Parsippany Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Representing Victims of Catastrophic Injuries in New Jersey

When you are injured in an accident, you may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. However, you may be entitled to additional damages if you suffer a catastrophic injury. Catastrophic injuries are those that are severe and life-altering. They often result in permanent disabilities and impairments. If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury, you need an experienced attorney.

At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., we have represented the injured for over 25 years. We understand your challenges and are prepared to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions and maximize your entitled compensation.

Call The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao today at (973) 358-6134 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our catastrophic injury attorney in Parsippany!

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries

While “catastrophic injury” and “serious injury” are often used interchangeably, they differ. A serious injury is severe and requires extensive medical treatment. However, it does not necessarily result in permanent disabilities or impairments. A catastrophic injury, on the other hand, is severe and life-altering. It often results in permanent disabilities and impairments.

In many cases, catastrophic injuries result from someone else’s negligence. When this is the case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Catastrophic injuries can occur in a wide range of accidents, including car, truck, motorcycle, and slip and falls.

Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia), loss of sensation, and impaired bodily functions.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These injuries occur due to a forceful impact on the head, leading to cognitive impairment, memory loss, altered personality, and physical disabilities.
• Severe Burn Injuries: Extensive burns can damage skin, muscles, and nerves, causing immense pain, disfigurement, and potential disabilities.
• Amputations: The loss of limbs due to accidents or medical procedures can significantly impact mobility and functionality.
• Multiple Fractures: Severe fractures affecting multiple bones can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and long-term physical limitations.
• Organ Damage: Injuries causing severe damage to internal organs like the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys can have life-threatening consequences and long-term health implications.
• Loss of Vision or Hearing: Catastrophic injuries affecting sight or hearing can significantly impact an individual's independence and quality of life.
• Crush Injuries: These occur when a body part is subjected to extreme pressure or force, leading to severe tissue damage, nerve injury, and potentially requiring amputation.
• Neurological Injuries: Conditions like severe nerve damage or neurological disorders resulting from trauma can lead to chronic pain, limited mobility, and loss of bodily function.

These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care. In many cases, victims are unable to return to work and require in-home care or around-the-clock medical attention.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Understanding the causes of catastrophic injuries is not just about recognition but also about prevention. Many of these injuries are preventable, stemming from negligent behaviors or hazardous conditions. Here are some prevalent causes:

1. Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians can lead to severe injuries, particularly at high speeds.
2. Workplace Accidents: Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and warehousing often have higher risks of catastrophic injuries due to falls, equipment malfunctions, or exposure to hazardous materials.
3. Slip and Fall Incidents: Poorly maintained walkways, wet surfaces, or uneven flooring can lead to significant injuries, especially in public places or workplaces.
4. Medical Malpractice: Negligence during surgery, misdiagnosis, or improper treatment can result in severe consequences, including permanent disabilities.
5. Defective Products: When they fail, or malfunction, faulty machinery, unsafe toys, or other defective consumer products can cause catastrophic injuries.
6. Sports Accidents: High-impact sports can lead to severe injuries, particularly in contact sports where players are at risk of traumatic brain injuries or spinal injuries.

Recognizing these causes emphasizes the importance of seeking legal representation to hold negligent parties accountable for their actions.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

In a catastrophic injury claim, various types of damages can be sought to compensate the injured person for the losses and hardships they've endured due to the injury. Here are some common types of damages sought in such cases:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for past, current, and future medical bills related to the injury. It covers hospitalization, surgeries, medication, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and ongoing therapy or care needed due to the injury.
• Lost Earnings: Compensation for the income lost due to the injury. This covers wages or salary the injured person couldn’t earn because of the injury, including future earning potential if the injury resulted in a long-term disability or inability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the injury. This type of compensation is subjective and aims to provide redress for the suffering experienced.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for reduced quality of life or the inability to participate in activities enjoyed before the injury. It includes hobbies, social activities, and other personal pursuits affected by the injury.
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement: Damages awarded for permanent disabilities caused by the injury, including loss of limb, paralysis, or disfigurement, impacting the individual's life and livelihood.
• Home Modifications and Accommodations: Compensation for modifying the injured person's home or vehicle to accommodate their disability, such as wheelchair ramps, handrails, or adapted vehicles.
• Loss of Consortium: In some cases, damages may be awarded to the spouse or family for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy due to the injured person's condition.
• Punitive Damages: These are awarded in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm by the at-fault party to punish them and deter similar behavior in the future. They are not consistently awarded and are intended as a deterrent rather than compensation.

Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is generally two years from the date of the incident. Key points to remember include:

1. Filing Deadline: It’s crucial to file your claim within this two-year window to retain your right to compensation.
2. Discovery Rule: If an injury is not immediately noticeable, the filing period may start when it is discovered or should have been discovered.
3. Minors: The deadline for injured minors is extended until they turn 18, allowing them to file by age 20.
4. Seek Legal Advice: Conferring with an attorney can help ensure compliance with deadlines and proper claim filing.

Understanding the statute of limitations is essential for pursuing your rights after a catastrophic injury.

Contact Our Parsippany Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

When you suffer a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. However, these cases are often complex and require the help of an experienced attorney. At The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao, P.A., we have represented the injured for over 25 years. We understand your challenges and are prepared to help you fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.

Contact The Law Offices Of James C. DeZao today to schedule a meeting with our catastrophic injury lawyer in Parsippany!