What Does Catastrophic Injury Mean, and How Does It Impact My Claim?

If you sustained injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you might wonder how the severity of the harm impacts your claim. Oftentimes, the more serious the injuries, the more damage you may receive and the more complex the case. This is true of catastrophic injuries, which result in permanent disability. Sustaining these injuries can be traumatic, and they deserve recognition.

Our compassionate legal team at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe is here to listen to your story and fight for your rights to achieve the compensation you deserve. We are well-versed in New York catastrophic injury claims and innovative strategies that may help you get a fair settlement. We may be able to help you understand if your injury qualifies as catastrophic and how that can affect the rest of your claim.

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

An injury is considered catastrophic if it results in life-long disabilities that often require all-day care and interfere with the victim’s ability to work or perform regular activities. Some examples of catastrophic injuries include the following:

• Brain injuries: Some lasting disabilities that result from brain injuries include locked-in syndrome, loss of speaking ability, cognitive impairments, and personality changes.
• Severe burns: Burn victims may experience physical and emotional damages and permanent disfigurement.
• Spinal injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord may cause paralysis, loss of sensation in the arms and legs, and muscle weakness, which can be life-long.
• Loss of hearing or sight: Losing these abilities may require life alterations at home and work, which can be expensive and emotionally distressing.
• Amputation: This catastrophic injury can permanently impact a victim’s ability to work, care for their loved ones, drive, and perform other basic skills.

The accidents that cause these injuries are typically preventable as they often result from another party’s negligent behavior. Common causes of catastrophic injuries include the following:

• Auto accidents involving cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles and ATVs
• Slip-and-falls
• A pedestrian or bicycle accident
• Diving accidents
• Workplace accidents

No matter the circumstances of your case, we may be able to work with you to find the best path forward, negotiate with insurance companies, hold the at-fault party accountable, and achieve a successful outcome.

How Do Catastrophic Injury Claims Differ From Personal Injury Claims?

Because catastrophic injuries result in more damages, they differ from a standard personal injury case. The most significant disparities between these types of cases include the following:

Amount of Potentially Recoverable Damages

Catastrophic injuries often prevent victims from working, earning benefits, and making significant accommodations that can be expensive. Therefore, the damages you may experience can be far greater than cases involving temporary injuries. Damages you may recover include the following:

• Current and future medical bills
• Rehabilitation
• Property damage
• Prescription medication costs
• Pain and suffering
• Rehabilitation and other treatments

We understand these costs can be overwhelming, making the case more complex. Our experienced lawyers may be able to represent you and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

More Challenges

With these more significant damages, you may face greater challenges from insurance companies. New York is a no-fault state, so you have to turn to your own insurance company for compensation. They will try everything they can to lowball you. These cases may also end up in court if the insurance company cannot agree on a settlement. Our lawyers are always prepared to take any case to trial if necessary.

The Need for Expert Testimony

Catastrophic injuries can result in physical, mental, and financial burdens, which may require testimony from the following parties to prove your losses:

• Medical professionals
• Accident reconstructionists
• Scientific experts
• Financial advisors and economic experts
• Occupational therapists
• Rehabilitation specialists

We may help you access and utilize these resources to prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries.

Consult a Knowledgeable New York Catastrophic Injury Lawyer at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe

Suffering a catastrophic injury can be a life-altering experience with life-long challenges and expenses. These severe injuries can impact your case, making the potential compensation and challenges much greater. However, you do not have to go through it alone. Our professional lawyers at the Law Office of Cohen & Jaffe may be able to represent you and achieve fair compensation for your losses.

Our lawyers have extensive knowledge of catastrophic injury cases thanks to your years of experience representing New York victims. We may be able to take the weight of the legal process off your shoulders and allow you to rest while we handle every aspect of your case. Give us a call at 516-358-6900 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. For more information about our lawyers and services, visit our YouTube channel.

For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900