When a loved one suffers an injury—whether in a car crash, a workplace accident, or on someone else’s property—your first concern is their health and safety. Soon after, many families begin to wonder how they will handle the mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term needs that follow. In Louisiana, these questions became more complicated with the passage of Senate Bill 231, which changes how much money an injured person can receive in a personal injury lawsuit.
This article will explain what the new law does, why it matters, and how you can still take meaningful steps to pursue the financial recovery your loved one deserves. Continue reading to understand better how these changes could affect your claim.
If your family is facing the impact of an injury and you need immediate answers, contact Sudduth & Associates, LLC today through our online contact form or at (337) 282-9003.
What Senate Bill 231 Means for Families
Senate Bill 231, signed into law in 2025, introduces new limits on how much money injured people can recover in personal injury lawsuits. According to Program Business, the law caps certain damages, which are the financial awards courts grant to compensate for losses.
In personal injury cases, damages often cover:
- Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, therapy, prescriptions)
- Lost wages (income your loved one cannot earn while recovering)
- Pain and suffering (the physical and emotional toll of the injury)
With the new law, some of these categories are now restricted, meaning families may not be able to recover the full amount they need for long-term care and stability.
Understanding Comparative Fault
In addition to limiting damages, Senate Bill 231 also emphasizes comparative fault. Comparative fault is a legal rule that reduces the compensation you can receive if your loved one is found partly at fault for the accident.
For example, if your teen is injured in a car accident but is found 20% responsible for the crash, any damages awarded will be reduced by that percentage. This perspective means proving fault—and protecting your family’s share of compensation—even more critical. To better understand how fault is established in these cases, you can review the rules of proving fault in personal injury accidents on our website.
How These Changes Affect Families in Real Life
For families already struggling with medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages, the impact of this law can feel overwhelming. These new limits can:
- Reduce the funds available for ongoing care or special medical equipment
- Make it harder to recover from the emotional and mental toll of an injury
- Increase the importance of substantial evidence and expert testimony in court
Even though the law changes the playing field, you still have options. Families can maximize recovery by building strong, fact-based cases and working with advocates who can navigate these new restrictions.
What Steps Families Should Take After an Injury
If your loved one has been injured, here are some steps that can protect your family’s ability to seek compensation:
- Seek immediate medical care. Medical records create the foundation of a strong case.
- Document everything. Take photos of the accident scene, keep receipts for expenses, and record your loved one’s recovery progress.
- Avoid early settlement offers. Insurance companies may push quick, low settlements that don’t reflect the full scope of your losses.
- Work with experienced legal counsel. Because of the new limits and fault rules, families need attorneys who understand how to build the strongest case under Louisiana law.
For more on how these cases unfold, visit our page on personal injury law.
Why Skilled Representation Matters More Than Ever
With new limits in place, cases may become more contentious. Insurance companies are likely to fight harder to minimize payouts, and opposing counsel may focus on proving partial fault to reduce damages. Families should not face these challenges alone.
An experienced legal team can:
- Conduct thorough investigations into the accident
- Gather and present medical and expert testimony
- Challenge fault determinations to protect your compensation
- Develop strategies tailored to your family’s unique needs
Protecting Your Family’s Rights Under Louisiana’s New Injury Laws
At Sudduth & Associates, LLC, we know how disruptive an injury can be to your family's financial and emotional stability. Our holistic approach considers immediate financial recovery and your long-term well-being. We recognize that each client’s situation is unique and requires a tailored strategy to address specific challenges and opportunities.
We also offer clients thorough investigations, access to expert opinions, and strategies designed to counter insurers' delay and denial tactics. By focusing on client education and clear communication, we aim to overcome these hurdles, ensuring claims proceed smoothly and with maximal compensation.
Don't wait if your loved one has been injured. Reach out to Sudduth & Associates, LLC today through our online contact form or call (337) 282-9003 to schedule your consultation.