Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Billions Recovered for the Seriously Injured Nationwide

Many types of injuries can give rise to civil claims. But when injuries are so severe that they alter the lives of victims in profound and permanent ways, they’re considered catastrophic.

From lifelong disabilities to lasting pain, suffering, and expenses, catastrophic injuries have consequences and complexities that far exceed those in “typical” personal injury cases. Because the stakes are elevated when injuries are severe, the need for experienced representation is all the more important.

As a trial practice focused on fighting for the seriously injured, Athea Trial Lawyers has the insight and resources to help victims and families when it matters most.

We work with clients and counsel nationwide. Contact us to discuss a case.

What Are Catastrophic Injury Lawsuits?

Catastrophic injury lawsuits are civil claims that look to hold at-fault parties liable for preventable losses far and above those suffered by victims in most personal injury cases. They are usually distinguished from other personal injury cases because they result in:

• Life-altering injuries, disability, or deficits.
• Limitations that affect a person’s ability to work and earn income.
• Profound emotional suffering that can’t easily be translated into monetary sums.
• Compensable losses suffered by family members (i.e. a spouse).
• Extensive medical bills and long-term or lifelong medical needs.

Catastrophic injury claims also pose major threats to corporations’ bottom lines, which is why defendants and insurance carriers fight them aggressively. In order to level the playing field, victims need proven attorneys with experience conducting the necessary investigations and trial prep required of these cases. Athea Trial Lawyers has just that.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Comprised of six of the nation’s most esteemed litigators, we have the resources to help victims navigate complex legal journeys. Because we specialize in high-stakes cases, we know how to position our clients to seek the maximum compensation possible in a variety of claims.

Examples of serious injury claims we handle:

• Traumatic brain injuries: These injuries occur when a sudden trauma, such as a blow or jolt to the head, disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage that causes long-term cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injury/paralysis: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete loss of motor control and sensation below the site of the injury. This can lead to paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) or quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs).
• Amputation/loss of limbs: This involves the loss of a limb or limbs, either through a traumatic incident or as a medical necessity due to severe injury. Amputations can dramatically alter a person's ability to perform daily activities and may require prosthetic limbs.
• Disfigurement and disability: Severe injuries that cause significant changes in appearance, such as extensive scarring or facial injuries, can lead to disfigurement. Disabilities may include a wide range of physical impairments that limit mobility, dexterity, or other bodily functions.
• Vision loss, hearing loss, loss of organ function: Catastrophic injuries can result in the loss of critical senses such as sight and hearing, or the failure of vital organs. These losses can severely impact a person's ability to interact with their environment and perform essential functions.
• Severe burns caused by explosions and fires: Burns that cover large areas of the body or penetrate deeply into tissues can be life-threatening and lead to long-term health issues. Severe burns may require multiple surgeries, including skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can arise from various situations, often involving accidents, acts of violence, or medical conditions. Here are some common causes:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, motorcycle, and truck accidents are leading causes of catastrophic injuries, including TBIs, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and severe burns. High-speed collisions and rollovers can result in significant trauma.
• Workplace Accidents: Industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation are particularly hazardous. Falls from heights, machinery accidents, explosions, and being struck by heavy objects can lead to severe injuries.
• Sports and Recreational Activities: Contact sports (like football and boxing), extreme sports (such as rock climbing and skydiving), and activities like skiing or horseback riding can result in traumatic injuries, including TBIs and spinal cord injuries.
• Falls: Falls, especially among the elderly or in unsafe environments (like poorly maintained buildings), can cause severe injuries, including fractures, TBIs, and spinal cord injuries.
• Acts of Violence: Assaults, shootings, stabbings, and other violent acts can lead to catastrophic injuries such as TBIs, spinal cord injuries, amputations, and internal injuries.
• Medical Malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, improper treatment, and other forms of medical negligence can result in catastrophic outcomes, such as brain damage, paralysis, or organ failure.
• Defective Products: Faulty machinery, unsafe consumer products, and defective medical devices can cause severe injuries. For instance, a malfunctioning vehicle part might lead to a serious car accident.
• Fires and Explosions: Residential and industrial fires, as well as explosions, can result in severe burns, respiratory damage, and other critical injuries.
• Animal Attacks: Bites and attacks from animals can lead to significant injuries, including severe lacerations, disfigurement, and infections.

The Devastating Impact of a Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries affect every aspect of a victim’s life—and their family’s. The consequences extend far beyond immediate medical treatment.

Physical Consequences

Victims may face permanent limitations, chronic pain, and the inability to perform once-routine tasks. Many require surgery, mobility aids, and long-term rehabilitation.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences

Catastrophic injuries often lead to emotional distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a loss of independence that can take a heavy mental toll.

Financial Consequences

These injuries are incredibly expensive. Costs may include:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Surgeries and hospitalizations
• Long-term care or in-home assistance
• Rehabilitation and occupational therapy
• Mobility devices and assistive technology
• Lost income and diminished future earning capacity

Insurance companies know the financial stakes are high—and often try to settle catastrophic injury cases quickly and for far less than victims deserve. At Athea Trial Lawyers, we push back hard. Our Oklahoma City catastrophic injury lawyer gathers evidence, works with medical experts, and builds a case for full and fair compensation.

Compensation for Catastrophic Injury Claims

While every case is different, all serious injury claims require meticulous preparation. This entails in-depth investigations, accident reconstruction, and creative discovery strategies that capture evidence to prove liability. Given the challenges of putting a price on pain and suffering, it also means leveraging the insight of medical professionals, financial experts, and other specialists who help us convey the magnitude of a victim’s injuries and future expected expenses.

Examples of recoverable damages in serious injury claims:

• Lost income and future earnings
• Past and future medical expenses
• Therapy, rehabilitation, and specialized care
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional anguish/loss of quality of life
• Emotional damages suffered by families (i.e., loss of consortium/companionship)

Catastrophic Injury Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, catastrophic injury claims often involve complex investigations, so it’s important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?

Every case is different. The value depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, the amount of medical care needed, and other long-term costs. Catastrophic injury cases typically involve substantial damages.

Do catastrophic injury cases take longer to resolve?

Often, yes. Because these claims involve large financial losses and severe injuries, insurance companies fight aggressively to minimize payouts. A skilled Oklahoma City catastrophic injury lawyer can help speed up the process while protecting your right to full compensation.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court, but catastrophic injury cases sometimes do proceed to trial. Athea Trial Lawyers prepares every case as if it will go before a jury to ensure you have the strongest possible position.

What if my loved one cannot speak for themselves?

Family members can take legal action on behalf of an incapacitated victim. Our team can help guide you through this process.

Why Athea Trial Lawyers?

• Nationally recognized trial attorneys.
• Billions in compensation recovered for clients.
• Record results in serious injury cases across the country.

Athea Trial Lawyers fields a deep bench of experienced trial attorneys who’ve earned national recognition handling high-stakes claims. We’re passionate about helping victims and families following tragedies, and leverage creative, out-of-the-box strategies and storytelling to create compelling cases.

Our Success Record

Athea Trial Lawyers has secured billions in recoveries for seriously injured clients and their families. Some examples of our results:

• $160.5 million verdict for TBI victims injured by casino security guards.
• $134 million verdict for three women injured by Premarin / Prempro.
• $37.6 million verdict against Honda for victim rendered quadriplegic due to seat belt defect.
• $36.4 million verdict for catastrophic injuries sustained in trucking accident.
• $34.5 million verdict for serious injuries sustained in truck v. bicycle collision.

To speak with an attorney, call (800) 664-0161 or contact us online.