Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, finding the right legal representation is crucial. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, our team is dedicated to supporting victims who face life-altering challenges. As a leading catastrophic injury lawyer near me in New York City, we are committed to delivering justice and the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for immediate assistance.

What Constitutes a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is defined by its severe, long-term effects on the victim, often permanently preventing them from engaging in gainful work or leading an independent life. These injuries drastically alter the quality of life for the individual and their families, necessitating lifelong medical care or multiple surgical procedures. Here are the primary types of catastrophic injuries we handle at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP:

• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, including tetraplegia or paraplegia. Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt nerve communications between the brain and the body, significantly impacting motor and sensory functions.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): TBIs can range from mild concussions with short-term effects to severe brain damage leading to long-term cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical impairments. Victims might experience changes in personality, diminished cognitive functions, and physical limitations.
• Amputations: Loss of a limb not only affects a person’s mobility and ability to perform daily tasks but also has profound emotional and psychological effects. Rehabilitation and prosthetics are often necessary, adding to the financial burden.
• Severe Burns: Burns covering significant portions of the body can be excruciating and may require extensive surgeries and rehabilitation. These injuries can lead to scarring, disfigurement, and severe emotional trauma.
• Multiple Bone Fractures: Severe fractures that require multiple surgeries and extensive recovery time can also be considered catastrophic due to their impact on mobility and the long-term medical care often required.
• Organ Damage: Injuries that cause significant damage to internal organs can require ongoing medical treatment and can be life-threatening or lead to permanent disability.

The legal definition and implications of a catastrophic injury can vary, but generally, these injuries result in the need for lifetime medical care, significant lifestyle adjustments, and substantial financial hardship. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive legal representation to those who have suffered from these severe injuries. We understand the profound impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life and are here to help secure the compensation you need for medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and future needs.

How Can a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me Help?

At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we understand the immense challenges and uncertainties you face after suffering a catastrophic injury. Our role extends beyond simply representing you in court; we are committed to providing a comprehensive support system throughout your legal journey. Here’s how our catastrophic injury lawyers can assist you:

Case Evaluation and Strategy

We start by thoroughly evaluating your case, identifying all possible legal avenues for compensation. By understanding the specifics of your injury and how it occurred, we tailor a legal strategy that aims to maximize your compensation and address your unique needs.

Medical and Expert Collaboration

Given the complexity of catastrophic injuries, collaboration with medical professionals is essential. We work closely with medical experts to assess the full extent of your injuries, future medical needs, and potential recovery outcomes. This collaboration ensures that accurate and comprehensive medical insights inform your legal strategy.

Handling Insurance Negotiations

Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in catastrophic injury cases. Our experienced attorneys are skilled negotiators who can effectively deal with insurers on your behalf, ensuring that your compensation is not unjustly limited.

Litigation and Trial Representation

While we strive to secure the compensation you deserve through settlement, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. Our lawyers are seasoned litigators with a proven track record of success in court, providing you with a formidable representation that aims to achieve the best possible outcome.

Financial Management Advice

Understanding the financial implications of a catastrophic injury is crucial. We can guide you through the financial management of your compensation, helping to ensure that your current and future medical and care needs are met.

Emotional and Psychological Support

We recognize that catastrophic injuries affect more than just your physical health. We offer compassionate support throughout the legal process. We understand the emotional and psychological toll these injuries can take, and we make sure you don’t face them alone.

Accessibility and Communication

Our team ensures that you are never left in the dark regarding the progress of your case. We prioritize clear, open communication and are always accessible to answer your questions and provide updates.

We are committed to your recovery and well-being. By choosing us as your catastrophic injury lawyers, you gain a dedicated ally who will tirelessly advocate for your rights and ensure that you receive the full compensation and support that you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step towards securing your future after a catastrophic injury.

Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Catastrophic Injury

We understand the profound impact a catastrophic injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. The financial, emotional, and physical burdens can be overwhelming. As such, securing adequate compensation is critical to managing the consequences of such severe injuries. Here is an overview of the types of compensation that may be available to you:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all medical costs associated with your injury—both immediate and future. It covers hospital stays, surgeries, medication, specialized equipment, ongoing therapy, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injury prevents you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. More significantly, if your ability to earn money in the future is compromised, you may also be entitled to damages for lost earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Catastrophic injuries often cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation for the discomfort and suffering you endure, which is not always quantifiable in financial terms but is nevertheless a critical component of your damages.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, recreational activities, and other pleasures of life that you once enjoyed, you can seek compensation for this loss.
• Home Modification Costs: Some injuries may require changes to your living environment. Compensation can cover the costs of modifications such as wheelchair ramps, stairlifts, modified bathrooms, and other renovations necessary to accommodate your disability.
• Long-term Care Costs: Some catastrophic injuries require long-term or permanent care assistance. Compensation might include the cost of in-home care services, nursing care, and other support services.
• Punitive Damages: In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded as a way to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Loss of Consortium: Family members of those who suffer catastrophic injuries may be able to claim damages for loss of consortium, which compensates for the loss of companionship, support, and affection resulting from the injury.

We are dedicated to ensuring that you receive full and fair compensation to support your recovery and future needs. Our experienced team of catastrophic injury lawyers will work with you to assess all aspects of your personal injury claim, identifying every potential area for compensation.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can drastically alter lives and typically arise from severe incidents. Here are the most frequent causes:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians often result in injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

Falls

Slips, trips, and falls, especially from heights, are common causes of serious injuries, including head and spinal injuries.

Workplace Accidents

Industries such as construction and manufacturing see a higher incidence of catastrophic injuries due to falls, machinery malfunctions, and accidents involving heavy equipment.

Construction Accidents

Specific to the construction industry, these accidents can include falls from scaffolding, collapses, electrical accidents, and being struck by heavy objects, leading to severe injuries.

Sports and Recreation

High-impact sports and recreational activities can lead to severe injuries, even with the use of protective gear.

Violence

Assaults and other violent acts can result in catastrophic outcomes like gunshot wounds and severe physical trauma.

Medical Malpractice

Medical errors, including surgical mistakes, childbirth injuries, and misdiagnoses, can lead to severe complications like paralysis and brain damage.

Fires and Explosions

Burns, toxic fume inhalation, and blast injuries from fires and explosions are serious and often life-altering.

Product Malfunctions

Defective products can malfunction and cause serious injuries, leading to potential product liability claims.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?

In cases of catastrophic injuries, determining liability is crucial for pursuing compensation. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of the incident to identify all potentially liable parties. Here are some common parties who may be held responsible:

Negligent Drivers

In vehicle accidents, the driver who violated traffic laws or drove recklessly can be held liable. This includes cases of drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.

Employers

If the injury occurred at work or during a work-related activity, the employer might be liable, especially if the injury resulted from inadequate safety protocols, lack of training, or faulty equipment.

Property Owners

In slip and fall cases or other injuries occurring on property, the property owner can be held responsible under premises liability laws. Owners are required to maintain safe environments for visitors and workers.

Product Manufacturers

If a catastrophic injury was caused by a defective product, such as a faulty machine, vehicle, or medical device, the manufacturer might be held liable under product liability law.

Medical Professionals

In medical malpractice cases, if a healthcare provider’s negligence leads to severe injuries, they can be held accountable. This includes errors in surgery, incorrect or delayed diagnosis, and improper medication management.

Construction Companies

For injuries that occur on construction sites, liability may extend to the construction company, subcontractors, or other third parties involved in creating unsafe conditions.

Government Entities

Injuries caused by poorly maintained roads, inadequate signage, or other public property hazards can result in liability for the responsible government entity.

Third-Party Contractors and Consultants

In some cases, third-party contractors and consultants who failed in their duty to ensure safety or who provided negligent services might also be liable.

Establishing Liability

To establish liability, it is essential to demonstrate that the party had a duty to ensure safety, breached that duty, and directly caused the injury due to their negligence. Our firm, Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, uses comprehensive legal strategies, including gathering evidence, consulting with experts, and reconstructing accident scenes to build a strong case on behalf of our clients.

What To Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Catastrophically Injured Due to Someone Else’s Negligence

Experiencing a catastrophic injury due to another’s negligence can be both devastating and disorienting. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we understand the critical steps you must take to ensure your rights are protected and set the foundation for a successful legal claim. Here is a guide on what to do following such a serious injury:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The priority is always the health and safety of the injured person. Even if the injuries seem manageable initially, some symptoms may become apparent later. Immediate medical attention ensures health and safety and provides essential documentation of the injuries sustained, which is crucial for any legal action.
• Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, medications, and related expenses. Document the impact of the injury on your daily life. If possible, take photos of your injuries and the location where the incident occurred.
• Report the Incident: If the injury resulted from a vehicle accident, at work, or on someone else’s property, report it to the relevant authorities or management as soon as possible. Obtain a copy of the report if one is made, as it could serve as important evidence in your claim.
• Limit Communication with Insurance Companies: Be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. They often aim to settle claims quickly and inexpensively. Do not agree to or sign anything from an insurance company without consulting your personal injury lawyer first.
• Gather and Preserve Evidence: Collect any physical evidence and information supporting your case. This includes contact information for witnesses, copies of medical records, and any correspondence related to the incident
• Consult with a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer: As soon as possible, consult with a personal injury lawyer with experience in catastrophic injuries. A skilled attorney can offer crucial guidance and help protect your rights throughout the legal process. They can also help you understand the full range of compensation you might be entitled to.
• Avoid Social Media: Refrain from discussing any aspects of the incident or your injuries on social media. Insurance companies and defense attorneys may monitor your online activities and could use your posts against you in your claim.
• Follow Medical Advice: Adhere strictly to the treatment plan your healthcare providers prescribe. Failure to follow medical advice can negatively impact your claim, as it may be argued that you failed to mitigate your damages.
• Consider Long-term Needs: Discuss with your attorney the long-term implications of your injuries. Ensure that any settlement considers future medical care, potential complications, and adjustments to your lifestyle and living arrangements.

Why Choose Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP for Your Catastrophic Injury Case

When faced with the life-changing aftermath of a catastrophic injury, choosing the right legal representation is crucial. At Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, we provide exceptional legal services tailored to the unique challenges of each catastrophic injury case. Here are the key reasons why our firm stands out and why you should consider us:

• Proven Success: We have a track record of securing substantial client verdicts and settlements.
• Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys: Our team is composed of seasoned personal injury attorneys who with experience in catastrophic injury cases.
• Client-Centric Service: We prioritize your needs and well-being, offering tailored legal strategies and maintaining open, accessible communication.
• Comprehensive Approach: We use a thorough method involving detailed case evaluation and the strategic use of experts to support your claim.
• No Fee Unless We Win: Our contingency fee policy ensures you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
• Strategic Location and Resources: Located in New York City, our firm is well-equipped and ideally situated to handle complex cases efficiently.
• Empathy and Support: We understand the challenges you face and offer not just legal support but emotional and practical guidance.
• Industry Recognition: Our professionalism and ethical standards are recognized by peers and professional organizations alike.

By choosing Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP, you ensure dedicated, effective advocacy designed to achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us for a free consultation to explore how we can assist you.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Contact Us Today.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t face the challenges alone. Let the experienced attorneys at Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and take the first step towards securing your rights and your future.

Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me – FAQs

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in New York?

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the injury. However, this timeframe can vary depending on the case’s specific circumstances. It’s crucial to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.

Do I really need a lawyer for a catastrophic injury case?

Yes, catastrophic injury cases are complex and involve significant financial stakes. A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer can navigate the legal system, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for the full compensation you deserve.

How does Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP handle catastrophic injury cases?

We take a comprehensive approach, starting with a detailed evaluation of your personal injury lawsuit, followed by strategic planning and execution. We collaborate with medical experts, utilize cutting-edge legal resources, and offer personalized legal representation tailored to your specific needs.

What if I can’t afford to pay for a lawyer?

Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront fees. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation for you, and the fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount.

How long will it take to resolve my catastrophic injury case?

The duration of a catastrophic injury case can vary widely. Some cases settle quickly through negotiations, while others may require extensive litigation and even go to trial. Our goal is to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.

Can I sue for a catastrophic injury if the accident was partially my fault?

Yes, New York follows a comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Choosing the right catastrophic injury lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Sakkas, Cahn & Weiss, LLP is here to provide legal guidance and support. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.