Regional Jet 900 (CRJ900)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Regained Aircraft Control
Weather
We had flown to MSY from ZZZ earlier and knew of various unstable build ups earlier and had conducted a quick turn back to ZZZ from MSY. As a crew we were cautious and on guard for possible turbulence. The FA's were aware of the possibility of light turbulence and according to previous aircraft and ATC there had been nothing worse than occasional light chop so the seatbelt sign was turned off and there were no returns in the immediate area on the aircraft radar. Approximately 40 NM from LGC VOR we started to get continuous light chop and the seat belt sign was turned on. When we were approximately 25 to 30 NM from LGC to the South we encountered Moderate turbulence and the PF (Captain/Me) guarded the controls and then Severe turbulence was encountered with the Autopilot becoming disengaged and the aircraft banked hard left and started to descend at approximately 700-800 FPM and speed decreased. I applied Climb thrust and was able to regain control of the aircraft smoothly but the turbulence persisted for 45 seconds to 1 minute at Moderate. After aircraft was under control I directed the FO to check on the FA's and Passengers. The report was that things flew around the cabin and I transferred control of the aircraft; made an announcement to the passengers and received more information from the rear FA that she had hit her head and I checked to make sure she didn't need immediate medical attention or anyone else. The aircraft was handling normally and all systems were checked. It was discussed and as a crew to include dispatch we decided to continue to ZZZ with no severe injuries and no indication of aircraft damage.I did not use AIRINC but utilized ACARS. In hindsight I would have utilized AIRINC to ensure Dispatch; Maintenance and the crew were on the same page. I do not believe without being risk adverse that we as a crew could have done anything different or taken a different route.
Aircraft encountered moderate and severe turbulence at FL370. Pilot regained control and stabilized aircraft. One injury reported by Flight Attendant.