Tulsa Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Fighting For Catastrophic Injury Victims in Oklahoma

While any injury has the potential to completely disrupt a person’s life, some are so serious they are considered “catastrophic.” Generally speaking, catastrophic injuries result in permanent limitations, impairments, or disabilities and often have a lifelong effect on victims and their loved ones.

Catastrophic injuries not only impose physical challenges but also create profound emotional and financial effects. Such injuries require ongoing medical care and lifestyle adjustments and can lead to financial strain due to unexpected medical expenses and loss of income. Additionally, families may need to alter their homes to accommodate new physical needs, further compounding the financial burden.

If you or someone you care about suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s careless, reckless, or wrongful conduct, reach out to Brewster & De Angelis. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical expenses, future care costs, lost income, and other damages. Our Tulsa catastrophic injury attorneys have decades of experience and know how to aggressively advocate for the full, fair compensation you are owed.

Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our catastrophic injury attorney in Tulsa today. Call (918) 742-2021 or contact us online to get started.

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries

What Is a “Catastrophic” Injury?

While there is no set definition of a “catastrophic” injury, it is generally agreed that any significantly life-altering injury is “catastrophic.”

Some examples of common catastrophic injuries include:

• Amputation/loss of limb
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe broken bones/fractures
• Severe burn injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Eye and face injuries
• Neurological disorders
• Terminal illness
• Chronic disease
• Permanent or significant scarring/disfigurement

Catastrophic injuries go beyond mere physical harm, often affecting a victim’s entire lifestyle and future capabilities. These injuries can impact mental well-being, leading to issues such as depression or anxiety as individuals adjust to new realities. They often necessitate long-term rehabilitation and can also affect personal relationships, creating strains as loved ones adapt to new dynamics and responsibilities.

At Brewster & De Angelis, we have successfully represented victims of all types of catastrophic injuries, as well as their families. We understand the unique challenges you are facing, and we know how to help.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Any serious accident or traumatic event can lead to catastrophic injuries, but some incidents more commonly result in life-altering injuries than others.

The leading causes of catastrophic injuries are:

• Car, truck, motorcycle, and other motor vehicle accidents
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Construction and industrial accidents
• Sports- and recreation-related accidents
• Serious falls, including slips and falls and falls from heights
• Fires and explosions
• Birth injuries, surgical errors, and other acts of medical malpractice

Defective products, police brutality, and violent crime also contribute to a notable number of catastrophic injuries each year.

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

In many ways, catastrophic injury claims are similar to standard personal injury claims. However, there are a few key differences that set these cases apart.

Catastrophic injury claims are different from standard personal injury claims in the following ways:

• Severity of the Injury: Catastrophic injuries are more severe than other types of injuries. As a result, they have a greater effect on the victim’s life, as well as the lives of their family members and loved ones. Victims often experience a great deal of physical pain and emotional suffering. They may be permanently disabled, meaning they can’t work. Their families can suffer significant loss of income on top of costly medical bills and related expenses.
• Cost of Medical Care: Due to their severity, catastrophic injuries often require more extensive—and expensive—medical care. Victims often require emergency surgery, ongoing rehabilitation, pain medications, and other costly treatments. Some catastrophic injury victims will even need lifelong care. As a result, the cost of treating a single catastrophic injury can easily exceed hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars over the course of the victim’s life.
• The Extent of Damages: The severity of catastrophic injuries, the cost of medical care, and the associated hardships experienced by the victim and their family translate to extensive physical, emotional, and financial losses. In other words, the extent of the damages in catastrophic injury cases tends to be greater than in other types of personal injury claims. This, in turn, drives up the overall value of these cases, causing insurance companies to aggressively defend them.
• Complexity: In relation to standard personal injury claims, catastrophic injury cases tend to be extremely complex. There could be multiple liable parties, or the liable party could be a powerful corporation or manufacturer. Calculating the victim’s projected future economic losses can be complicated, and insurance companies are more likely to fight back against these relatively high-value claims.

For all these reasons, it is important that you find a lawyer with experience handling complex catastrophic injury cases. You need someone who knows how to advocate for your current and future needs, as well as the justice you and your family deserve.

How Can an Attorney Help Your Catastrophic Injury Claim?

When facing catastrophic injuries, having a skilled and assertive attorney by your side is crucial. An attorney specializing in catastrophic injury cases can provide invaluable assistance, guiding you through the complex legal process and advocating for your rights. They are well-versed in the intricacies of these types of cases and can protect you from insurance companies seeking to minimize their liability or undervalue your claim.

Specific services that attorneys provide for their catastrophic injury clients include:

• Conducting a Thorough Investigation: Attorneys investigate the incident to establish liability and determine who was at fault. This involves gathering critical evidence such as police reports, surveillance videos, eyewitness statements, and medical records. A comprehensive investigation helps build a strong case on your behalf.
• Assessing Damages: Attorneys help calculate the full extent of damages incurred by you and your family members due to the catastrophic injury. This includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care requirements. By accurately evaluating damages, attorneys can pursue maximum compensation for your losses.
• Negotiating with Insurers: Attorneys are skilled negotiators who engage with insurance companies to secure the best possible settlement on your behalf. They have the experience to handle complex negotiations and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. Their goal is to obtain fair and just compensation for your injuries and related damages.
• Trial Preparation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial. They meticulously prepare your case, gathering compelling evidence, identifying expert witnesses, and developing persuasive arguments to present in court. Attorneys use their litigation skills to vigorously advocate for your rights and seek a favorable outcome.
• Court Representation: Attorneys represent you during court proceedings, providing skilled representation and presenting your case before a judge and jury. They have experience navigating the courtroom environment, presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and making persuasive legal arguments on your behalf.

In conclusion, hiring an attorney specializing in catastrophic injury cases is vital for protecting your rights and pursuing fair compensation. They bring knowledge, experience, and tenacity to your case, ensuring that you receive the legal support and representation you need during this challenging time.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical Expenses: Catastrophic injuries often demand extensive medical care, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and specialized equipment or treatments. Compensation should account for both past and anticipated future medical expenses associated with the injury.
• Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity: Since catastrophic injuries can prevent individuals from returning to work, victims may be entitled to compensation for wages lost during recovery. If the injury results in a diminished capability to make earnings in the future, the claim may also include damages for lost earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional suffering are significant components of a catastrophic injury claim. Victims endure both immediate and long-term physical pain, as well as the emotional challenges that accompany major lifestyle changes. Compensation for pain and suffering recognizes the profound personal impact of the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Catastrophic injuries often affect a person’s capacity to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Damages for loss of enjoyment of life compensate for how an injury diminishes one’s quality of life and daily activities.
• Disability and Disfigurement: Permanent disability or disfigurement resulting from a catastrophic injury could result in substantial changes in lifestyle and well-being. Victims could receive compensation that acknowledges these life-altering consequences.
• Loss of Consortium: Catastrophic injuries affect not only the victim but also their close relationships, including those with spouses and family members. Compensation for the loss of consortium is planned to address the impact on these relationships, recognizing the emotional toll and loss of companionship caused by the injury.
• Home Modifications and Specialized Equipment: Victims may need modifications to their living space, like wheelchair ramps or specialized equipment, such as prosthetics and adaptive devices, to support daily functioning and independence.

Why Choose Brewster & De Angelis?

Choosing the right legal representation after a catastrophic injury can be a daunting task. At Brewster & De Angelis, we stand out due to our comprehensive approach and our deep understanding of what our clients go through. Our dedicated team ensures personalized attention for each client, truly embodying our mission of client-first legal advocacy. We limit the number of clients we serve at a time to maintain an attentive focus on each situation, advocating fiercely on every front.

Our attorneys are not only well-versed in Tulsa’s legal landscape, but they also have a robust track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. We build strong cases by leveraging extensive resources, collaborating with expert witnesses, and employing cutting-edge technology. Choosing Brewster & De Angelis means choosing a team deeply invested in your recovery and future well-being, offering not just legal assistance but a reliable support system through tumultuous times.

More About Catastrophic Injury Laws in Oklahoma

Understanding the legal framework surrounding catastrophic injuries in Oklahoma can significantly impact the outcome of your case. In Oklahoma, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically two years from the date of the incident. This means victims must act swiftly to ensure their claims are lodged in a timely way. Moreover, Oklahoma follows a comparative negligence rule, where any compensation received may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured party.

Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that Oklahoma has specific caps on non-economic damages in personal injury claims, though exceptions exist for severe malpractice resulting in catastrophic consequences. These laws underscore the importance of engaging knowledgeable legal assistance to navigate the complexities and potential pitfalls in your claim. At Brewster & De Angelis, we are well-aligned with Oklahoma’s legal peculiarities and dedicated to guiding our clients with comprehensive care and a thorough understanding of their rights and opportunities under Oklahoma law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Steps Should I Take After A Catastrophic Injury?

Immediately after a catastrophic injury, seeking medical attention should be your top priority, even if you think the injury is minor. Prompt medical care will ensure that all injuries are properly diagnosed and treated, which can prevent further complications. It also provides official documentation of your injuries, which is crucial if you decide to pursue legal action. Once you have sought medical care, consider contacting a catastrophic injury attorney who can help guide you through the process of collecting evidence and speaking with insurance companies. Keep records of all medical treatments, expenses, lost wages, and any communication related to the incident.

How Long Does A Catastrophic Injury Claim Take?

Catastrophic injury claims can vary significantly in duration depending on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and the legal strategies involved. Some claims might resolve in a few months with a straightforward settlement, while others could take years if they proceed to trial. It’s also important to factor in the time required for recovery, as this can affect the assessment of damages and future impacts. During the legal process, an attorney can provide a more precise timeline tailored to the specifics of your case.

Can A Catastrophic Injury Affect My Mental Health?

Catastrophic injuries can have profound impacts on mental health. The emotional and psychological toll of adjusting to a new way of life, coupled with chronic pain management and the potential loss of independence, can lead to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. It’s crucial for victims to seek psychological support alongside traditional medical treatment to address these challenges comprehensively. Engaging with mental health professionals can aid in developing coping strategies and resilience, crucial for the recovery journey. Legal compensations can also cover these psychological treatments, ensuring victims receive holistic care that addresses both physical and mental recovery needs.

Contact Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Tulsa Today

Our Tulsa catastrophic injury attorneys have decades of experience navigating complicated, high-profile cases. Since 1983, we have aggressively fought for the rights of the injured and their families throughout Oklahoma. We believe in a collaborative approach to litigation, one that utilizes the strengths of each of our individual attorneys as well as the resources of our entire firm.

When you choose Brewster & De Angelis, you can count on us to be there for you every step of the way. We take great pride in offering highly personalized and attentive legal services. Our clients are like our family; we strive to develop meaningful and lasting relationships with our clients so that they always know where to turn when a new legal challenge arises.

We are ready to fight for you! Contact us at (918) 742-2021 today to speak with our Tulsa catastrophic injury attorney at no cost and with no obligation.