This summer, Louisiana lawmakers passed what Governor Jeff Landry calls “the largest tort reform effort in state history.” As a result, the 2025 legislative session ended with sweeping changes to Louisiana’s legal and insurance systems. These changes will directly affect injury victims, drivers, and families across the state.
At Saunders & Chabert, we make it our priority to explain Louisiana tort reform 2025, show how it affects personal injury cases, and outline the steps you can take to protect yourself. Below, we break down the major bills in plain language, focusing on the impact of these new Louisiana laws on car accident claims, insurance disputes, and injury victims.
1.Louisiana Tort Reform 2025: 51% Bar for Recovery – HB 431 (Act 15)
Effective: January 1, 2026 Louisiana will shift to a modified comparative fault system. Under the old rules, you could still recover damages even if you carried most of the fault—your award simply decreased by your percentage of fault. However, under the Louisiana 51 percent fault rule personal injury, if you bear 51% or more of the fault, you recover nothing. What this means for you:Because this rule applies statewide, the stakes rise sharply when fault is disputed. As a result, you must rely on strong investigation, solid evidence, and a clear legal strategy to avoid crossing the Louisiana personal injury fault percentage new law threshold and protect your right to recover.
2. Louisiana Tort Reform New Laws: “No Pay, No Play” Gets Stricter – HB 434 (Act 16)
Effective: August 1, 2025 If you drive without insurance and suffer injuries in an accident—even one you did not cause—you cannot collect pain and suffering or other general damages unless your injuries exceed $100,000 in value. Previously, the threshold sat at $15,000/$25,000, so this marks a dramatic increase. What this means for you: Lawmakers designed the Louisiana no pay no play 2025 update to discourage uninsured driving. However, it also means uninsured drivers in Louisiana accident claims face severe limits on recovery. Therefore, you must maintain active coverage to avoid losing the right to recover.3. Housley Presumption Repealed: Proving Injuries After Accidents – HB 450 (Act 18)
Effective: May 28, 2025 For more than 30 years, Louisiana law assumed that if you did not have documented prior injuries, an accident caused any new injuries. However, HB 450 repeals this presumption. Now, you must prove accident caused injuries Louisiana law by showing medical evidence. What this means for you: Therefore, you must gather medical documentation needed personal injury Louisiana, secure expert testimony, and collect strong evidence early on. Without these steps, you risk falling short under the burden of proof accident injuries Louisiana 2025 standard. Contact us and we will walk you through the steps of what is needed to build a strong case to protect you.4. Louisiana Medical Expense Recovery Limits 2026 – SB 231 (Act 466)
Effective: January 1, 2026In auto accident cases, you can now recover only the actual amount paid for your medical bills, not the higher amount a provider originally billed. In addition, juries will see both the billed and paid amounts, except in narrow cases like Medicaid or workers’ comp.
What this means for you:
As a result, this law reduces damage awards, especially if private insurance negotiates lower rates on your behalf. Lawmakers created this change to prevent phantom damages Louisiana tort reform. However, it also means you may recover far less in Louisiana medical expense recovery limits 2026.
5. Restrictions for Undocumented Immigrants in Louisiana Accident Claims – HB 436 (Act 17)
Effective: August 1, 2025If you do not lawfully reside in the U.S., you cannot recover general damages or lost wages in auto accident lawsuits. The only exception applies to uninsured/underinsured motorist claims where you are the named insured.
What this means for you:
Because this law narrows remedies for vulnerable people, undocumented accident victims Louisiana 2025 face new barriers. If you or a loved one is affected, seek help from a Louisiana personal injury attorney immediately to explore available protections.
6. Louisiana Insurance Oversight & Commissioner Powers – HB 148 (Act 11)
Effective: May 28, 2025Louisiana’s Insurance Commissioner now holds greater authority to reject excessive rate increases that create “unreasonably high profits” for insurers. In addition, the law requires new actuarial standards and transparency measures.
What this means for you:
While this law does not guarantee lower premiums, it adds accountability to the industry. The Louisiana insurance commissioner new powers 2025 may help curb unfair hikes in insurance costs.
7. Dash Cam Discounts for Commercial Vehicles – HB 549
Effective: January 1, 2026Insurance companies must now offer premium discounts to commercial vehicle owners who install operational dash cameras and telematics systems that meet state standards.
What this means for you:
If you own a business with commercial vehicles, you may qualify for Louisiana commercial vehicle insurance discounts 2026. In addition, dash cameras protect drivers and provide critical evidence in a dispute.
What Louisiana Tort Reform 2025 Means Moving Forward
Some of these laws already apply. Others, like the 51% fault rule and limits on medical expense recovery, will take effect January 1, 2026. Together, these reforms reshape the legal landscape. Consequently, they make it harder for injury victims to recover damages and increase the need for aggressive representation.
At Saunders & Chabert, we already adjusted our strategies to meet these changes. Therefore, if you suffered injuries in an accident or believe these laws affect your rights, act now. The sooner we build your case, the better we can protect you. Call us today to speak with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer after tort reform. Whether you search for the best car accident lawyer Louisiana under new laws or simply need to know how new Louisiana laws affect your injury claim, we stand ready to fight for you.
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