Roanoke Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

Helping Victims of Catastrophic Injuries in Roanoke, VA

When you are injured, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, when you suffer a catastrophic injury, the stakes are much higher. Catastrophic injuries are those that result in permanent disability, disfigurement, or other long-term or life-altering consequences. These injuries are often severe and may require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.

AtKalfus & Nachman PC, we understand the unique challenges faced by victims of catastrophic injuries. Our experienced lawyers are here to help you fight for the full, fair recovery you are owed. If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, we encourage you to reach out to our team to learn how we can help.

Call (855) 880-8163 or contact us online today to request a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our catastrophic injury lawyers in Roanoke, VA.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that results in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or other life-altering consequences. These injuries are often severe and may require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. In some cases, catastrophic injuries are fatal.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Amputation/Loss of Limb: This occurs when a body part, typically an arm, leg, hand, or foot, is severed or surgically removed due to injury. Amputations can lead to significant disability and may require prosthetics or adaptive devices for mobility.
• Blindness/Vision Loss: Catastrophic eye injuries can result in partial or total blindness. They can be caused by traumatic accidents, chemical exposure, or other factors.
• Brain Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms may include loss of consciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits, and personality changes. These injuries can result from accidents like car crashes, falls, or sports injuries.
• Burn Injuries: Severe burns can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissues. They often require extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts and rehabilitation. Burns can result from fires, chemical exposure, or electrical accidents.
• Crush Injuries: Crush injuries occur when a body part is subjected to extreme pressure or force, often in accidents involving heavy machinery, collapses, or falling objects. These injuries can lead to tissue damage, fractures, and complications like compartment syndrome.
• Facial Injuries: Facial injuries can include fractures of the bones in the face, dental injuries, and soft tissue damage. They often result from motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or physical assaults.
• Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma or penetrating injuries can damage internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may require surgical intervention and can be life-threatening.
• Multiple Bone Fractures: Sustaining fractures in multiple bones can lead to significant pain, mobility issues, and the need for surgery and rehabilitation. Fractures can result from various accidents and falls.
• Paralysis: Paralysis can occur due to spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or other trauma. It often leads to the loss of motor function in parts of the body and may require long-term care and rehabilitation.
• Severe Back Injuries: Injuries to the back, particularly the spinal column, can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and neurological deficits. They may be caused by falls, accidents, or heavy lifting.
• Severe Neck Injuries: Neck injuries can include fractures, dislocations, or damage to the cervical spine. These injuries can have severe consequences, including paralysis or death, depending on their severity and location.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis, depending on the level of the injury. Spinal cord injuries are often the result of accidents like car crashes, falls, or sports-related incidents.

What are the Long-Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability. This means that victims are unable to return to work and, in many cases, are unable to perform the same job they had prior to the accident. In some cases, victims are unable to work at all since they require ongoing care of the rest of their lives.

When a catastrophic injury results in long-term or permanent disability, the victim may be entitled to compensation for their lost future earnings. This is in addition to compensation for their past and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Some of the long-term effects of catastrophic injuries include:

• Chronic pain
• Disfigurement
• Loss of mobility
• Loss of sensation
• Paralysis
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Reduced cognitive function
• Reduced quality of life
• Spasticity
• Speech problems
• Weakness

What Compensation is Available for Catastrophic Injuries?

When you suffer a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This is because these injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, and other life-altering consequences. As a result, the victim may require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. They may be unable to work and, in some cases, may be unable to perform the same job they had prior to the accident. In some cases, the victim may be unable to work at all.

Some of the damages you may be entitled to recover include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Disability
• Reduced quality of life
• Loss of consortium
• Property damage
• And more

What are My Legal Rights After a Catastrophic Injury?

When a catastrophic injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongful conduct, the victim has the right to take legal action. By filing a personal injury lawsuit, the victim can hold the at-fault party accountable and recover compensation for their damages.

Some examples of negligence that may result in a catastrophic injury include:

• A driver who is texting and causes a serious car accident
• A property owner who fails to repair a broken step and causes a slip and fall accident
• A doctor who fails to diagnose a serious medical condition
• A manufacturer who produces a defective product that causes an injury
• A construction company that fails to provide proper safety equipment and causes a serious fall

These are just a few examples of the types of negligence that may result in a catastrophic injury. If you were injured in any type of accident, we encourage you to reach out to our team to learn how we can help.

Catastrophic Injury Claim FAQs

How do catastrophic injury claims differ from other personal injury claims?

Catastrophic injury claims typically involve much higher damages because they account for lifelong medical care, lost earning capacity, and reduced quality of life. Insurance companies often fight harder to minimize payouts in these cases.

Who can be held liable for a catastrophic injury?

Liability depends on the circumstances of the accident. Responsible parties may include negligent drivers, employers, property owners, product manufacturers, or healthcare providers. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability.

Is there a time limit to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit?

Yes. In most cases, Virginia law gives injured victims two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from pursuing compensation.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for my injury?

Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering compensation. This makes it critical to have an experienced attorney build your case.

How long does it take to settle a catastrophic injury claim in Virginia?

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case, the extent of injuries, and whether the case goes to trial. Some claims may resolve in several months, while others can take years if litigation is required.

Do catastrophic injury claims usually go to trial?

Many are settled out of court, but due to the high value of these claims, insurance companies may refuse to pay full compensation. In those cases, your lawyer may recommend going to trial to secure a fair outcome.

Why do I need a lawyer for a catastrophic injury claim?

Catastrophic injury claims are complex, involving medical experts, financial projections, and often aggressive insurance defense tactics. Our Roanoke catastrophic injury attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman PC can investigate liability, calculate damages, negotiate settlements, and represent you in court if necessary.

How Can a Roanoke Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Help?

When you suffer a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to significant compensation. However, the insurance company will not simply hand over the money you are owed. In fact, the insurer will likely do everything possible to minimize your claim and pay you as little as possible.

That’s where we come in. At Kalfus & Nachman PC, our Roanoke catastrophic injury lawyers have been fighting for the injured since 1979. We know the tactics used by insurance companies, and we know how to fight back. Our team can help you navigate the legal process and work to recover the maximum compensation you are owed.

Contact us today at (855) 880-8163 today for a free consultation.