Catastrophic Injury

Why Choose Walner Law for Your Catastrophic Injury Claim

A catastrophic injury changes your life in an instant, leaving you to navigate a future filled with uncertainty. Since 1961, Walner Law has been helping individuals and families in Chicago pursue justice after life-altering injuries.

With decades of experience and a proven record of multi-million-dollar settlements, our team is dedicated to securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Catastrophic injuries often come with overwhelming challenges—extensive medical bills, loss of income, and emotional strain. At Walner Law, we listen to your story, understand the full scope of how the injury has impacted your life, and provide compassionate guidance through every step of your claim. 

Our legal team handles the complexities of your case so you can focus on recovery, working tirelessly to secure the financial resources necessary for your future.

Trust is at the core of our client relationships. When you choose Walner Law, you’ll gain a steadfast advocate who prioritizes your rights and well-being. We are committed to helping you regain stability and move forward toward a brighter future, even in the face of life’s most challenging circumstances.

Catastrophic Injuries Defined

All injuries will feel serious when they happen to you. However, not all injuries are catastrophic by definition or when considered in the context of a personal injury case.

A catastrophic injury can be defined as an injury that:

• Prevents the victim from holding gainful employment; or,
• Permanently disabled the victim in a significant capacity; or,
• Potentially threatens the life and livelihood of the victim.

There are many types of catastrophic injuries when considering these definitions. Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and amputations are among the most common and severe devastating injuries. 

Chronic illnesses, sensory loss like blindness or deafness, and permanent scars in visible areas are also catastrophic.

Significant Compensation for Catastrophic Injury Claimants

Catastrophic injuries will call for substantial medical treatment. They can also disrupt all aspects of a victim’s life for years, if not permanently. 

When both of these issues are considered, the value of a catastrophic injury claim can be steep.

Economic damages available in a catastrophic injury claim can include:

• Years or a lifetime of lost wages and reduced income capacity.
• Medical costs for all treatments, including those necessary for the future.
• Nursing care costs if you require daily or frequent assistance from an in-home nurse.

Non-economic damages available in a catastrophic injury claim can include:

• Pain and suffering you have endured due to the injury or illness.
• Hardships you will endure due to permanent disabilities.
• Your overall loss of enjoyment of life due to the troubles caused by your injury.

Our law firm will want to take ample time to calculate your damages as accurately as possible. We don’t want to leave a dollar behind, so you can demand the most compensation needed to give you a comfortable recovery and future. 

On the other hand, the opposing insurance company will not be happy that we are so careful with our damage calculations. It will want to give you the least amount of money possible, which might even mean no money. It will put up a serious fight as the value of your case climbs, but we are ready.

Why Catastrophic Injury Cases Are Unique

Catastrophic injury cases stand apart from other personal injury claims due to their complexity and the life-altering consequences they bring to injured victims. These cases demand a unique approach to ensure injured individuals receive maximum compensation for their severe injuries, medical treatment, and long-term needs.

Higher stakes for injured victims

Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, often prevent victims from returning to work or living independently. Unlike minor personal injury claims, these cases involve calculating years of lost wages, future medical bills, and the cost of ongoing care.

Proving liability requires experience

To recover compensation in a Chicago catastrophic injury case, personal injury attorneys must work diligently to prove liability. This process often involves investigating liable parties, reconstructing accidents, and collaborating with medical and economic experts to build a strong claim. 

Cases like medical malpractice, car accidents, or construction accidents require a thorough understanding of personal injury law and extensive evidence to support claims.

Challenging insurance companies

Insurance companies fiercely contest catastrophic injury claims because the potential payouts are substantial. An experienced personal injury lawyer knows how to counter these tactics, ensuring accident victims can recover damages, including economic damages like medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.

Long-term effects on accident victims

Severe injuries often require lifelong care and adaptation. Catastrophic injury lawyers in Chicago, IL, focus on seeking full and fair compensation to address immediate medical expenses and future challenges. This ensures injured victims have the financial stability to rebuild their lives after someone else’s negligence.

Legal representation on a contingency fee basis

Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney who operates on a contingency fee basis means clients can pursue their claims without upfront costs. This makes high-quality legal representation accessible to accident victims seeking compensation for severe injuries.

Catastrophic injury cases are complex, but with the right personal injury law firm, accident victims can file a personal injury lawsuit that demands fair compensation. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a slip and fall, car accident, medical negligence, or nursing home abuse, reach out to Chicago catastrophic injury attorneys for a free consultation.

FAQ for Chicago Catastrophic Injury Cases

1. What is the difference between catastrophic and serious injuries?

A catastrophic injury permanently impacts your ability to work or live independently, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or severe burns. While serious injuries may require extensive medical treatment, they don’t always lead to long-term disabilities. Personal injury lawyers help determine the severity of your injuries and their effect on your Chicago personal injury case.

2. How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Chicago, IL?

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, medical malpractice cases or claims involving government entities may have different deadlines. An experienced personal injury attorney will help ensure your claim is filed on time.

3. Can I recover punitive damages in a catastrophic injury lawsuit?

Punitive damages may be awarded in catastrophic injury cases involving gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm. Your personal injury lawyer will evaluate whether your case qualifies for punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

4. How do I prove liability in a catastrophic injury case?

Proving liability often requires gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. Chicago personal injury attorneys also work with accident reconstruction experts and economists to strengthen your catastrophic injury claim and recover damages.

5. What types of accidents can lead to a catastrophic injury claim?

Catastrophic injuries can result from various incidents, including:

• Car accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Construction accidents
• Medical malpractice cases
• Nursing home abuse
• Defective products

A Chicago personal injury law firm will investigate your case to identify liable parties and seek compensation on your behalf.

6. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. An experienced lawyer will present evidence to minimize liability and maximize recovery.

7. How are non-economic damages calculated in catastrophic injury cases?

Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, are calculated based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life. Experienced personal injury lawyers use various methods, including expert testimony, to determine a fair value for these damages.

8. Do I need a lawyer for my catastrophic injury claim?

While it is not legally required, working with a personal injury attorney significantly improves your chances of recovering full and fair compensation. Injury lawyers handle complex legal processes, negotiate with insurance companies, and build strong cases to recover compensation for accident victims.

9. How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer?

Most personal injury law firms, including those in Chicago, work on a contingency fee basis. You only pay legal fees if your lawyer successfully recovers compensation for your catastrophic injury claim.

10. Can a wrongful death claim be filed for a catastrophic injury case?

If a catastrophic injury leads to the victim’s death, family members may file a wrongful death claim. This type of personal injury lawsuit seeks compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

We Know How to Hold Defendants Liable

Since 1961, our Chicago personal injury lawyers have been there for people who have suffered unthinkable injuries due to the negligence of others. Let us use our decades of collective legal experience for your case. We can move your claim forward and demand the most compensation in your name, whether the case can be settled in a conference room or must go to court for litigation.