Catastrophic Injury Claims in Colorado
Any injury can have serious consequences, but some are so life-altering, they are considered “catastrophic.” These injuries tend to have significant and long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial impacts on victims and their families, ranging from exorbitant medical bills to permanent disability and lifelong impairment.
If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of another person or party’s negligence, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your damages. At Boesen Law, our Denver catastrophic injury lawyers offer compassionate, client-focused representation, as well as aggressive advocacy in and out of the courtroom. We believe in offering personal attention and support to each and every one of our clients. Our team of personal injury lawyers is dedicated to helping severely injured individuals and their families in Denver, Aurora, and throughout Colorado.
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
What Makes an Injury “Catastrophic?”
A catastrophic injury is generally defined as one that results in life-changing consequences. This can include fatalities, permanent functional disabilities, such as paralysis or the loss of a limb, or severe injuries that cause temporary disabilities, even if a full recovery is eventually possible. These types of injuries often have a profound impact on the victim’s ability to live independently, work, or carry out everyday activities, making them significant both medically and financially.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Amputation/loss of limb
- Broken bones/fractures
- Burn injuries
- Eye injuries/vision loss
- Head and neck injuries
- Hearing damage/loss
- Nerve damage
- Organ injuries
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Soft tissue injuries
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Any serious accident or traumatic event can lead to a catastrophic injury.
In the U.S., the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents, including car collisions, truck crashes, and motorbike crashes
- Pedestrian-vehicle and bicycle-vehicle collisions
- Falls, including slip and falls and falls from heights
- Workplace accidents, including slip and falls, fires, explosions, and workplace violence
- Sports and recreation accidents, such as boating accidents, ATV accidents, and diving accidents
- Medical malpractice, including surgical errors, medication mistakes, and birth injuries
- Dog bites and other types of animal attacks
- Defective products, leading to severe bodily injury or illness
- Criminal activity, such as assault, attempted murder, and other forms of violence
At Boesen Law, we have seen firsthand how the negligent and wrongful conduct of others can lead to permanent, life-altering injuries and medical conditions. Our Denver catastrophic injury attorneys are committed to helping you hold the liable party accountable and fight for the maximum compensation you are owed.
Are Catastrophic Injury Cases Different Than Personal Injury Claims?
While catastrophic injury cases fall under the umbrella of personal injury law, there are some important differences that set catastrophic injury claims apart.
Some of the main differences between catastrophic injury and standard personal injury claims include:
- The severity of the victim’s injuries
- The extent and cost of necessary medical care
- The victim’s need for ongoing rehabilitation and future medical care
- The extent of lost wages, income, and other employment benefits
- The increased likelihood of permanent disability or impairment
- The overall value of the victim’s economic and non-economic damages
Because catastrophic injuries are more severe than other types of injuries, victims are likely to need more extensive medical care. They are also more likely to become partially or fully disabled, meaning they are more likely to be unable to return to work at full capacity or at all. The severity of these injuries also leads to immense pain and suffering, as well as emotional distress and lost enjoyment of life. In short, the effects of a catastrophic injury tend to be much greater than those of a regular injury.
As a result, insurance companies and other liable parties are more likely to aggressively dispute catastrophic injury claims. These entities do not want to pay out high-value claims and will often refuse to settle claims for a fair amount. It is extremely important that you work with an attorney who has specific experience handling catastrophic injury cases.
At Boesen Law, we understand the unique challenges catastrophic injury victims face. We know how to fight back against the insurance company’s efforts to dispute your injuries or devalue your settlement. If necessary, our Denver catastrophic injury attorneys are fully prepared to represent you and your rights at trial.
What Does Insurance Consider a Catastrophe?
In the context of property insurance, a “catastrophe” refers to an exceptionally severe natural or man-made disaster. This could include events like earthquakes, hurricanes, or large-scale industrial accidents, which cause significant damage and disruption, often exceeding the capacity of standard insurance coverage to address.
Who Declares an Insurance Catastrophe?
An insurance catastrophe is typically declared by insurance companies or industry organizations, such as the Insurance Services Office (ISO) or the Insurance Information Institute (III). These declarations occur after a significant event, such as a natural disaster, when the volume of claims is expected to exceed normal processing capacity. The declaration helps streamline the claims process, allowing insurers to allocate additional resources and expedite payouts to affected policyholders. In some cases, state or federal agencies may coordinate with insurers to manage widespread disaster relief efforts.
Special Considerations in Catastrophic Injury Claims
Catastrophic injuries demand a distinct approach in legal representation, given their profound and lasting impact on victims and their families. These injuries typically lead to substantial medical expenses, long-term rehabilitation needs, and significant lifestyle changes. When pursuing a claim, there are several specific factors that require careful consideration to ensure fair compensation:
Long-Term Medical Needs
Catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medical care, including surgeries, physical therapy, and assistive devices. Accurately estimating these costs is crucial, as underestimating future medical needs can leave victims without the necessary funds for adequate care.
We collaborate with medical experts to project long-term healthcare needs and associated costs, ensuring these are fully accounted for in your claim.
Impact on Earning Capacity
Such injuries can drastically alter your ability to work, either temporarily or permanently. Evaluating the impact on your earning capacity involves assessing current and future employment possibilities and potential career changes.
Your attorney will work with vocational experts to provide a detailed analysis of how your injury affects your ability to earn a living, which is integral to determining compensation for lost wages and future income.
Quality of Life Adjustments
Beyond physical recovery, catastrophic injuries can severely affect your quality of life. This includes changes to daily living activities, emotional and psychological impacts, and loss of enjoyment of life.
By working with psychologists and life care planners, we ensure these non-economic damages are included in your compensation claim, recognizing the full scope of the injury’s impact on your life.
Insurance Policy Complexities
Navigating insurance claims for catastrophic injuries can be complex for anyone, with policies sometimes containing hidden clauses or coverage limits. We meticulously review all applicable insurance policies to uncover every potential source of compensation, ensuring you receive what you’re entitled to.
If you have doubts about your claim, feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation to discuss your specific situation and similar case results.
Understanding the Long-Term Impact of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can have a profound and lasting impact on every aspect of your life. These types of injuries often result in severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences that can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. At Boesen Law, our Denver catastrophic injury attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and are dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Some of the long-term effects of catastrophic injuries may include:
- Lifelong medical treatment and care
- Permanent disability or impairment
- Loss of income and earning capacity
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
- Decreased quality of life
Our experienced team of attorneys will work tirelessly to build a strong case on your behalf, ensuring that all aspects of your injury and its impact are taken into consideration. We will fight for your rights and seek maximum compensation to help you recover and rebuild your life.
Determining Liability in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Determining who is liable in a catastrophic injury case can be complex, with multiple parties potentially sharing responsibility. That’s why we dive deep into the specifics of your case, examining every detail to identify who is at fault—whether it’s a negligent driver, a product manufacturer, or another party.
Our process involves collecting thorough evidence and collaborating with experts to construct a persuasive case that holds the right parties accountable. We aim to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve, allowing you to focus on your recovery without financial worries.
Recovering Compensation for Catastrophic Injuries
When you suffer a catastrophic accident, the injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, leaving you with medical expenses and lost income. Recovering compensation is crucial not only for your immediate needs but also for your future financial security. At Boesen Law, we are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.
Victims of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to various types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for all past, current, and future medical treatments, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and any necessary medical equipment.
- Lost income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to the inability to work and compensation for diminished earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to earn a living in the future.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the injury.
- Rehabilitation costs: Financial support for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other rehabilitative services needed to aid your recovery.
- Home and vehicle modifications: Funds for necessary modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate disabilities resulting from the injury.
- Long-term care and assistance: Coverage for ongoing care and support services, such as in-home nursing care or assisted living facilities.
We work diligently to determine a fair and comprehensive amount of compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses. Your catastrophic injury attorney will collaborate with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to accurately assess your needs and future expenses.
Catastrophic Injury Statistics
Catastrophic injuries are, unfortunately, more common than you might think, and we frequently see the life-altering consequences they have on our clients and their families. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 227,039 unintentional injury deaths in the United States in a year alone, with a death rate of 68.1 per 100,000 population.
The most common types of unintentional injury deaths include:
- Unintentional poisoning: 102,958 deaths, with a rate of 30.9 per 100,000. Poisoning is often due to drug overdoses and exposure to hazardous substances, making it the leading cause of accidental injury deaths.
- Motor vehicle traffic crashes: 44,534 deaths, with a rate of 13.4 per 100,000. Car accidents are a significant source of catastrophic injuries, leading to severe physical trauma and long-term disabilities.
- Unintentional falls: 44,630 deaths, with a rate of 14.0 per 100,000. Falls frequently occur among older adults, resulting in debilitating injuries such as fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
Whatever the nature of the accident, your catastrophic injury lawyer will work to ensure you receive the compensation essential for rebuilding your life. Our expertise and commitment to your case ensure that every aspect of your situation is considered, helping you move forward with confidence.
How Boesen Law Can Help You with Your Catastrophic Injury Case
At Boesen Law, we understand the devastating impact that a catastrophic injury can have on your life and the lives of those around you. That’s why our Denver catastrophic injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Here are just a few ways that we can help:
- Investigate your case: Our experienced attorneys will investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury to determine who is liable and what compensation you may be entitled to.
- Build a strong case: We will gather and analyze evidence, consult with experts, and build a strong case on your behalf.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We will negotiate with insurance companies to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
- Represent you in court: If necessary, our attorneys will represent you in court to fight for your rights and maximize your compensation.
With Boesen Law on your side, you can rest assured that your catastrophic injury case is in good hands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Learn More About Your Legal Options Today
At Boesen Law, you will receive a high level of personal attention and dedicated legal counsel directly from your attorney. We take the time to truly get to know you, listen to your story, and learn how we can help you get back on your feet. To that end, we offer completely free, in-person consultations and, unlike many other law firms, we do not limit these consultations to an hour. During your initial meeting with our team, you will have the chance to share what has happened to you and learn more about your legal rights and options.
Our Law Office
5675 DTC Blvd., Suite 250, Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Phone: 303-999-9999
Reach out to our law firm for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation today. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Colorado at (303) 999-9999 or contact us online.
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