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Louisiana: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 10 topic we track for Louisiana on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Louisiana compares.
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Malpractice rules · Small claims limits · Small estate limits · Debt time limits · Shared fault rules · Medicaid expansion · ACA marketplace · Claim deadlines · Estate and inheritance tax
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Medical malpractice | 1 year (3-year repose) |
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| Wrongful death | 1 year from death or 2 years from the injury, whichever is longer |
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| Damage cap | $500,000 total, plus future medical care |
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| Expert affidavit or certificate | Not required |
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| Before you sue | Mandatory medical review panel before suit |
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| Dollar limit | $5,000 |
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| Filing fee | $35 per defendant (city court); varies (justice of the peace) |
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| Lawyers | Not required |
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| Small estate limit | $200,000 for Louisiana residents (since Aug. 1, 2026; was $125,000); $125,000 for non-residents' Louisiana property |
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| Wait after death | None |
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| Real estate | Yes |
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| Credit cards / open accounts | 3 years |
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| Written contracts | 3 years |
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| Promissory notes | 5 years |
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| Rule | Modified comparative negligence (51% bar) |
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| When you are barred | Barred if you are 51% or more at fault |
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| Expanded? | Yes |
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| Since | July 1, 2016 |
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| Marketplace type | Federal marketplace |
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| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
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| Acknowledge | 14 days to start adjusting (30 days for catastrophic losses) |
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| Accept or deny | Written offer within 30 days of proof of loss |
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| Pay | 30 days (60 residential / 90 commercial for catastrophic losses) |
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| Estate tax | No state estate tax |
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| Inheritance tax | No inheritance tax |
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