Cases We Handle Serious & Catastrophic Injuries

New York City Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Severe burns, head trauma, paralysis or other catastrophic injuries are life changing. It is rarely a question of “when” but “if” you will be able to return to work or even your daily routine. These injuries often require multiple surgeries over time, extensive therapy or around-the-clock care. This is all very expensive. You need a New York City catastrophic injury lawyer who will take the time that is needed to develop your claim.

At The O’Connor Law Firm, our Staten Island and Manhattan attorneys know the experts who can properly assess your physical, emotional and financial needs and explain them to a jury. Life-care planners can explain the impact of your injuries on your daily life and provide details of your future needs. Economists use the medical opinions of orthopedists, neurologists and other health care experts to establish your past economic loss as well as the future economic impact on your life.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

When an accident occurs, there is always a risk of injury. Unfortunately, sometimes an injury is so severe that it has life-altering effects and requires extensive lifetime care. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are just a few examples of these types of catastrophic injuries which cause significant impairments and disabilities, completely altering a person’s way of life.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle in Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx 

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Severe Burns
• Amputations
• Internal Organ Injuries
• Quadriplegia/Paraplegia
• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS/RSD)

When you or a loved one suffer significant life-altering injuries, it is important to find a qualified New York City catastrophic injury lawyer who takes the time to develop your claim. This includes making sure your future medical costs and rehabilitation needs are clear. Some lawyers will push you to settle too quickly, before your doctor has assessed the full extent of your injuries and understands your future needs. As a strong litigator, I am willing and able to take your case to trial when it is in your best interests.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can occur during almost any activity, while driving your car, using the subway, while at work or just walking across the street. We have represented clients who suffered significant injuries in all types of accidents, including pedestrian accidents, vehicle accidents, construction accidents and other work-related injuries. These catastrophic injuries can happen from all types of negligence, including:

• Construction Accidents
• Bus Accidents
• Pedestrian Accidents
• Car Accidents
• Slip and Fall Accidents
• Elevator and escalator accidents
• Subway and Train Accidents
• Premises Accidents

Why Do I Need a New York City Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

As mentioned above, catastrophic injuries typically require long-term and sometimes even life-long care. As a result, it is vital for injury victims to get fair compensation for their claims. In many personal injury cases, the injuries and medical costs are clearly known. In catastrophic injury cases, you need to make a realistic estimate of the cost of future medical care, rehabilitation, and other medical needs. 

In addition, catastrophic injury victims are often unable to work. In some cases, they may be permanently disabled and unable to work ever again. You are entitled to compensation for both the income you have already lost as well as your future lost income and earning capacity.  

To make matters worse, insurance companies don’t always offer a fair settlement and may even try to low-ball you. For example, they may dispute the extent of your disabilities or that the care you need is medically necessary. 

You are not required to hire a lawyer to pursue a claim. However, most non-lawyers settle their claims for far less than they are worth, leaving them with bills they can’t pay and cannot take care of their families. Most importantly, they are unable to get the medical care they need. 

Whether you settle your case or go to court, a New York City catastrophic injury lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your claim. They will know how to calculate your future medical expenses and lost income and know when to bring in an expert witness to support your claim. In addition, they will be able to provide you with guidance in evaluating any settlement offer and when is the right time to go to court. 

What to Know About Insurance Company Settlements for Catastrophic Injuries 

The best thing you can do is discuss the offer with a New York City catastrophic injury attorney. They will be able to review the offer and determine whether it is fair. At a minimum, you want to be sure that you know what medical treatment you will need in the future and how it will impact your ability to work. Insurance companies offer settlements early on to minimize the amount they have to pay on claims. Unfortunately, once you accept the offer, you waive any rights to future claims even if you later discover that your injuries were more severe or require more extensive treatment than you originally anticipated. 

I am not entirely disabled, but I don’t think I’ll be able to work at my previous job. How does this affect my New York City claim?

Many people who suffer catastrophic injuries find themselves able to work but only in a reduced capacity. For example, you may be only able to work part-time or be very limited as to what physical labor you can perform. Whatever situation you may be in, you may be entitled to compensation for any income you lose in the future due to your accident. A New York City catastrophic injury lawyer will know how to calculate your lost income so you can continue to take care of your family.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Expensive and Lifelong Care: Let a New York City Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Help You Recover Damages 

No one should have to suffer life-altering injuries or the loss of a loved one in a fatal accident, especially one caused by another’s negligence. This is an unimaginable situation. At a time like this, you need a catastrophic injuty attorney who can shoulder the legal burden for you. You need one who can make the process of obtaining compensation in a personal injury case as seamless and easy as possible.

At The O’Connor Law Firm, I treat you and your family with the utmost respect and give you my complete attention. I am very sensitive to the extreme emotional and financial situation you are in, and I will accommodate your needs. We have offices in Manhattan and Staten Island, but I travel to all five boroughs of New York City to visit with my clients in person. Please contact me at 212-566-4868 or 718-948-3500 to schedule your free case evaluation. You can also email us or message us for more information.