Catastrophic Injuries

Springfield Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Serious Accident & Injury Claims in Springfield, MO

Catastrophic injuries are those that cause long-term disability and disfigurement, impacting a victim's quality of life, freedom, and/or mobility. These injuries go beyond temporary setbacks and threaten the injured person's ability to ever return to his or her normal way of life. Examples include amputations, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, internal organ damage, and spinal cord injuries.

Cases involving catastrophic injuries can be complicated, and it’s often wise to meet with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your rights and options. At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Springfield catastrophic injury lawyers are ready to help you obtain maximum compensation.

Begin your case today. Schedule your complimentary case review with our firm. Call (888) 287-1046.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Generally speaking, a catastrophic injury is one that is so severe, it completely affects the victim’s life. Catastrophic injuries often result in temporary or permanent impairments, disabilities, and limitations. Victims typically experience significant physical pain and emotional suffering, as well as considerable financial hardship.

Examples of common catastrophic injuries include:

These and other serious injuries can have a serious, far-reaching impact on victims and their families. At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we make it our mission to help those affected by catastrophic injuries and negligence obtain the justice they deserve and the fair compensation they are owed.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Any serious accident or traumatic event can result in catastrophic injuries.

Some of the most common causes of these injuries include:

Often, these incidents are the result of someone’s careless, reckless, or wrongful conduct. When this is the case, the injured victim (or their family members) can take legal action and work to hold the liable party accountable. By filing a catastrophic injury claim, you can seek financial compensation for related damages, such as medical expenses, future care costs, lost income/wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, trauma, and more.

How Are Catastrophic Injury Claims Different from Other Personal Injury Claims?

Catastrophic injury claims are distinct from standard personal injury claims in several ways. The main difference is the severity of the individual’s injuries. Because catastrophic injuries are much more severe than other types of injuries, they often require more extensive medical treatment, ongoing and even lifelong care, home modifications to accommodate disabilities, and other costly adjustments. Catastrophic injury victims are also often unable to return to work, either temporarily or permanently, meaning they will lose weeks, months, or even years of income they would have otherwise earned.

All of this means that catastrophic injury claims tend to be significantly higher in value than standard personal injury claims. As a result, insurance companies and other liable parties are quick to dispute or even deny catastrophic injury claims. These entities do not want to pay out high-value settlements and will often go to great lengths to disprove or devalue these claims.

For people bringing catastrophic injury claims (known as “plaintiffs”), this means several things. It means that it will likely be tougher to prove your catastrophic injury case, and it means that you are likely to experience greater pushback from the insurance company or another liable party. It also means that you should discuss your case with an experienced attorney who understands catastrophic injuries and knows how to navigate the legal system.

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., our Springfield catastrophic injury lawyers have helped many severely injured accident victims and their families successfully fight for the full, fair compensation they were owed. We know how to hold negligent parties accountable, and we are prepared to aggressively advocate for you.

What Can I Do to Protect My Interests After an Accident?

Believing what the insurance company tells you is not in your best interest. Adjustors have one goal, and it is to protect their corporate bottom line—not to make sure that you are treated fairly or that you receive the payout you deserve. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide the counsel necessary to help you understand what your rights are and how best to ensure that they are met.

Your catastrophic injury case could entitle you to compensation for your losses, including:

Permanent disability coverage
Loss of enjoyment of life
Rehabilitation
Loss of current and future wages
Mental and emotional anguish
Physical pain and suffering
All present and anticipated medical bills

Catastrophic Injury FAQs

What is the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury claim in Missouri?

In Missouri, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including catastrophic injuries, is five years from the date of the injury or the date it was discovered. However, it’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible because evidence can deteriorate, and certain circumstances may shorten or extend this period.

What types of compensation can I recover in a catastrophic injury claim?

Victims of catastrophic injuries can pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as:

Medical expenses: hospital bills, surgeries, therapy, medication, and future care costs.
Lost wages: compensation for time missed from work and reduced earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
Loss of enjoyment of life: when an injury prevents you from living as you did before.
Home modifications and assistive care: for mobility equipment or home changes.

In some cases involving reckless or intentional misconduct, victims may also pursue punitive damages.

Who can be held liable for a catastrophic injury?

Liability depends on how the injury occurred. Possible at-fault parties may include:

Negligent drivers in auto or truck accidents
Property owners or landlords who failed to maintain safe premises
Employers or contractors responsible for unsafe working conditions
Product manufacturers of defective or dangerous products
Medical professionals in cases of malpractice

How does Missouri’s comparative fault rule affect my case?

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. This means that even if you are partially at fault for your injury, you can still recover compensation. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the accident and your damages total $1,000,000, you would receive $800,000.

Do catastrophic injury cases usually go to trial or settle?

Many catastrophic injury cases settle before trial through negotiations or mediation. However, because these claims often involve significant damages, insurance companies may challenge liability or the value of the case. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney should be prepared to take the case to trial.

What evidence is important in a catastrophic injury claim?

Strong evidence is essential to prove the severity of the injury and its long-term impact. Useful evidence includes:

Medical records, test results, and doctor statements
Expert testimony from medical specialists and life-care planners
Documentation of lost income and future earning potential
Photographs, videos, and witness statements
Journals or statements showing how the injury affects daily life

How long does a catastrophic injury case take to resolve?

The timeline can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and whether the claim goes to court. Some cases settle in several months, while others may take years—especially when long-term medical treatment and expert evaluations are involved.

How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic injury attorney?

Most personal injury attorneys in Springfield, including those handling catastrophic injury claims, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and your lawyer is paid a percentage of the settlement or verdict only if you recover compensation.

Why should I hire a local Springfield catastrophic injury lawyer?

Our team understands Missouri’s personal injury laws, local courts, and how insurance companies in the area handle catastrophic claims. We can connect you with local medical experts and resources and ensure your case is handled according to state-specific deadlines and damage caps.

Request a Free Case Consultation at Our Office

In order for you to understand your situation from a legal perspective, schedule a free case evaluation at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. During your consultation, we can help you assess the options available to you. We use plain English and break down the legal terminology because we want you to walk away with real, understandable answers to your questions.

Call us today at (888) 287-1046 or contact us onlineto find out more.

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