Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries that result in long-term or permanent disability, often requiring extensive medical care and which dramatically change a victim’s life. These injuries can lead to overwhelming medical expenses and force victims and their families to make significant lifestyle adjustments.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to another person’s negligence, working with an experienced Buffalo catastrophic injury lawyer can help you get compensation for the injury-related costs you’re facing. At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we are committed to helping victims pursue the compensation they need to cover medical bills, lost income, and ongoing care.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries result in permanent disability, disfigurement, or long-term medical needs. These injuries significantly affect the victim’s ability to lead a normal life and often require lifelong care.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These injuries can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and long-term disability.
  • Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis: Often resulting in partial or total paralysis, these injuries drastically alter mobility and independence.
  • Amputations: The loss of limbs can lead to severe physical and emotional challenges.
  • Severe burns: These can cause disfigurement and nerve damage and require extensive surgeries.
  • Multiple fractures: Complex breaks may involve prolonged healing and rehabilitation.
  • Organ damage: Injuries to vital organs can lead to long-term health complications and disabilities.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries:

Impact on Victims’ Lives

Catastrophic injuries take a profound physical, emotional, and financial toll on victims and their families. Many victims require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes, which can result in enormous financial strain and a diminished quality of life.

Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injury victims are entitled to seek significant compensation to address the extensive damages they’ve suffered. This compensation can cover a wide range of immediate and long-term needs, including:

Medical Expenses

Victims may seek compensation for both the immediate and long-term medical care required after a catastrophic injury. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing treatments. Anticipating related future medical costs, such as physical therapy, medications, and additional surgeries, is also critical to ensuring a fair settlement is determined for financial stability.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Many catastrophic injuries prevent victims from returning to work, either temporarily or permanently. Compensation can cover lost wages due to time off for recovery and account for loss of future earnings and employment-related benefits if the victim cannot return to their previous job or is permanently disabled.

Pain and Suffering

Beyond medical costs, victims can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they endure due to their injuries. This includes addressing the impact on their overall quality of life, such as the loss of independence or the inability to engage in once-enjoyed activities, as well as the impact of the injury on their mental health and personal relationships.

Home Modifications and Long-Term Care

Victims may need to modify their homes to accommodate their new needs. This could include installing wheelchair ramps, widening doorways, or modifying bathrooms for accessibility. In cases where victims require in-home care, assisted living, or even nursing home care, these long-term care expenses are also recoverable.

Punitive Damages

In situations where gross negligence or intentional harm caused the injury, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future, providing an additional layer of accountability.

Why You Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injury cases present unique challenges due to the severe and lasting effects these injuries have on victims’ lives. Proving the full extent of the injury, including long-term medical needs and the impact on earning potential, requires substantial evidence. Securing expert testimony, detailed medical documentation, and a comprehensive life care plan is essential to accurately demonstrate the injury’s ongoing and future effects.

Navigating a catastrophic injury case requires an in-depth understanding of New York state laws and regulations. Our firm is well-versed in the specific legal requirements for these cases and has extensive experience with Buffalo’s local courts and insurance providers. This experience ensures that your case is handled efficiently and that you are positioned to secure the compensation you deserve.

How Our Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Can Help

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.

With over two decades of experience and a team of skilled attorneys, we’re not afraid to take on complex cases and stand up to insurance companies. Our firm offers direct attorney-client relationships, ensuring you’ll work with a dedicated lawyer from start to finish.

We handle most cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win. With Hiller Comerford, you can trust that we’ll do everything possible to secure the compensation you deserve.

If you choose to work with our team, here’s how we’ll help you in your catastrophic injury case:

Thorough Case Evaluation

At Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law, we offer a free initial consultation to assess your catastrophic injury case. During this meeting, we’ll review the details of your injury, determine the impact it’s had on your life, and discuss our approach to pursuing compensation. We’ll also evaluate the potential value of your claim, taking into account both current and future needs.

Gathering and Analyzing Evidence

Building a strong case requires meticulous attention to detail. Our team 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, ensuring that every aspect of your future care is covered.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize the severity of catastrophic injuries. 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. We work tirelessly to secure a settlement that fully addresses your situation.

Litigation and Trial Readiness

If a fair settlement isn’t offered, our firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial. With over two decades of experience in litigation, Hiller Comerford’s attorneys 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Cases

What Should I Do Immediately After a Catastrophic Injury?

Seek immediate medical attention and follow all prescribed treatments. Document the accident, gather contact information from witnesses, and avoid discussing fault. Contact a catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in New York?

In the state of New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries, is typically three years from the date of the injury. However, some exceptions may apply, so it’s important to consult with a lawyer right away.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes, New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, meaning you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

At Hiller Comerford, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Contact Our Buffalo Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait to seek the legal help you need. Contact Hiller Comerford Injury & Disability Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, discuss your options, and help you take the next steps toward securing the compensation you deserve.

Time is crucial after a catastrophic injury. Acting quickly ensures that critical evidence is preserved and witnesses’ statements are fresh. Delaying could weaken your case, so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.

At Hiller Comerford, our experienced team is ready to start building a strong case for you immediately. Let us handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.