Catastrophic Injury Claims Our Lawyers Handle in Amherst
No two catastrophic injuries are ever the same, yet they all carry one reality: they permanently change the way you live. These cases are rarely straightforward as they often involve multiple liable parties, highly technical medical evidence, and insurance companies determined to minimize payouts.
Our personal injury lawyers in Amherst are equipped to handle a wide range of catastrophic injury cases, each with the attention and strategy it demands.
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace Accidents
- Medical Malpractice
- Product liability
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Assaults or violent acts
- Sports or recreational accidents
- Premises liability
- Construction site accidents
- Wrongful death claims
Successfully proving catastrophic injury claims requires meticulous evidence gathering, expert testimony, and strategic planning that adapts to each client’s circumstances. We combine deep legal expertise with practical experience across diverse catastrophic injury scenarios, ensuring your claim reflects the full scope of physical, emotional, and financial impact. An Amherst catastrophic injury attorney can turn complexity into a compelling case for maximum recovery.
The Lawyers Amherst Turns to After Life-Altering Injuries
Many law firms treat catastrophic injury claims like routine personal injury cases, relying on quick settlements and minimal documentation. That approach can leave victims undercompensated. Our Amherst catastrophic injury attorneys take a different path. We dig into the medical records others overlook, map out future costs that insurers hope you forget, and craft a strategy that anticipates every defense trick.
Trial Preparation from Day One
Every claim is built with the expectation that it may go to trial. This level of preparation forces insurers to negotiate fairly, because they know we are ready to present your story to a jury.
One Attorney, One Strategy
You will never be handed off from associate to associate. With one dedicated Amherst catastrophic injury lawyer guiding you through every step, you will always know where you stand and what comes next.
Comprehensive Legal Support
We offer full-spectrum support, including personal injury claims, wrongful death cases, and Social Security Disability benefits. Instead of piecing together your future on your own, you will have one legal team coordinating every part of your recovery.
We Have a No-Fee Guarantee
You never pay us upfront. We only get paid if we win for you, so our success is directly tied to yours.
Free Case Evaluation
Speak with a lawyer at no cost. We’ll review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward.
You’re More than a Case
We treat every client like family, taking the time to understand your story and guide you through every step with care and compassion.
The Damages You Can Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Catastrophic injury cases differ from ordinary claims in that they require precise, long-term valuation. A settlement is not enough if it only covers today’s expenses. It must account for the years or even decades of impact you will face. We know how New York law defines compensable damages and how to present evidence that demonstrates the full scope of your losses.
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, ongoing therapy, prescriptions, and adaptive medical equipment.
- Lost Wages & Earning Capacity: Current income losses and future reductions caused by disability or career limitations.
- Home and Care Needs: Costs of in-home care, home modifications, and mobility assistance.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of vehicles, equipment, or personal property.
- Pain and Suffering: Chronic pain, physical limitations, and emotional distress.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: The activities, hobbies, and milestones you can no longer fully enjoy.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional loss for surviving families.
- Future Rehabilitation: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, mental health counseling, and long-term care.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of reckless or intentional harm, additional damages may be pursued to hold wrongdoers accountable.
Our role as your Amherst catastrophic injury attorney is to ensure every aspect of your loss is meticulously documented, calculated, and presented. We coordinate with medical professionals, economists, and life-care planners to build a comprehensive case. Anything less risks leaving your long-term needs unmet, which is why legal guidance is critical when facing the lifetime consequences of a catastrophic injury.
How a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Will Handle Your Case
After a catastrophic injury, every decision matters. Insurance companies know most victims don’t understand the full value of their claim, and they use that confusion to offer settlements far below what you deserve.
A catastrophic injury attorney in Amherst takes the guesswork out of the process, ensuring your case fully accounts for medical care, lost income, future rehabilitation, and long-term life changes. We identify all responsible parties, document complex injuries, and build a claim that cannot be ignored or undervalued.
✓ Free Consultation: We listen to your story, review your case, and outline your best options at no cost.
✓ Comprehensive Investigation: We gather accident reports, medical records, witness statements, and expert opinions to build undeniable proof.
✓ Expert Collaboration: From doctors to life-care planners, we work with specialists who can explain the true impact of your injuries.
✓ Negotiation and Advocacy: Insurers are trained to pay less. We are trained to stop them. Every negotiation is backed by evidence, leverage, and strategy.
✓ Trial-Ready Representation: If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to present your case in court and fight for maximum compensation.
From day one, our attorneys focus on building a case that leaves no gaps for insurers to exploit. We provide clear guidance about what to expect, protect critical filing deadlines, and help you understand how each decision impacts your financial recovery and quality of life. Your catastrophic injury lawyer ensured your claim is handled efficiently, thoroughly, and aggressively.
What Injuries Qualify as Catastrophic in Amherst, NY?
In New York State, while there isn’t a specific statutory definition for “catastrophic injury,” the term generally refers to injuries that result in permanent and significant impairment, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function. These injuries often necessitate extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, leading to long-term or permanent disability.
Such injuries can profoundly affect an individual’s ability to work, perform daily activities, and maintain a quality of life similar to what they experienced prior to the injury. These can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Amputations or limb loss
- Severe burns and permanent disfigurement
- Organ failure or internal damage
- Nerve injuries leading to chronic disability
- Permanent vision or hearing loss
- Severe psychological trauma, PTSD, or depression linked to the accident
- Fatal injuries leading to wrongful death claims
Proving that an injury meets New York’s “serious injury” threshold is often complicated, and insurers frequently dispute the severity or permanence of the harm. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Amherst can meticulously document every aspect of your injury and present a powerful case that protects your rights and maximizes potential recovery.
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims
In New York, catastrophic injury claims must be filed within strict deadlines. Most personal injury lawsuits have a three-year statute of limitations from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims generally must be filed within two years, while medical malpractice claims have a two-and-a-half-year statute of limitations, and cases against government entities require notice within 90 days, followed by a lawsuit within one year and 90 days. Minors or individuals with disabilities may have extended timelines.
Navigating these deadlines can be complicated, and missing one can bar your claim entirely. An Amherst catastrophic injury attorney will act quickly to preserve your rights, handle all filings, and ensure evidence is protected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Amherst catastrophic injury attorneys have compiled answers to the questions we hear most often to help you navigate this complex process. For guidance specific to your situation, reach out to our firm for a free consultation.
How do I know if I have a viable catastrophic injury claim?
A claim is viable if your injury is linked to another party’s negligence or intentional act and results in significant, measurable losses. These losses can include medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and long-term care needs. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Amherst evaluate your situation from multiple angles, including liability, insurance coverage, and future care requirements, to determine whether pursuing a claim is in your best interest and how to maximize potential compensation.
Can I handle a catastrophic injury claim without an attorney?
Technically, yes, but it is highly risky. Insurance companies have teams of adjusters and lawyers trained to minimize payouts. Handling a catastrophic injury case alone often results in underestimating damages, missing deadlines, or overlooking evidence. Working with an Amherst catastrophic injury attorney ensures your claim is thoroughly documented, deadlines are met, and negotiations or trials are conducted strategically to secure the full compensation you deserve.
How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic injury attorney in Amherst?
At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is only collected if we recover compensation for you. This approach aligns our success with yours, allowing clients to focus on recovery without the stress of legal costs. We will discuss this in more detail during your free consultation.
What should I do immediately after a catastrophic injury in Amherst?
Seek medical care right away to protect your health and create a clear record of your injuries. Keep all medical bills, prescriptions, and treatment records. Document the accident scene, save damaged property, and collect witness info. Avoid talking to insurers or posting online. Contact an Amherst catastrophic injury attorney at our firm promptly to preserve evidence and meet critical deadlines.
Can I pursue a wrongful death claim along with a catastrophic injury claim?
Yes. If a catastrophic injury leads to death, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim in Amherst. These claims are separate from the injured person’s own case. An Amherst catastrophic injury attorney can coordinate both claims to protect your family’s rights and maximize recovery.
Which catastrophic injuries are hardest to prove?
Some catastrophic injuries are more difficult to document because their severity isn’t always visible on imaging or obvious during a routine exam. Injuries like chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, traumatic brain injuries with cognitive effects, and certain psychological conditions such as PTSD or severe depression require detailed medical records, functional assessments, and expert testimony to demonstrate their lasting impact. Our catastrophic injury attorneys in Amherst know what evidence the Social Security Administration, insurers, and courts expect.
How does liability work in catastrophic injury cases in Amherst?
Liability in a catastrophic injury case depends on who caused the accident and whether negligence, recklessness, or intentional actions contributed to your injuries. Multiple parties can share responsibility, including drivers, employers, property owners, healthcare providers, or product manufacturers. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation can be reduced only in proportion to any fault you bear. Our Amherst catastrophic injury attorneys investigate every aspect of your accident, gather all relevant evidence, and hold each responsible party accountable.