How Much Money Can You Get for a Degloving Injury in Louisiana?

How Much Is a Degloving Injury Worth in Louisiana?

Degloving injuries in Louisiana can be worth hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on factors like severity, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To determine a fair settlement:

Assess medical bills and future treatment costs.
Calculate lost wages and earning potential.
Evaluate non-economic damages.
Discover the value of insurance and/or assets available for recovery
Consult an experienced Louisiana personal injury lawyer.

Understanding Degloving Injury Settlements in Louisiana

A degloving injury is one of the most severe and traumatic types of personal injury. It occurs when the skin and underlying tissue are forcibly torn away, often exposing muscles, bones, or tendons. These injuries require extensive medical treatment, have long-term consequences, and often result in significant physical and emotional pain.

If you or a loved one has suffered a degloving injury in Louisiana, understanding how much your case might be worth is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve. Here's what you need to know.

1. Medical Costs: The Foundation of Your Claim

The first factor in determining the value of a degloving injury case is medical expenses. This includes:

Emergency care and surgeries.
Skin grafts, reconstructive procedures, and physical therapy.
Future medical needs, such as additional surgeries or ongoing rehabilitation.

In Louisiana, these costs are meticulously calculated and can easily exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars for severe cases.

2. Lost Wages and Earning Potential

Degloving injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability, limiting your ability to work. Compensation for lost wages includes:

Time missed from work during recovery.
Loss of future earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous job.
Costs associated with retraining or transitioning to a new career.

3. Pain and Suffering

Non-economic damages are a significant component of degloving injury cases. This covers:

Physical pain from the injury and its treatment.
Emotional distress, including trauma and anxiety.
Loss of enjoyment of life due to permanent scarring or disability.

In Louisiana, juries and insurance companies often weigh the impact of these damages heavily when determining settlement values.

4. Liability and Comparative Fault

Louisiana follows a comparative fault rule. If the injured party is partially responsible for the accident, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your settlement will be reduced by 20%.

5. Insurance Limits and Defendant's Assets

The value of your claim may also depend on:

The at-fault party's insurance coverage.
The availability of additional assets to cover damages beyond policy limits.

Unfortunately, even if your claim is "worth more" based on your injuries and losses, you may not be able to recover more than the policy limits available. In many cases, the at-fault party’s insurance is the primary source of compensation. If the at-fault party has no significant assets beyond their insurance policy, it may limit what you can recover, even when your damages exceed those limits.

However, an experienced attorney can help you explore all possible sources of compensation, such as identifying other liable parties or additional policies, to help maximize your recovery.

Why You Need an Attorney

Degloving injury cases are complex and require thorough documentation and expert testimony to prove damages. An experienced Louisiana car accident lawyer can:

Gather evidence, such as medical records and accident reports.
Work with economic and medical experts to calculate the full extent of your losses.
Negotiate with insurance companies or take your case to court if necessary.

Degloving injuries are life-altering, and securing fair compensation requires understanding all the factors that contribute to your case's value. While settlements in Louisiana can range widely based on the details, working with a skilled attorney ensures you maximize your recovery.

If you’ve experienced a degloving injury, contact our office today to discuss your case and begin the path toward justice.