Sam Pond with injured clients

Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries can cause irreversible damage and change your life forever. Such injuries can occur due to accidents, medical malpractice, or intentional acts of violence. They can lead to physical, emotional, and financial hardships for the victim and their family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 38 million emergency room visits for unintentional injuries in 2020 alone – and that number keeps rising each year.

If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence or actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. However, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a serious injury.

That’s why the experienced catastrophic injury lawyers at Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP are prepared to help. Our expert legal team has won over 100,000 cases. That track record along with our more than 250 years of combined courtroom experience mean that we are formidable advocates for our clients and their catastrophic injury cases. We are committed to helping you get justice, holding the responsible party accountable, and facing the future with confidence. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with the expert legal team at Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP, call 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries in Terms of the Law?

The Public Health and Welfare Code (Title 42 § 3796b) defines a catastrophic injury as “consequences of an injury that permanently prevent an individual from performing any gainful work.”

In short, this would mean any injury that causes a long-term disability, impairment, or any other permanent damage to your health. Typically, catastrophic injuries will subject the victim to extended medical care, multiple surgeries, long recovery periods, in-home care, or even extended or indefinite inpatient stays.

What Are Some Common Catastrophic Injuries?

As noted, catastrophic injuries can refer to any kind of injury that leads to permanent health impacts. However, common cases typically involve one of the following:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common types of catastrophic injuries. It occurs when the brain is damaged due to a blow or jolt to the head. TBI can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, confusion, memory loss, and seizures. In severe cases, TBI can result in coma or permanent brain damage.
  • Spinal Cord Injury (SCI): A spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged, leading to partial or complete paralysis. SCI can result from a fall, car accident, or sports injury. The severity of the injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. SCI can lead to lifelong medical complications, including loss of sensation and mobility.
  • Amputation: Amputation refers to the loss of a body part, such as an arm or leg. It can result from an accident or medical condition. Amputation can have a significant impact on a victim’s life, leading to challenges with mobility, self-care, and mental health.
  • Burns: Burns are another common type of catastrophic injury. They can result from exposure to fire, hot liquids, or chemicals. Burns can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and long-term medical conditions, including chronic pain and infection.
  • Organ Damage: Organ damage can result from trauma, medical malpractice, or exposure to toxic substances. Organ damage can lead to long-term medical conditions, including chronic pain, fatigue, and organ failure.
  • Permanent Impairment: Severe injury can sometimes lead to permanent loss of hearing, vision, or other faculties. Adapting to these disabilities (for instance, needing to purchase hearing aids or a seeing eye dog) can involve expensive medical bills and loss of quality of life.
  • Disfigurement: In some cases, catastrophic injuries can result in severe scarring or disfigurement. Such injuries can greatly hinder your enjoyment of life and even result in loss of income due to discrimination or lost opportunities.
  • Shattered or Fractured Bone: Negligence or intentional harm can lead to injuries that involve serious bone fractures, which can lead to nerve or blood vessel damage. Further complications can ensue, like infection or significant soft tissue damage. Treatment frequently involves multiple surgeries and sometimes lengthy physical rehabilitation.
  • Crushing Injuries: Intense pressure – perhaps from falling objects in a construction accident or malfunctioning equipment in a factory accident – can cause severe crushing injuries. These incidents can lead to chronic pain, long-term disabilities, and permanent disfigurement.
  • Paralysis: Accidents that result in a victim’s paralysis typically involve severe injuries to the spinal cord, leading to reduced or total loss of mobility in certain parts of the body. These injuries naturally require a great deal of physical and mental adaptation and rehabilitation while leading to further health complications in addition to the permanent disability.

No matter what kind of injury a victim has suffered, they will often face years of rehabilitation and exorbitant medical bills. On top of that, they will likely face unemployment or reduced wages due to disability or impairment. However, a seasoned catastrophic injury attorney can help advocate for you against insurance companies and the party responsible for your injury so that your rights are preserved. You deserve the maximum compensation possible so that you and your family can focus on recovery, improving your quality of life, and moving forward.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Automobile and car accidents routinely top the list of most common causes for catastrophic injuries. The National Safety Council reported that there were over 4.8 million medically consulted injuries in motor-vehicle incidents in 2020, a number which continues to grow year over year. Catastrophic injuries can also result from:

  • Workplace accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Product defects
  • Acts of violence
  • Explosions and fires
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals

In many cases, determining the responsible party or proving that they are at fault can be a complicated process. Consulting with a catastrophic injury attorney can help ensure that you take all the legal steps necessary to get the full compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits

While no two cases handled by a catastrophic injury lawyer are exactly the same, clients will often have similar questions and concerns about the legal process and their potential compensation. If you have additional questions about catastrophic injury lawsuits that are not answered here, please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation.

How much compensation can I receive from a catastrophic injury settlement or lawsuit?



The amount of compensation you could receive for a catastrophic injury depends on various factors, including the severity of your injury, the parties responsible for your injury, and the extent of your injury. Your lawyer will help you evaluate your damages, investigate the responsible parties, and maximize your potential compensation.

How long will it take to resolve my case?



The timeline for resolving a catastrophic injury case can vary depending on the complexity of your case, the amount of evidence involved, and the court’s schedule. Your lawyer will be able to provide you with approximate dates for different milestones in your case.

How much does a catastrophic injury lawyer cost?



Catastrophic injury lawyers typically work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t pay anything upfront. Instead, your lawyer will be paid a percentage of your compensation if you win your case. This arrangement allows you to get legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.

What if my loved one passed away due to a catastrophic injury?



While we understand that nothing can ever replace your loved one, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to recover damages. Medical bills, funeral expenses, and other financial burdens can be a terrible weight for a grieving family, and you deserve justice.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

When you hire a lawyer who has experience with catastrophic injury lawsuits, you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing that your legal representation is deeply familiar with the process involved in such cases. Some other benefits include:

Knowledge and expertise: Lawyers who specialize in this field will have in-depth knowledge and extensive experience in handling complex catastrophic injury cases. They will provide invaluable guidance and support through the entire process, from investigating the accident to representing you in court.

Maximum compensation: Catastrophic injury lawyers can help you maximize your compensation by assessing the full extent of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care. They can also help you navigate the legal process and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

Access to resources: Lawyers in this field have access to a network of medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists, and other professionals who can help build a strong case on your behalf. They can also help you access the resources you need to manage your injuries, such as medical care and rehabilitation.

Reduced stress: After a serious and possibly debilitating injury, handling the stress of the legal system can be overwhelming. A catastrophic injury lawyer can help smooth this process by handling the legal activity on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Lawyers that specialize in catastrophic injuries can be instrumental not only by helping you navigate the legal process, but also by helping you get access to the resources you need to recover.

What to Expect From a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Your lawyer will walk you through the complex legal process from start to finish. Although this process can be daunting, understanding the different steps involved in a catastrophic injury lawsuit can help you feel more informed and empowered as you navigate the legal system.

Pre-Lawsuit Investigation

Before filing a lawsuit, a thorough pre-lawsuit investigation is conducted to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case. This investigation may involve gathering medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to establish liability and damages.

Complaint and Answer

If the investigation determines that there is enough evidence to proceed, a complaint is filed in court on behalf of the injured person. The complaint outlines the legal claims against the defendant, alleging that their negligence or intentional actions caused the plaintiff’s injuries. The defendant must then respond with an answer, either admitting or denying the allegations made in the complaint.

Discovery Process

During the discovery process, both sides exchange evidence and information related to the case. This may include written interrogatories, requests for documents, and depositions. The discovery process is critical for both sides to gather as much information as possible before trial.

Mediation and Settlement

In some cases, the parties may choose to mediate the case instead of going to trial. Mediation involves a neutral third party who attempts to facilitate a settlement agreement between the parties. If a settlement is reached, the case will be resolved without going to trial.

Trial and Judgment

If mediation fails or is not attempted, the case will proceed to trial. During the trial, each side presents evidence and arguments to a judge or jury. After considering the evidence, the judge or jury will issue a judgment, either in favor of the plaintiff or defendant.

It is critical that you hire an experienced catastrophic injury attorney to help you with this process. As noted above, there is a lot more to such lawsuits than just the courtroom proceedings.

Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation

If you have suffered a severe injury due to the negligence or intentional actions of another, it’s important to consult with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer to explore your legal options. Our experienced personal injury lawyers manage catastrophic injury lawsuits in all 50 states. We offer free consultations with our attorneys so that we can help you better understand your legal options and the strength of your case. For more information, call Pond Lehocky Giordano LLP at 1-800-568-7500 or fill out our contact form today.

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