Catastrophic Injury Attorneys In Chicago
Injuries are considered catastrophic when the consequence has an enormous impact on a victim’s life, such as brain trauma, an amputation, spinal cord damage or neurological disorders. Catastrophic injury victims and their families generally face continuing medical costs as well as a dramatic impact on the quality of life. Many people also face a loss of income while they recover and even a loss of their ability to earn a living after their medical treatment is over. At Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca, we pursue the maximum possible compensation that an accident victim deserves. Our Chicago catastrophic injury lawyers are experienced litigators who know how to interpret the legal system and guide you through the process.
What Is A Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe, life-altering harm that often results in long-term or permanent disability. These injuries profoundly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities, maintain employment or enjoy life as they did before the incident. Catastrophic injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Catastrophic injuries can include the following:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Multiple fractures
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Organ damage
The life-changing nature of these injuries extends beyond physical limitations. Victims often face emotional and psychological challenges, such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Family dynamics may shift as loved ones take on caregiver roles, and the injured person grapples with a new reality.
Our Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys understand the complex nature of these cases and work diligently to secure compensation that addresses both immediate and long-term needs.
Pursuing Compensation For Catastrophic Injuries
When the negligence or recklessness of an individual or entity causes an accident that results in devastating harm, a victim may pursue monetary damages by filing a personal injury claim. The victim is known as the plaintiff, and the defendant is the at-fault individual or entity.
As a plaintiff in a personal injury lawsuit alleging negligence, for example, the victim would show that the defendant owed a duty of care and breached this duty, and this breach led to the crash and the resulting harm. A negligence claim may be appropriate, for example, in a personal injury lawsuit involving a defendant driver who ran a red light, struck a pedestrian, and led to the loss of a limb and brain trauma. Upon showing that the defendant violated the basic safety rules designed to protect us all from needless harm, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover a significant amount of damages.
Catastrophic injuries tend to have large financial implications, since the victim may lose their earning capacity and face a lifetime of medical care. The economic burden of a catastrophic injury often extends far beyond initial medical bills. Consider the following potential costs:
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Medications and medical equipment
- Home modifications made to accommodate specific disabilities
- Vehicle adaptations for accessibility
- In-home care or assistance
- Mental health counseling and support
- Vocational rehabilitation or job retraining
These expenses can quickly overwhelm a family’s financial resources. Additionally, the noneconomic costs, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress, while harder to quantify, are equally significant.
Our lawyers recognize the importance of accounting for both current and future expenses when pursuing compensation. We collaborate with medical professionals, life-care planners and economic experts to accurately assess the full impact of the injury on our clients’ lives.
By thoroughly documenting all aspects of the harm suffered, we strive to build a compelling case for maximum compensation. This approach aims to provide our clients with the financial support necessary to address their ongoing needs and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
When catastrophic injuries occur due to another party’s negligence, the complexities of the legal system can be overwhelming. Our Chicago attorneys at Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca offer the knowledge and experience necessary to navigate these challenging cases, advocating tirelessly for the rights and compensation our clients deserve. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, results-driven representation to help you navigate this challenging time.
Discuss Your Catastrophic Injury Case with a Chicago Lawyer
Accident victims can rely on Katz, Friedman, Eisenstein, Johnson, Bareck & Bertuca to provide results-driven, personalized service. Our Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys have been AV-rated, which reflects our status as among the most knowledgeable legal practitioners in our field. We understand the traumatic impact of an accident upon the victim and their family, and we make it our goal to maximize your compensation from the responsible party. We also have assisted people who need a car accident attorney or assistance with other personal injury claims in Springfield, Champaign, Aurora, Peoria, Decatur, Rockford, Effingham, Bloomington, Normal, and Quincy, as well as other areas of Kane, Cook, Sangamon, Champaign, Winnebago and Adams counties. Contact our office at 312-724-5846 or through our online form for a free consultation.