LA·State Guide
Personal Injury Law in Louisiana
Key rules for personal injury claims in Louisiana — statute of limitations, fault system, damage caps, insurance requirements, and government claim deadlines.
Key Points — Louisiana
- 01Only 1-year prescriptive period — among the shortest deadlines in the country
- 02Civil law state (unique legal system based on French/Spanish law)
- 03Pure comparative fault
- 04Med mal cap at $500,000 plus future medical
Rules at a Glance
- Statute of Limitations
- 1 year from the date of injury (prescriptive period)
- Fault System
- Pure comparative fault — Louisiana uses pure comparative fault under its civil law system.
- Damage Caps
- Medical malpractice total damages capped at $500,000 (plus future medical). No general PI cap.
- Government Notice Deadline
- No specific short notice period, but the 1-year prescriptive period is absolute.
- Auto Insurance System
- At-fault state.
- Minimum Liability Coverage
- 15/30/25.
- Workers' Comp Deadline
- Report within 30 days. File claim within 1 year.
Fault System in Louisiana
Louisiana uses pure comparative fault under its civil law system.
Auto Insurance in Louisiana
At-fault state.
Minimum required liability coverage: 15/30/25..
General information only. This page explains common concepts in plain language. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and change over time. For any specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.