incapacitated adult under Louisiana interdiction law. The curator then has standing to bring the lawsuit on behalf of the incapacitated person. For minors, a parent or legal guardian has standing directly. The prescriptive period for incapacitated plaintiffs may be suspended under Louisiana's tolling rules. An attorney can advise on the process and timeline for establishing legal representation in your specific situation.
What if I was partially at fault for my own catastrophic injury?: Louisiana follows comparative fault under La. C.C. Art. 2323, as amended effective January 1, 2026. If you are 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced proportionally by your percentage of fault. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is a hard cutoff. Insurance adjusters know this rule and often build their defense strategy around getting the plaintiff's fault percentage to or above 51%. The specific facts of how the incident occurred determine fault allocation, including who had what opportunity to avoid it.
How is the value of a catastrophic injury case calculated in Louisiana?: A Louisiana catastrophic injury case value is built from three categories. Economic damages include all past and future medical expenses (calculated under La. R.S. 9:2800.27 at amounts paid or payable, not billed), lost income to date, and loss of earning capacity for the remainder of the plaintiff's working life. A spouse's loss of consortium is a separate economic damage category. General damages, including pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life, have no statutory cap in Louisiana personal injury cases. They require life care planner, vocational expert, and economist testimony to fully support at trial.
Does Trey Morris Injury Lawyers handle catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis?: Yes. Trey Morris Injury Lawyers handles catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost and no attorney fee unless there is a recovery. Case costs such as expert fees, court filings, and depositions are advanced by the firm and resolved at the time of settlement or verdict. You can discuss the specific fee structure and cost arrangement with us at no charge.