Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries can change one’s life forever for the worse.  These injuries affect both victims and their families. From high medical bills to lost earnings, there are many challenges, including financial stress, that one has to face.

Our law firm has been helping catastrophic injury victims over the years. We have a pool of personal injury lawyers who fight for those victims. We do everything to protect your legal rights and fight for maximum financial compensation.

What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering and often devastating, leaving victims with permanent physical, emotional, and financial burdens. These injuries can occur suddenly, often through accidents. Victims usually suffer from severe conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or paralysis. 

The impact is profound, affecting not only the individual but also their family and loved ones. Victims may face years of medical treatment, a lifetime of rehabilitation, and the challenge of rebuilding their lives. These injuries take away independence, robbing people of the ability to live the life they once knew.

Legal Assistance We Provide For Catastrophic Injury Victims 

When someone suffers a catastrophic injury, the road to recovery can be extended. Chicago Injury Lawyer provides expert legal assistance. Our top-rated accident injury attorneys fight for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries. We help victims to claim compensation for the pain and suffering they endure.

Here is how we provide legal assistance to catastrophic injury victims: 

1. Personalized Case Evaluation

Our legal team in Chicago begins every case with a detailed evaluation to understand the full extent of your injuries and how they impact your life. We take the time to listen to your story, which allows us to personalize our legal strategy to your unique needs. We will assess the potential for compensation for your damages and explain your legal rights in simple terms.

2. Thorough Investigation of Liability

Catastrophic injury cases often involve complex liability questions. Our skilled lawyers will conduct a detailed investigation to identify who is responsible for your injury. We gather evidence and consult with experts to build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.

3. Handling Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be mentally frustrating for a catastrophic injury case victim. Insurers often try to settle claims quickly, offering far less than what you are entitled to. We handle all communications with insurers to secure the maximum possible settlement on your behalf.

4. Trial Representation

While many personal injury cases settle out of court, we are always prepared to go to trial if needed. Our experienced trial lawyers in Chicago are unafraid to stand up to powerful insurance companies. 

5. Client Support Throughout the Process

At our firm, we understand that catastrophic injuries can confuse victims about the future. That’s why we provide compassionate support throughout the legal process. 

Types Of Catastrophic Injuries People Suffer From

Catastrophic injuries can quickly change a person’s life. These injuries are typically severe and require long-term medical care and rehabilitation. Below are some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries people suffer from:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A traumatic brain injury can occur from a significant blow or jolt to the head, leading to long-lasting cognitive, physical, and emotional issues. TBIs can cause permanent disabilities such as memory loss, requiring lifelong treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damages or injuries to the spinal cord may cause paralysis, affecting mobility and bodily functions. Spinal cord injuries can lead to quadriplegia or paraplegia, requiring medical care and long-term therapy.

Amputations: Losing a limb, whether from an accident, disease, or injury, can be upsetting. Amputations result in not only physical challenges but also emotional trauma. Victims may need prosthetics and specialized rehabilitation to regain some level of independence.

Severe Burn Injuries: Burns, especially third-degree burns, can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and severe physical pain. Severe burn injuries often require multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and long-term care.

Internal Organ Damage: Trauma to vital internal organs can lead to life-threatening conditions. Sometimes, organ damage can result in permanent disability or the need for organ transplants.

Multiple Bone Fractures: Sometimes, a person sustains numerous fractures. These include injuries in critical areas such as the pelvis, spine, or limbs. The aftermath of bone fractures can result in long-term physical limitations. 

Vision and Hearing Loss: Losing the ability to see or hear due to injury can significantly affect daily life. Victims of catastrophic injuries may need assistive devices and emotional support to adapt to a new reality.

Severe Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and ongoing medical treatments. Severe soft tissue injuries can take years to heal and may not fully recover, affecting a person’s quality of life.

Paralysis: Paralysis, whether caused by a spinal cord injury, stroke, or other trauma, results in a complete loss of function in one or more parts of the body. This condition often requires 24-hour care, adaptive technology, and significant lifestyle adjustments.

These types of catastrophic injuries not only affect the victims physically but also have a lasting impact on their well-being and financial stability. If you have suffered from such an injury, seek legal advice to seek compensation.

Impacts Of Catastrophic Injuries 

Chicago Injury Lawyer has seen many clients who have suffered from catastrophic injuries that have changed their lives forever. The impacts of such injuries affect victims for the rest of their lives. This makes it difficult to recover from the emotional trauma of the accident that caused the injury. 

• Memory Loss: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often result in short-term or long-term memory loss.

• Cognitive Impairments: Injuries to the brain may affect problem-solving, decision-making, and other cognitive functions.

• Speech and Language Disorders: Some catastrophic injuries can lead to speech difficulties or an inability to communicate effectively.

• Depression and Anxiety: Dealing with the effects of a catastrophic injury often leads to emotional struggles such as depression. 

• Post-Traumatic Stress: Victims of catastrophic injuries may suffer from trauma-related disorders, mainly if the injury occurred in an accident.

• Financial Hardship: Catastrophic injuries often result in significant medical expenses and a loss of income, placing immense financial stress on the victim and their family. 

• Permanent Disability: Many catastrophic injuries result in permanent disability, meaning victims may require ongoing care and may never return to their previous level of functioning.

What Types of Compensation Can I Get for Filing a Catastrophic Injury Case?

Suffering from a catastrophic injury can cause the financial and emotional burden to be challenging. The compensation you can pursue depends on the circumstances of your case. Our dedicated catastrophic injury lawyers work beyond limits to help victims receive the following types of damages:

• Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

One of the most significant types of compensation in catastrophic injury cases is compensation for medical expenses. This includes all past medical bills, such as hospital stays, surgeries, emergency care, and rehabilitation. It also covers future medical costs, including long-term care, physical therapy, or ongoing treatment.

• Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity

If your catastrophic injury prevents you from returning to work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes past wages lost due to your injury and any future earnings you lose due to being unable to return to your job. 

•  Pain and Suffering

Catastrophic injuries often result in severe and long-lasting pain. This includes chronic pain, emotional trauma, permanent disability, and lifestyle changes. Compensation for pain and suffering covers the pain and the emotional distress of the life-altering injury. 

• Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care

If your injury requires ongoing rehabilitation or long-term care, you may be entitled to compensation for those expenses. This includes the costs of hiring home caregivers, purchasing specialized medical equipment, or making home modifications to accommodate a disability. 

•  Property Damage

If the catastrophic injury was caused by an accident that also damaged your property, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of the damaged property

Legal Acts Applicable For Catastrophic Injury Victims In Chicago 

In Illinois, victims of catastrophic injuries can rely on several state and federal laws designed to protect their rights and provide compensation for their suffering. Below is a list of laws and acts applicable to catastrophic injury cases:

Personal Injury Act (735 ILCS 5/13-202)

Victims who suffer from catastrophic injuries resulting from negligence, accidents, or intentional acts can file a personal injury claim. Under the Illinois Personal Injury Act, a claim must be filed within two years of the injury’s date.

Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180)

This act allows surviving family members to seek compensation for the death of a loved one due to catastrophic injuries. This law addresses damages for loss of support, funeral expenses, and emotional suffering. According to the Illinois Wrongful Death Act, injury claims must be filed within 2 years from when the death took place.

Workers’ Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305)

The Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act compensates for workers injured, including catastrophic injuries. Injury claims must be filed within three years of the date of the accident.

Product Liability Act (735 ILCS 5/13-213)

Under the Illinois Product Liability Act, individuals injured by defective or dangerous products can file claims within two years of the injury. Catastrophic injury that results from a product defect, such as faulty machinery or dangerous pharmaceuticals, can hold manufacturers or sellers are usually responsible. 

Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act (815 ILCS 501)

The Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act protects consumers from fraud, deceptive practices, and false advertising. If unethical business practices or faulty goods cause a catastrophic injury, consumers may seek compensation under this act. 

Premises Liability Act (740 ILCS 130)

The Illinois Premises Liability Act holds property owners responsible for injuries that victims suffered that were caused by dangerous conditions on their property.  

Medical Malpractice Act (735 ILCS 5/13-212)

This law governs claims against medical professionals and healthcare institutions for catastrophic injuries caused by medical negligence. Under the Illinois Medical Malpractice Act, claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury or within four years from the date the malpractice occurred (whichever comes first).

Why Should You Let Us Handle Your Catastrophic Injury Case

Catastrophic injury cases can be complex and emotionally draining. Securing the proper compensation often requires thorough documentation of your medical conditions, future care needs, and the lasting impact the injury has on your life. 

Chicago Injury Lawyer has experienced injury attorneys and genuinely cares about our client’s well-being. We understand the challenges catastrophic injury victims face and are dedicated to providing the highest level of service to help them recover both physically and financially. 

Having a skilled lawyer by your side can ensure that no aspect of your suffering is ignored. You will receive the total compensation you deserve.

Book A Free Consultation Today!

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact us today for a free consultation. Our compassionate lawyers are ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Let us be the support you need during this difficult time. We are here to protect your legal rights and seek justice. 

Frequently Asked Questions