Boston Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
Handling Serious Injury Claims Throughout New England
When your injuries are debilitating and permanent, it can be hard to have hope for a future. When you’ve had to quit your job because you can no longer perform the tasks required or you’re not able to take care of yourself at home, you may feel helpless and isolated, especially if you have no idea how you’re going to pay the bills. Crowe & Harris, LLP is here to remind you that obtaining the future you deserve is possible with our help.
Our Boston catastrophic injury lawyers serve clients throughout New England who are suffering from severe injuries after accidents and have achieved numerous multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements to cover the extent of their damages. Our founding attorney has even set the record for the largest dental malpractice award in the country. We have what it takes to ensure your bills are covered, both emergency and future costs of care.
Severe injuries demand serious representation.
Our Boston catastrophic injury attorneys help clients recover the compensation needed for long-term care and peace of mind.
Contact us today for your free consultation.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
An injury that is temporary and relatively easy to recover from, such as a sprained ankle or whiplash, is considered minor. Severe injuries, on the other hand, that result in long-term complications or are permanent and can transform your life are known as catastrophic.
Catastrophic injuries are not just about physical damage but also encompass the profound impact on the victim's emotional and mental well-being. The road to recovery, if even possible, may include prolonged medical treatments, psychological therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments. These injuries often leave individuals facing daunting life changes, from loss of independence to lifelong dependency on care and support.
Some of the catastrophic injuries our team has seen and treated include:
Other catastrophic injuries include severe burns, amputations, or loss of limbs. Any accident can lead to a serious injury, though some of the most common accidents include car crashes, slip and falls, and medical malpractice. Car accidents can be severe when large trucks are involved, and often the most vulnerable individuals like motorcyclists or pedestrians suffer catastrophic injuries because they lack safety features like seat belts.
Medical professionals can also cause catastrophic injuries when they worsen existing injuries, such as in surgery or some other procedure, or when they fail to diagnose someone’s condition and don’t treat it before it becomes severe or deadly. No matter what accident caused your injuries, if you believe negligence is to blame, it’s in your best interests to pursue a legal claim.
How Do I Know If I Have a Brain Injury?
Some catastrophic injuries are apparent in the aftermath of an accident, such as the loss of a leg or paralysis. However, other injuries are known to take time to appear. Brain injuries are a prime example of a catastrophic injury that might not be obvious at first. This is why we always recommend injured individuals get medical attention after an accident, even if they don’t feel pain.
Brain injuries can be particularly insidious, as they may not manifest symptoms until days or even weeks after the trauma. It's crucial to recognize even subtle changes in cognitive function, behavior, or mood. Early diagnosis and intervention can be pivotal in mitigating long-term consequences. Therefore, understanding the full spectrum of symptoms—from physical to cognitive—can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Some warning signs of a brain injury include:
- Headaches
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea or vomiting
- Problems speaking
- Sensory issues like blurred vision
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood changes
If you’ve experienced any of the following after an accident, especially if you know you hit your head, seek medical attention immediately so your brain injury doesn’t worsen.
Why Catastrophic Injuries Involve High Damages
Catastrophic injuries tend to involve high damages because of their severity. A serious brain injury may require extensive time spent in the hospital, numerous surgeries, and medication, all of which can drive up the medical bills the patient receives when they’re discharged. Other catastrophic injuries that lead to lifelong disability, like paralysis, require future costs like physical therapy sessions, medical equipment purchases, and more.
The financial implications extend beyond immediate medical expenses. Individuals may face long-term rehabilitation, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, and the potential need for long-term care or assisted living services. Additionally, the emotional and psychological toll on both the injured individual and their family further compounds the overall impact of such injuries. The loss of quality of life and the ability to participate in once-loved activities also contribute to higher damage evaluations.
Other damages to consider are:
- Lost Income or Diminished Earning Capacity: Income lost from missing or quitting work due to injury
- Property Damage: Damage to personal property involved in the accident
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress
- At-home Nursing Care: Costs associated with home-based care services
- Costs of Retrofitting the Home: Expenses involved in modifying a home to accommodate disability needs
Failing to file a personal injury claim or attempting to handle your case on your own isn’t an option when your future and your family’s well-being hang in the balance. In order to have the best chance of recovering the amount your case is worth, you need to hire a firm that is recognized for its results.
Our lawyers are recognized nationwide for our multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, and our founding attorney set the record for the largest dental malpractice award in the country. With experience and results under our belt, as well as a team of full-time nurses, we have the resources needed to obtain the compensation you deserve for your serious injuries and suffering.
Understanding Catastrophic Injury Laws in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has specific laws governing personal injury cases, particularly those related to catastrophic injuries. One important aspect of these laws is the statute of limitations, which dictates the time frame in which a victim can file a lawsuit. In Massachusetts, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three years from the date of the accident. Failing to file within this period can result in losing the right to seek compensation.
Furthermore, Massachusetts operates under a modified comparative fault rule. This means that if an injured party is found to be more than 50% responsible for their injury, they cannot recover damages. However, if they are 50% or less at fault, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault. This underscores the importance of having experienced legal representation to help establish the other party's negligence and minimize any potential blame assigned to the victim.
Examples of Catastrophic Injury Settlements in Boston
Boston has seen numerous high-profile catastrophic injury settlements, underscoring the critical nature of competent legal representation. These settlements are often determined by various factors, including the severity of injuries, the level of negligence involved, and the impact on the victim's life. For instance, a motor vehicle accident involving a large commercial truck on Interstate 93 that resulted in a spinal cord injury could lead to a multi-million-dollar settlement, reflecting the lifelong impact on the victim's mobility and independence.
The Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crash is another case where catastrophic injuries led to significant settlements. Survivors suffered from severe burns and traumatic brain injuries, which required comprehensive long-term medical care. Settlements in such cases not only consider medical expenses but also account for pain and suffering, ensuring victims obtain a just and equitable resolution. This highlights the importance of partnering with skilled attorneys who can effectively negotiate and maximize settlement values on behalf of their clients.
Ready to Reclaim Your Future After a Catastrophic Injury?
Don’t wait to get the support you need. Our Boston catastrophic injury lawyers are prepared to investigate your case, calculate your damages, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call (617) 404-3417 to schedule your free consultation today.
