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Shreveport Spinal Cord Injury Lawyers

A spinal cord injury reshapes everyday life. Rice & Kendig’s Shreveport spinal cord injury lawyers bring decades of experience to pursue full compensation for ongoing care. You focus on recovery; we handle the legal fight.

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Cases

Victories That Help Families Move Forward

See How We’ve Won for Others
$900,000

Motor Vehicle Accident

A truck towing a large piece of equipment blocked a rural roadway, leading to a collision that left our client with rib and ankle fractures.

$1,000,000

Wrongful Death

A series of truck collisions on a rural roadway resulted in catastrophic injuries and the wrongful death of our client.

$900,000

Car Accidents

Clients were rear-ended by an oilfield service truck, resulting in shoulder and wrist injuries and the aggravation of a hernia.

$755,000

Car Accidents

A distracted driver failed to stop for our client’s vehicle, causing injuries, including sacroiliac joint dysfunction and post-concussion syndrome.

$650,000

Trip and Fall

A caterer suffered major shoulder and knee injuries requiring surgery after tripping over a loose board that the facility had failed to repair.

$826,000

Car Accidents

A client was rear-ended in Haughton by a distracted driver, resulting in herniated discs and central stenosis.

$675,000

Car Accidents

Our client sustained spinal injuries and chronic headaches after being rear-ended by a distracted driver in Desoto Parish.

$850,000

Car Accidents

A driver’s failure to yield on LA 3132 led to a high-impact rear-end collision, causing the client to suffer multi-level disc disease and chronic pain.

$2,000,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler driver suffered severe facial and internal injuries after a defective tire blew out, causing the truck to flip several times.

$2,700,000

Slip and Fall

A client suffered a head injury after slipping on unattended mop water in a facility that failed to post warning signs.

$16,000,000

Wrongful Death

A tragic head-on collision caused by a speeding 18-wheeler resulted in the wrongful death of a mother and great-grandmother and injuries to an infant.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

The client was a passenger in a vehicle when the roadway suddenly collapsed, causing vertebral compression fractures and significant PTSD.

$2,150,000

Wrongful Death

The client suffered fatal injuries when the defendant ran a stop sign, causing a collision that resulted in multiple broken bones and severe head trauma.

$1,600,000

Truck Accidents

Former sheriff's deputy, age 72, was rear-ended by a heavy-duty work truck, aggravating a degenerative neck problem.

$1,275,000

Car Accidents

The client was a passenger when another driver ran a stop sign, causing a t-bone collision resulting in a broken femur requiring surgery.

$750,000

Truck Accidents

An 18-wheeler lost power and rolled back into the client's vehicle, aggravating a pre-existing lower back injury.

$2,000,000

Car Accidents

The client's pre-existing Chiari malformation was aggravated in a rear-end collision, requiring a posterior craniotomy.

$650,000

Car Accidents

The client was turning into a gas station when struck from behind by a distracted driver, resulting in neck injuries requiring a 2-level cervical fusion.

$465,000

Truck Accidents

An inattentive 18-wheeler driver made an improper turn, causing a collision that aggravated the client's pre-existing neck injury requiring surgery.

$1,000,000

Car Accidents

An 84-year-old client suffered multiple injuries when a vehicle turned left in front of her, causing a t-bone collision.

$2,500,000

Pedestrian Accidents

The client was helping a friend load car seats when struck by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel.

$987,525

18-Wheeler Collision

Logging truck’s failure to yield caused client to suffer fractures in the arm and leg, amputation of 3 toes, and shoulder injuries.

$1,000,000

Premises Liability

Fall at a hotel convention center caused hand, neck, and low back injuries resulting in a 7-year recovery period.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Injuries to back, chest, shoulder, leg and spine requiring surgery.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended sustaining injuries to the neck, back, and knee.

$500,000

Wrongful Death/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck and killed during daylight hours while retrieving an item from the highway.

$500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was t-boned by a city vehicle sustaining neck and back injuries, TMJ, and headaches that required physical therapy and multiple injections.

$504,150

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended causing injuries to the neck and right side of the body. Client’s neck injury required surgery.

$545,000

Cycling/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client on a bicycle was hit by a police patrol car causing brain damage, and injuries to the head, neck, legs, and arm.

$550,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a big rig causing low back and neck pain; physical recovery and treatment included injections, physical therapy, and counseling.

$625,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision led to wrist and hand injuries that required surgery, seat belt injuries, pain in the neck, sternum, pelvis, abdomen, shoulder, and back, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

$650,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver was rear-ended by another 18-wheeler causing headaches and neck injury.

$663,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was backed into while on the job at an oil field site. Collision resulted in numerous back and neck injuries requiring surgeries.

$665,000

Motor Vehicle Collision/Wrongful Death

Client went to the aid of a vehicle accident victim and was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

$685,000

Premises Liability

Client sustained two broken legs from a fall over an unreasonably dangerous tripping hazard.

$800,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Head-on collision that left client with back and neck injuries as well as seat belt injuries. Client’s recovery was lengthy and included physical therapy and injections.

$800,606

Motor Vehicle Collision

A defendant driver's unprotected left turn caused a collision, resulting in a severely broken leg requiring surgery, PTSD, loss of independence, and job loss for the client.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

18-wheeler driver turned left, without the protection of a green arrow, in front of client. The collision caused injuries to the hand, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, foot, ankle, and eye.

$950,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was hit by a delivery truck and the vehicle rolled over. Client’s injuries included six broken ribs and a neck injury requiring extensive medical treatment.

$987,610

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended multiple times by a big rig causing PTSD, spinal injuries requiring spinal fusion surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.

$1,000,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit by a commercial vehicle that ran a stop sign. Injuries to the knee, neck, and back requiring interventional pain management.

$1,000,000

18-Wheeler Collision

Client was rear-ended by a drunk driver of an 18-wheeler causing client to suffer short-term memory loss and injuries to the head, neck, shoulders, and back.

$1,151,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was struck by a vehicle in a gas station parking lot. Client suffered head and brain damage resulting in memory loss.

$1,250,000

Wrongful Death

Client’s husband died due to a logging truck running a red light.

$1,375,000

Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Collision

Client sustained injuries to head, leg and wrist. Client’s broken leg required surgery. In addition, client sought treatment with a neurologist for his head injury and cognitive issues.

$5,100,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client’s motorcycle was hit by a car leaving him in the ICU with facial injuries, arm injuries, and amputation of one leg.

$1,996,460

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was rear-ended while sitting at a stop sign. Neck and back injuries resulting in headaches and disability. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,855,500

Motor Vehicle Collision

Defendant driver’s failure to stop at a stop sign caused a collision injuring the client’s leg and ankle (required surgery), knee, hip, back, and chest. The airbags deployed, causing airbag injuries.

$1,500,000

Motor Vehicle Collision

Client was hit head-on by a delivery truck sustaining injuries to the knee, hand, neck, and back. Neck injury required surgery.

$1,400,000

Workplace Injury

A piece of loading equipment fell on client causing spinal injuries resulting in partial disability.

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Understanding Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are among the most devastating injuries a person can suffer. These life-altering injuries occur when damage to the spinal cord disrupts the communication between the brain and body, potentially leading to permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the injury site.

There are several types of spinal cord injuries:

Complete Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Total loss of motor and sensory function below the injury level.
  • Often results in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
  • Requires lifetime medical care and assistance.
  • Necessitates extensive home modifications and specialized equipment.

Incomplete Spinal Cord Injuries

  • Partial preservation of motor or sensory function below the injury.
  • Various syndromes, including Central Cord and Brown-Séquard.
  • Allows for some recovery through intensive rehabilitation.
  • Requires ongoing medical monitoring and support.

Specific Injury Locations

  • Cervical (C1-C8): Affecting neck, arms, hands, and breathing.
  • Thoracic (T1-T12): Impacting chest, trunk, and legs.
  • Lumbar (L1-L5): Affecting hips, legs, and bladder control.
  • Sacral (S1-S5): Impacting pelvic organs, hips, and the back of thighs.

According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center (NSCISC) 2024 report, cervical injuries (affecting the neck) are the most common, resulting in tetraplegia (quadriplegia) in nearly 60% of new cases. This statistical reality underscores the critical importance of immediate diagnostic imaging for preserving function.

Common Causes of Spinal Cord Injuries We Handle

Our Shreveport spinal cord injury attorneys have extensive experience handling cases arising from various causes:

  • Car Accidents

    Car crashes remain the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in Louisiana. In fact, Caddo Parish consistently ranks in the top 3 statewide for fatal and injury-causing crashes, with over 40 fatal crashes recorded in recent annual data from LSU CARTS. Whether caused by distracted driving on I-20 or intersection collisions on Youree Drive, these accidents result in forces that can instantly shatter vertebrae.

  • Truck Accidents

    Collisions with commercial trucks are catastrophic due to simple physics: a fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, compared to just 4,000 pounds for the average passenger car. This 20-fold weight disparity explains why large trucks account for a disproportionate share of severe injuries, despite making up only about 5% of vehicles on the road. We aggressively pursue trucking logs and "black box" data to prove negligence.

  • Motorcycle Accidents

    Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to spinal cord injuries in crashes, even at relatively low speeds. Given the fact that motorcycle riders have very little protection from the hard asphalt or other vehicles, serious injuries are bound to happen. We understand the unique challenges riders face and work tirelessly to overcome bias while proving the full extent of your injuries.

  • Bicycle Accidents

    Cyclists struck by vehicles often suffer severe spinal trauma, even when wearing protective gear. We fight to ensure cyclists receive full compensation for these life-changing injuries and hold negligent drivers accountable.

  • Bus Accidents

    When commercial buses or public transit vehicles are involved in accidents, the results can be catastrophic for passengers and other road users. We handle complex cases involving multiple parties, including bus companies, maintenance providers, and government entities.

  • Pedestrian Accidents

    Pedestrians have no protection against vehicles, making spinal cord injuries common in these accidents. We work diligently to prove driver negligence and secure compensation that covers long-term care needs.

  • Falls from Heights

    Construction site falls are the #1 cause of worker fatalities and spinal trauma, often cited in OSHA’s "Fatal Four" hazards. Whether it involves ladder failures, scaffolding collapses, or dangerous property conditions, we investigate every aspect to hold property owners and employers accountable for unsafe conditions.

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Important Steps to Follow After a Spinal Cord Injury

The actions you take after a spinal cord injury can significantly impact your future. At Rice & Kendig, we've guided countless Shreveport families through this challenging time, and we know exactly what steps matter most.

Get Immediate Medical Care

With spinal cord injuries, every minute counts. Don't try to "tough it out." Seek emergency care immediately at a Level 1 or Level 2 Trauma Center, such as Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport, to stabilize the spine and prevent further damage. We've seen how early intervention and proper diagnostics (MRI/CT scans) can make a crucial difference in long-term recovery outcomes.

Document Your Journey

Keep detailed records of your medical care, daily challenges, and how the injury affects your work and family life. Take notes on all expenses and save medical records, as these details will be vital for your case. Photos, witness information, and incident reports can also strengthen your claim significantly.

Avoid Insurance Company Pressure

Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly, often while you're still vulnerable. To protect your claim, avoid these three common mistakes:

  • Do NOT give a recorded statement. Adjusters are trained to extract phrases that minimize your payout. Their goal is to shift the fault or downplay your injury.
  • Do NOT sign a "Medical Authorization" blanket release. This allows them to dig through your entire medical history (even 10 years back) to find "pre-existing conditions" to blame.
  • Do NOT accept the "First Quick Offer". These rushed settlements rarely cover the true lifetime cost of spinal care, which can exceed millions of dollars.

Never speak to them without having one of our spinal cord injury lawyers present.

Contact Our Experienced Attorneys

Louisiana law sets strict deadlines for spinal cord injury claims, and building a strong case takes time. It’s best if our Shreveport spinal cord injury lawyers can investigate the incident while the evidence is fresh and work with medical experts to understand your long-term needs. The sooner you have our legal representation, the better protected your rights will be.

Let Rice & Kendig handle the legal complexities while you focus on what matters most — your recovery and your family. Our experienced team of spine injury lawyers will guide you through each step, fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Types of Compensation You Can Win for Your Spinal Cord Injury

At Rice & Kendig, we understand the overwhelming financial burden a spinal cord injury creates for Shreveport families. Our experienced Louisiana spine injury attorneys work tirelessly to secure comprehensive compensation that covers not only your current needs but also your future care.

Medical Care Coverage

Your recovery shouldn't be limited by financial concerns. We fight to ensure you receive compensation for essential medical care, including:

  • Emergency treatment, surgeries, and immediate hospital care
  • Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy services
  • Specialized medical equipment and medications
  • Future procedures and home healthcare support

Lost Income & Career Impact

A spinal cord injury can dramatically impact your ability to work and earn. We help recover:

  • Lost wages and employment benefits
  • Future earning capacity losses due to ongoing disability
  • Career retraining expenses

Life Care Expenses

Living with a spinal cord injury often requires significant lifestyle modifications. We pursue compensation for the following:

  • Home accessibility modifications
  • Specialized transportation equipment
  • Adaptive technology and devices
  • Personal care assistance costs

Personal Impact Damages

The impact of a spinal cord injury goes far beyond financial costs. We fight for compensation that recognizes the following:

  • Physical pain and emotional suffering
  • Loss of life’s enjoyment and activities
  • Changes in personal relationships
  • Mental health challenges and counseling needs
  • Loss of consortium damages for your spouse

Understanding Louisiana Spinal Cord Injury Laws

Louisiana has specific laws that directly impact your spinal cord injury case. Our decades of experience navigating these laws help ensure you receive maximum compensation under state regulations.

Critical Timelines for Filing Spinal Injury Claims

Louisiana recently enacted significant changes to personal injury filing deadlines under Civil Code Article 3493.1:

  • For injuries occurring before July 1, 2024: You have 1 year from the date of injury.
  • For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2024: You have 2 years from the date of injury.

Certain circumstances can affect these deadlines. For instance, if your spinal cord injury was caused by the negligence of a government entity, you may have additional notice requirements and shorter filing windows. Therefore, it’s critical that you contact us as soon as possible so you don’t miss these short deadlines.

Louisiana's Fault Laws and Your Rights

A new comparative fault law in Louisiana has taken effect on Jan. 1, 2026. Our state is now switching from pure comparative fault to a 51% fault bar. Now, if a plaintiff is found to be 51% or more at fault, his recovery is reduced to zero. However, the jury is to be told about the effect of finding the plaintiff 51% at fault. Additionally, a plaintiff injured by an intentional tort shall not have his recovery reduced, even if his own fault exceeds 51%.

Mandatory Automobile Insurance Requirements

Louisiana law (RS 32:900) requires minimum automobile insurance coverage of:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury to one person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury to multiple people
  • $25,000 for property damage

However, these minimums rarely fully cover serious spinal cord injuries. We often look beyond basic insurance to secure full compensation through:

  • Umbrella policies
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Third-party liability claims

Medical Treatment Rights

Under Louisiana law (RS 40:1299.96), you have the right to:

  • Choose your own healthcare providers
  • Access copies of your medical records
  • Seek second opinions without jeopardizing your claim

Multiple Liable Parties

Louisiana's solidary liability laws (Civil Code Article 2324) allow the pursuit of compensation from multiple responsible parties. Common defendants include:

  • At-fault drivers and their insurers
  • Property owners in premises liability cases
  • Equipment manufacturers under product liability laws
  • Healthcare providers in medical negligence cases
  • Government entities responsible for unsafe conditions

Our thorough investigation often uncovers multiple sources of liability, maximizing your potential compensation.

Struggling After Your Accident? We're Here to Help.

At Rice & Kendig, our Shreveport car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience helping clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Get your free case review now!

No Fee Unless We Win for You

Free Consultation

or Call Us

(318) 222-2772
TESTIMONIALS

Life After Injury:
Stories of Hope and Healing

  • I knew that they would take care of us, and I would definitely recommend them to anybody.

  • Rice & Kendig are very good at seeing what the weakness in our case is and what the strength is and developing both sides of the case.

  • They take great care of you. They care, and they make sure that you get what you need, they make sure that you're okay.

  • I suggest Rice & Kendig if you want someone who cares about you and your situation.

  • They did such a good job fighting for us and not dragging it on... Thanks to Rice & Kendig, the matter was over within a year.

  • He called me every day, made sure I was okay... he was just perfect. You couldn't ask for a better attorney.

  • They took care of us right away. They were loving.

BENEFITS

Why Families Trust Rice & Kendig
After a Spinal Cord Injury

A life-altering spinal cord injury demands experienced legal support you can trust:

  • A Family-First Approach When You Need It Most
    We understand that a spinal cord injury affects your entire family. That's why we treat you like our own, providing personal attention and genuine support throughout your case. You'll never be just another file number — you'll be part of the Rice & Kendig family.
  • Decades of Experience Fighting for Families Like Yours
    For over 50 years, we've stood beside Shreveport families facing spinal cord injuries. Insurance companies know our reputation – when we take your case, they understand we're prepared to go all the way to secure fair compensation.
  • Your Neighbors in Shreveport, Fighting for You
    As your neighbors for generations, we know Shreveport's medical community and legal system inside out. We'll connect you with the city's best care providers and navigate the local legal landscape with deep community knowledge.
  • Direct Access to Senior Partners Who Care
    Your case deserves the attention of our most experienced attorneys. When you choose Rice & Kendig, our senior partners personally handle your case, bringing decades of experience directly to your fight for justice.
  • Communication That Makes You Feel Heard
    Whether you prefer English or Spanish, clear communication is our priority. We explain complex legal matters in terms you can understand and ensure you're never left wondering what comes next.
  • Our Promise: No Recovery Means No Fee
    Worrying about legal fees shouldn't add to your burden. We handle your case on a contingency basis — you don't pay unless we win. We are committed to making quality legal representation accessible to every family.
Your Local Advocates:

Serving Spinal Cord Injury Victims
Across Northern Louisiana

Rice & Kendig proudly serves communities across Northern Louisiana, bringing our skills directly to you. Whether you're in bustling Shreveport or a quiet rural town, we're here to help.

Our commitment to spinal cord injury victims extends throughout:

Office Address

912 Kings Highway Shreveport, Louisiana 71104

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Trusted to Win, Proven to Deliver. We’re Waiting for Your Call.

We understand your questions and fears. For 50+ years, Rice & Kendig has walked alongside families through their darkest moments. We've seen the courage it takes. Call today for honest answers. Free consultation. We're here to help you find your path forward.

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Thank you for your interest. Please note that Rice & Kendig is a personal injury law firm. If your claim is not injury related, we recommend you contact a legal professional in the correct practice area or your local legal aid for general assistance.

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FAQ

Your Questions Answered:
Spinal Cord Injury FAQ

  • Every spinal cord injury case is unique. While no attorney can guarantee a specific amount, our track record speaks for itself. Our 5-star spine injury lawyers recently secured $465,000 for an aggravation of a pre-existing neck injury, which required a single-level cervical spine discectomy surgery after an 18-wheeler accident. Additionally, we secured $750,000 for a client suffering from an aggravation of a lower back injury resulting in lumbar ablations after a truck accident in Caddo Parish.

    At Rice & Kendig, we work with life care planners to calculate your lost wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering to demand the maximum compensation your specific case warrants.

  • While some cases resolve in 6-12 months, complex spinal injury claims often take longer to properly assess lifetime care costs. With the new 2-year statute of limitations (Article 3493.1) for injuries occurring after July 1, 2024, we now have more time to fully evaluate the long-term prognosis before filing suit. Our experienced Shreveport attorneys work efficiently but never rush — our priority is securing a settlement that covers your needs for decades, not just today.

  • If someone’s negligence caused your injury — whether from a car crash, workplace accident, or medical error — you probably have a case. During your free consultation, our senior partners will review your situation and explain your legal rights under Louisiana law. We'll give you honest answers about your case's strengths and potential outcomes.

  • Don't let medical costs stop you from getting treatment. We connect you with Shreveport's spine professionals who work on a medical lien, meaning they'll wait for payment until your case settles. Our team also helps identify insurance coverage and alternative payment options to ensure you get the care you need now.

  • Our skilled legal team investigates every possible compensation source. We look beyond the obvious to find additional coverage through multiple insurance policies, property owners, employers, or product manufacturers. With 50+ years of experience in Louisiana law, we know where to look for full compensation that others might miss.