$2.1 Million Settlement for Laborer Injured in Louisiana Auto Wreck
$2.1M Settlement Reached in Avoyelles Parish Back Injury Lawsuit
Marksville, Louisiana — A $2.1 million settlement was reached just days before trial for a 43-year-old laborer who suffered severe spinal injuries in a motor vehicle collision while working. The plaintiff underwent multiple spinal fusion surgeries and missed over two years of work due to his injuries.
This major personal injury case was handled in Avoyelles Parish, 12th Judicial District Court, and demonstrates the complexity of proving causation even when liability is established.
Case Overview
- Case Title: Dauzat, et al. v. Fuqua, et al.
- Court: 12th Judicial District Court, Avoyelles Parish
- Case Number: No. 2012-8128 “A”
- Settlement Date: July 14
- Settlement Amount: $2,100,000
Nature of the Injuries
The plaintiff sustained serious spinal injuries, including:
- Three-level posterior lumbar spine fusion
- Two-level cervical spine fusion
- Over $250,000 in medical expenses
- 30 months of missed work
These injuries resulted in long-term impairment and required expert testimony in physical medicine, orthopedics, vocational rehabilitation, and economics.
Legal Strategy & Experts
Although the defendants had already lost a motion for summary judgment on liability, they aggressively contested the causation of the plaintiff’s injuries.
With only 8 days remaining before a scheduled jury trial, the defendants agreed to a $2.1 million settlement.
Plaintiff’s Legal Team:
- Robert M. Marionneaux, Jr.
Plaintiff’s Expert Witnesses:
- Dr. Daniel L. Hodges – Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Lafayette
- Dr. Louis C. Blanda, Jr. – Orthopedic Surgery, Lafayette
- Ted Deshotels – Vocational Rehabilitation, Lafayette
- G. Randolph Rice, Jr. – Economics, Baton Rouge
Key Takeaways
- Severe spinal injuries from an on-the-job motor vehicle accident
- Backed by strong expert witness testimony
- $2.1M settlement secured shortly before trial
- Demonstrates importance of early liability rulings and medical causation evidence
About Marionneaux Law Firm
With a proven track record of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, Robert Marionneaux and his legal team fight aggressively for clients suffering life-altering injuries. Whether you’re facing lost wages, permanent disability, or denial of responsibility, our team is ready to stand with you.