Types of Catastrophic Injury Cases We Handle in Buffalo
At Hiller Comerford, we treat each case like the high-stakes challenge it is. No matter the type or complexity of your catastrophic injury, we are ready to take it on. With a Buffalo catastrophic injury attorney, you don’t just get a lawyer. You gain a tactical partner who ensures your claim captures the full scope of your losses and protects your future, while you focus on what matters most: recovery. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we take on catastrophic injury cases stemming from a wide range of life-altering events, including:
- 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
Insurance companies often hope victims will settle quickly, overlook hidden costs, or undervalue the long-term consequences of their injuries. We don’t play into their assumptions. With meticulous evidence gathering, strategic expert consultations, and aggressive advocacy, we make sure every claim reflects the real, ongoing impact of your catastrophic injury: financially, physically, and emotionally.
By the time your case is resolved, you won’t just walk away with a check. You will have the certainty that your medical care, lost income, and future needs are fully covered, giving you the freedom to focus on recovery rather than worrying about tomorrow.
Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Who Fight for Your Future
Life-changing injuries demand a legal team that fights with equal intensity. Our personal injury lawyers in Buffalo are here to ensure that no detail is overlooked, no argument unmade, and no settlement taken that falls short of your true needs.
By the end of your case, our commitment is clear: to secure compensation that fully addresses the long-term consequences of your catastrophic injury, while giving you the confidence and stability to focus on recovery.
Always Trial-Ready, Always a Step Ahead
From day one, your case is treated as if it will go to trial. Insurers know lowball offers won’t fly, and if court is necessary, we’re ready with evidence, experts, and strategy to fight for the full value of your catastrophic injury.
Your Story, Your Lawyer, Your Strategy
A dedicated catastrophic injury attorney in Buffalo guides you from consultation to resolution. No handoffs, no generic updates, no passing you from one associate to another.
Total Legal Coverage, Zero Guesswork
Catastrophic injuries touch every part of life. That’s why we provide full-spectrum legal support, including personal injury and Social Security Disability benefits. This integrated approach ensures your medical, financial, and legal needs are coordinated seamlessly.
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.
Recoverable Damages in Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Claims
Catastrophic injury claims require precise, expert-driven valuation. The types of damages you can recover in a catastrophic injury claim fall into economic and non-economic categories.
Economic losses include past and future medical costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity, often calculated with life-care plans and vocational expert analysis. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life are quantified using medical records and expert testimony to reflect real-life impact.
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, and lifetime medical needs.
- Lost Wages & Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation for income lost now and in the future due to permanent disability.
- Property Damage: Vehicles, personal items, or medical devices affected by the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Reduced ability to participate in hobbies, social activities, or daily routines.
- Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs, lost financial support, and the irreplaceable loss of companionship.
- Long-Term Care Costs: Home modifications, personal care, and specialized equipment required for daily living.
- Future Rehabilitation & Therapy: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, or ongoing mental health support.
- Punitive Damages: In situations where gross negligence or intentional harm caused the injury, punitive damages may be awarded.
In catastrophic cases, technical accuracy and timeliness directly affect compensation. To get the full amount you deserve, it’s important to work with a Buffalo catastrophic injury lawyer who can gather the right evidence, coordinate with medical and financial experts, and make sure your claim accounts for long-term care, income loss, and the everyday impacts on your life.
How a Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Will Handle Your Case
When facing the life-altering effects of a catastrophic injury, you need a law firm with the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for your rights. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we provide personalized, compassionate representation while aggressively pursuing maximum compensation for our clients. Here’s how a catastrophic injury lawyer will help:
✓ We offer a free initial consultation to assess your catastrophic injury case. During this meeting, we review the details of your injury, determine the impact it’s had on your life, and discuss our approach to pursuing compensation.
✓Your Buffalo catastrophic injury attorney will gather and analyze all relevant evidence, including medical records, accident reports, and expert opinions. We collaborate with medical professionals, economists, and life care planners to document the full extent of your injury and its long-term impact.
✓Our lawyers are skilled negotiators who will advocate on your behalf, ensuring that insurance adjusters recognize the full extent of your medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care needs.
If a fair settlement isn’t offered, our law firm is always prepared to take your case to trial. With over two decades of experience in litigation, our catastrophic injury attorneys in Buffalo are well-versed in trial procedures and know how to present compelling cases in court. Our readiness to litigate ensures that your interests are aggressively pursued, whether in negotiations or before a judge and jury.
Injuries Eligible for Compensation in Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Claims
Not every injury qualifies as “catastrophic,” but when the damage is severe and long-lasting, the law recognizes the need for full compensation. In Buffalo, catastrophic injury claims often involve life-altering or permanently disabling conditions. A catastrophic injury attorney at Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law can help ensure your injuries are properly documented, valued, and linked to the at-fault party’s actions. Common injuries that may be eligible for compensation include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Severe burns and permanent disfigurement
- Amputations and limb loss
- Permanent disabilities
- Severe nerve injuries
- PTSD or severe emotional/psychological damage
- Internal organ damage
- Vision or hearing loss
- Wrongful death
Each injury type comes with unique challenges in proving its full impact on your life, which is why working with a Buffalo catastrophic injury lawyer is critical. The right legal team can translate medical evidence into a compelling claim, ensuring your compensation reflects the true long-term consequences of your injuries.
How Long Do I Have To File a Personal Injury Lawsuit In Buffalo, NY?
In New York, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the window is even shorter—just two years from the date of death. Miss these deadlines and you may lose your right to compensation entirely, no matter how devastating the injury or how strong your case. Every day that passes also risks lost evidence and fading witness memories, making quick action critical.
While some exceptions exist, they are rare and dangerous to count on. Don’t let the clock become your biggest obstacle. By getting a Buffalo catastrophic injury attorney involved right away, you protect your claim, preserve vital evidence, and put yourself in the best position to recover full compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, the questions can feel endless. From figuring out who’s liable to what your case may be worth, the details matter. Our Buffalo catastrophic injury lawyers have addressed some of the most frequently asked questions below. If you require guidance tailored to your specific case, please contact our law firm today.
Who is liable when an accident results in a catastrophic injury?
Liability in a catastrophic injury case depends on the circumstances of the accident. The at-fault party could be a negligent driver, an employer who fails to provide safe working conditions, a property owner who ignores hazards, or even a manufacturer that releases a defective product. In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility, which can increase the potential recovery. A Buffalo catastrophic injury attorney investigates every angle to identify all liable parties and hold them accountable.
What is my catastrophic injury case worth?
Catastrophic injury cases are often worth significantly more than standard personal injury claims because they account for lifetime medical care, lost income, and permanent changes to your quality of life. In New York, these cases often result in six- or seven-figure settlements or verdicts, depending on the severity of the injury, the cost of ongoing treatment, and the strength of the evidence. For example, a spinal cord injury requiring lifelong care could reach millions in compensation, while a severe burn case may be valued in the hundreds of thousands. Every case is unique, but a Buffalo catastrophic injury lawyer will calculate the full value of your claim so you never settle for less.
Can I recover compensation if I’m being blamed for my injury in New York?
Yes. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you share some—or even most—of the blame for your accident. However, the amount you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
This rule often becomes a battleground in catastrophic injury cases because insurance companies know that shifting even a small percentage of fault onto you can save them tens of thousands of dollars. That’s why having the legal guidance of a catastrophic injury attorney in Buffalo, NY, is critical. We push back against unfair blame-shifting, build strong evidence in your favor, and fight to maximize every dollar of compensation.
What should I do immediately after a catastrophic injury?
Your first priority is getting medical care. This also creates a clear medical record linking your injuries to the accident. Follow every treatment plan and keep copies of medical reports, bills, and prescriptions. If possible, document the scene with photos, save damaged equipment or vehicles, and collect witness information. Avoid making statements about fault to insurers or on social media, as they can be used against you later.
Finally, contact a Buffalo catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances of preserving evidence, meeting critical deadlines, and protecting your right to compensation.
How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer in Buffalo?
Our personal injury law firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you.