Search
Close this search box.

New York Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Legally Reviewed By: Jud Waltman

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering, yet they can occur in an instant, often through no fault of the victim. Every day, 400 people experience traumatic brain injuries across the state, while approximately 1,000 New Yorkers experience spinal cord injuries every year, resulting in paralysis and even complete quadriplegia in some cases. These are just a couple of examples of catastrophic injuries that happen to unsuspecting victims through no fault of their own.

If you or your loved one’s life has been altered by a catastrophic injury caused by someone else’s negligence, you deserve substantial compensation. You should not have to fight for your well-deserved compensation on your own. The compassionate and experienced New York catastrophic injury lawyers at Lanier Law Firm are dedicated to fighting that battle for you and ensuring you receive the compensation you need to restore as much quality of life as possible.

What is a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is any injury that permanently leaves an individual unable to perform work or other everyday functions without assistance. These injuries not only reduce work and income potential, but they substantially decrease quality of life. Catastrophic injury victims often face social isolation and traumatic lifelong impacts. At Lanier Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping catastrophic injury victims receive the care they need to restore life to as much normalcy as possible.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries​

The most common types of catastrophic injuries are as follows:

  • Brain injuries, which lead to cognitive dysfunction, speech problems, mobility issues, or blindness
  • Spinal cord injuries, which lead to paraplegia or quadriplegia, chronic pain, spasms, loss of bowel or bladder control, respiratory difficulties, or circulatory issues
  • Severe burn injuries that cover large portions of the face or body
  • Injuries that result in amputations
  • Multiple bone fractures
  • Damage to internal organs

If you or your loved one has experienced any injuries that will have a long-term impact on daily functioning, our catastrophic injury attorneys can help.

a quadruple amputee sitting in a wheelchair

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in New York

Catastrophic injuries can happen suddenly and unexpectedly during the course of everyday activities. Regardless of the cause of the injury, our catastrophic injury attorneys have the resources, knowledge, and experience to ensure you are justly compensated.

motor vehicle accidents

Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to the New York Department of Health, motor vehicle crashes are the fourth leading cause of injury-related deaths. Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, are most likely to occur in alcohol and speed-related crashes. Nationwide, motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries, accounting for nearly half of all new spinal cord injuries each year. Our motorcycle accident attorneys have an excellent track record of obtaining substantial recovery for car accident victims with catastrophic injuries.

workplace accidents

Workplace Accidents

As many as 2.2% of New York private sector workers experienced work-related illnesses or injuries in 2020. Of these, a total of 7,000 workers experienced job restrictions or transfers because of their injuries. Employers are liable when they fail to provide a safe work environment.

falls

Falls

Falls are the leading cause of non-fatal traumatic brain injuries in the United States. Falls can also lead to spinal cord injuries, broken bones, organ damage, and any number of catastrophic injuries. Property owners are liable when they fail to take measures to prevent falls. If you or your loved one has been injured in a fall, a premises liability attorney can help you receive the compensation you need and deserve.

sports and recreational activities

Sport and Recreational Activities

Concussions are especially common during sports-related activities, and the State of New York has recognized the potentially catastrophic effects of concussions. In 2019, the state legislature passed a law requiring parents to receive information about concussions. The New York State Education Department has also adopted guidelines for managing concussions.

Sports-related catastrophic injuries are not limited to concussions and brain injuries. Spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and amputations can result from sports-related injuries. The attorneys at Lanier Law Firm can help you establish liability and win fair and just compensation when you or your loved one is injured during sports activities.

construction accidents

Construction Accidents

The potential for serious injury remains high for New York City construction workers as the number of fatal accidents has risen every year for the last three years. Construction workers face such hazards as improperly constructed scaffoldings, faulty ladders, improperly maintained stairways, inadequate training in the use of heavy machinery, and lack of proper safety equipment.

These hazards lead to catastrophic falls, devastating illnesses, and injuries from falling objects, resulting in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, organ damage, crushed bones, and amputations. Employers, premises owners, and equipment manufacturers are responsible for providing safe working conditions for construction workers. When their negligence leads to catastrophic injuries, the construction accident attorneys at Lanier Law Firm are committed to holding them accountable.

medical mistakes

Medical Mistakes

Healthcare providers have a duty to meet or exceed minimum standards of care, but far too often, they fail to do so. Sadly, the state of New York has the highest number of malpractice claims in the United States, accounting for 20% of all malpractice claims nationwide. Medical errors can cause catastrophic injuries such as unnecessary or improper amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and organ damage.

These injuries are especially devastating because they are inflicted by trained professionals who enjoy a high level of trust. Unfortunately, injuries from medical errors are more prevalent than injuries from car accidents and workplace injuries. These injuries often occur as a result of drug errors, misdiagnosis, charting errors, and improper actions in emergencies. At Lanier Law Firm, we are dedicated to holding healthcare providers accountable and winning substantial compensation on behalf of our clients who were let down by their healthcare providers.

defective medical devices or drugs

Defective Medical Devices or Drugs

The decision to accept a course of treatment involving drugs or medical devices is made with the expectation that the device or drug is manufactured and distributed according to established quality and safety standards. Manufacturers and distributors who deliver faulty products are liable. Lanier Law Firm has a long track record of winning substantial settlements and verdicts when manufacturers fail to provide safe and effective products.

Do I need a life care plan?

A New York Life Care Plan is an essential tool in cases involving catastrophic injury because it helps you and your attorney understand the full extent of your injuries and their true long-term costs. This will not only help you anticipate your treatment but will also provide the necessary documentation to build your case so the compensation you recover is no less than the amount you need and deserve.

When developing a life care plan, you will consider the following:

  • Where you will receive treatment, whether at a facility or at home
  • The types of treatment you will pursue
  • The ongoing long-term care you will receive
  • Assistive equipment you will need
  • The costs associated with treatment and ongoing care

Many treatment facilities specialize in long-term treatment for catastrophic injuries. Neulife Rehab provides a beautiful facility with social and recreational opportunities and a focus on restoring as much independence and functionality as possible.

Types of Damages for Catastrophic Injuries

Due to the devastating and lifelong impacts of catastrophic injuries, compensation can be substantial. Catastrophic injury victims experience economic and non-economic damages and are entitled to compensation for both. In some cases, you may also be eligible to receive punitive damages.

  • Economic damages are the verifiable monetary losses that stem from the injury. Economic losses include medical expenses, costs associated with ongoing care, the cost of assistive devices, and lost wages.

  • Non-economic damages are subjective damages that cannot be measured by dollar figures. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of society, loss of capacity to enjoy life, and disfigurement.

  • Punitive damages are awarded when the injury was caused by malice or blatant
    recklessness. For example, punitive damages are often awarded when injuries are caused by drunk driving.

While many states limit how much you can receive for non-economic or punitive damages, New York has no such limit.

a man in a suit
a man in a suit

How can the attorneys at The Lanier Law Firm’s New York office help you after you have sustained a catastrophic injury?

If you or your loved one has been catastrophically injured, your life has changed drastically. You may be overwhelmed by your medical needs, costs, and future care. The catastrophic injury attorneys at Lanier Law Firm have the resources, connections, and experience to navigate these changes for you. We are committed to ensuring you receive maximum compensation with the highest quality of care, with as close a return to normalcy as possible. We have won millions on behalf of our clients, thanks to our dedication, hard work, and resourcefulness.

You can reach us by telephone at 212-421-2800. We are conveniently located
in Midtown Manhattan at the following address:

535 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022

Let The Lanier Law Firm help you obtain compensation and begin the healing process. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation.

Contact Our Firm

Schedule a FREE Consultation

By submitting this form, you agree to our terms & conditions. Please read full disclaimer here.