When people think of personal injuries, they typically think of car accidents, motorcycle crashes, and slip-and-fall injuries. What many do not realize is how insurance companies treat injuries.
Catastrophic injury claims tend to involve permanent loss of limbs, loss of eyesight, brain injuries, or death. These cases require a personal injury attorney with a special degree of skill and experience to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses. You need an Allentown catastrophic injury lawyer in these cases because when a large company or insurance policy is involved, liable defendants will fight especially hard.
Every injury is serious for the person who experiences it. However, from an insurance perspective, some types of injuries have a much higher degree of risk. Several elements distinguish minor claims worth just a few thousand dollars from catastrophic claims that may be worth millions. The most important factors are the severity of the injury and the defendant’s financial means to pay or insurance policy limits.
Under the 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 83, surviving family members also have a right to pursue compensation for the loss of a loved one. Likewise, even when a person dies after filing a lawsuit, their estate can continue pursuing the case.
Catastrophic injuries can happen in many ways, often through crashes involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Serious harm also arises from falls on unsafe property, workplace hazards, or construction site accidents. Defective products and medical mistakes are additional sources, while acts of violence can leave lasting damage. Each situation presents unique legal hurdles, from showing that equipment failed to proving driver negligence or unsafe conditions, making skilled legal guidance essential.
Traumatic brain injuries are often among the most serious because they can lead to expensive, lifelong medical care. Paralysis is also an example of a catastrophic injury. Loss of limbs and vision are severe and catastrophic as well.
Finally, claims that may not require a lot of medical care or have significant income loss can still result in large jury awards due to their nature. For example, a person may lose the ability to have children or may no longer be able to engage in a healthy intimate or sexual relationship due to their injury.
When someone is injured in or around Allentown, aside from proving who is at fault, the first thing an attorney who handles catastrophic claims will want to determine is the extent of the injury. Some injuries are far more severe, and for good reason. Here are some important questions that can help assess case value:
A devastating injury claim often involves a large, well-insured corporation, and the person suffered an injury that led to a death or a permanent injury that requires expensive medical treatment.
Catastrophic injuries rarely come with simple explanations. Many involve multiple parties, and sorting out who is responsible requires careful investigation. A truck crash may raise questions about the driver, the trucking company, and the vehicle manufacturer. A fall at a construction site can lead to disputes over property safety, equipment condition, or supervision. Each case has its own set of facts that must be pieced together before liability can be proven.
Lawyers often start by digging into medical files and accident reports. Witnesses are interviewed to capture details while memories remain sharp. In serious wrecks, reconstruction experts can provide insight into speed, impact, and road conditions. For long-term care needs, life-care planners may estimate costs that extend years or decades. Preserving evidence is critical. Video footage, photographs, and safety records can provide proof that shapes the outcome of a claim. Every step matters because the more complete the picture, the stronger the case becomes.
A catastrophic injury affects an entire household, not just the individual who is hurt. Families often have to adjust daily routines, take on caregiving duties, and manage the stress that comes with round-the-clock medical attention. Spouses may need to handle everything from therapy appointments to medication schedules. Parents who expected their children to live independently may face the reality of providing lifelong support.
The financial toll is just as significant. A caregiver may miss work or leave a job altogether, reducing the family’s income at the same time expenses are rising. The law allows for these burdens to be reflected in claims. Compensation can include loss of companionship, household contributions, or the costs of outside caregiving. By documenting how deeply a catastrophic injury changes family life, attorneys in Allentown can present a more accurate picture of what fair compensation should look like.
Unlike temporary injuries, catastrophic harm forces permanent change. Recovery is rarely about returning to life as it once was. Instead, it often requires new ways of living. Victims may rely on wheelchairs, prosthetics, or other adaptive equipment. Homes often need renovations such as ramps, widened doorways, or specialized bathrooms. Medical treatment rarely ends, with ongoing therapy, surgery, or pain management becoming part of daily life.
The financial side of these injuries cannot be overlooked. Future earning potential may be reduced or lost entirely. Families already facing mounting medical bills then confront the reality of a long-term loss of income. An Allentown catastrophic injury lawyer can work with economists and vocational experts to calculate what those losses will mean over decades. These projections help ensure that settlements or verdicts reflect not just immediate costs but also the future needs of the injured person and their family.
Understandably, some people are concerned about bringing a lawsuit for injuries. When it comes to severe, catastrophic, or fatal injuries, compensation is more than a buzzword. When a family’s sole income earner cannot work because of an injury, that compensation can be necessary. When a young family must begin providing full-time care for a newly paralyzed wife and mother, that compensation can provide the ability to hire essential caretakers.
Not all attorneys are experienced or skilled enough to handle high-value catastrophic injury claims properly, so choose the right Allentown attorney to represent your family. Contact our team to learn more about filing a claim.