New Haven Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic Injury Attorney in New Haven, CT

A personal injury can occur in many ways, and the injured victim is likely to wonder how to prove fault and recover compensation for their losses. A personal injury is “catastrophic” when it results in permanent harm to the victim, and they are likely to face many difficult legal challenges in the aftermath of such an accident. A skilled New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer will be an invaluable asset if you are facing such a case.

Experienced Legal Counsel for Catastrophic Injury Claims in New Haven

The attorneys at Bartlett & Grippe, LLC have successfully resolved many complex injury claims for clients in New Haven and the surrounding Connecticut areas. As a team of experienced personal injury lawyers, we aim to help every client maximize their recovery as efficiently as possible, within the shortest possible timeframe. It is also important to understand what to do after a car accident in Connecticut to preserve your future claim. We also provide wrongful death representation to the families of victims of fatal personal injuries.

Since 2012, our attorneys have secured over $60,000,000 for our clients. In 2013, the Connecticut Law Tribune’s Top 25 personal injury jury verdicts included two of our cases.

In 2020, we received another top settlement. In one notable example, our lawyers were able to secure a $1.2 million settlement for a client who suffered a spinal cord injury after falling down a stairway that was poorly lit. The case ultimately involved three defendants, with a fourth defendant accepting a confidential settlement.

Proving Liability for a Catastrophic Injury in New Haven

In every personal injury case, the injured plaintiff will need to prove fault for their injury before they will be able to recover compensation for their damages. It’s possible for a catastrophic injury to happen from a motor vehicle accident, a slip and fall, as a result of medical malpractice, or from many other possible causes. A trusted New Haven car accident lawyer can help you prove fault for your injury before you can recover any compensation for your damages. You must prove fault for your injury before you can recover any compensation for your damages.

Your New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer at Bartlett & Grippe will gather the evidence needed to prove fault. You will need to identify the party or parties responsible for inflicting the catastrophic injury, prove exactly how they caused it, and then show that your claimed damages are the direct result of their actions and not some other cause. Once you have proven fault, you can proceed with seeking compensation for your damages.

Recovering Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury

Depending on how your injury happened, you may have the option to file an insurance claim to seek compensation for your damages. Your New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer can guide you through this process, resolve any issues the insurance carrier has with your claim, and ensure you receive a fair settlement offer. When insurance is not an option or cannot fully compensate for your losses, you will need to file a personal injury claim.

A successful personal injury case in New Haven can provide various forms of compensation to the injured victim. Our firm can help you calculate the average personal injury settlement amount to ensure your future needs are fully met. Under Connecticut’s personal injury statutes, it is possible for the injured plaintiff to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, and any property damage they suffered. In catastrophic injury cases, plaintiffs typically have grounds to seek compensation for future damages, such as lost earning capacity.

Connecticut personal injury law also enables the injured plaintiff to seek compensation for the pain and suffering they experienced because of the defendant’s actions. It may be difficult for them to determine a suitable amount that reflects the severity of their experience, but a New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer can help them maximize this aspect of their recovery. Generally, the more serious the injury is, the greater the compensation the victim can receive.

Building a Wrongful Death Claim in New Haven

Unfortunately, some catastrophic injuries prove fatal. In 2023, 31,338 patients visited the emergency department for head injuries. Excessive speeding was a factor in 25.3% of fatal crashes in 2021. In these tragic cases, an experienced New Haven fatal car accident lawyer can help families navigate the legal aftermath. Prior to a wrongful death, injured parties often seek life-saving care at Yale New Haven Hospital, which is located at 20 York Street.

The victim may undergo medical treatment in an effort to save their life, or they may appear to respond well to initial care, but ultimately, if they die due to the defendant’s actions, their family will need to pursue a wrongful death case. This type of personal injury case seeks compensation for the surviving family of the victim, and it is important to have legal counsel you can trust on your side to file this type of case.

The Timeline to File

Importantly, only the administrator or executor of the deceased person’s estate can file a wrongful death claim, although family members may ultimately benefit from this legal action. A wrongful death claim must be filed two years from the day of the death or five years from the day of the act that led to the death.

Bartlett & Grippe have years of experience representing New Haven clients in wrongful death cases. We know the emotional strain these cases cause and that you likely have many difficult questions you cannot answer on your own. With our help, you can rest assured knowing you have a dedicated legal advocate ready to assist you with every aspect of your case. We will work diligently to help you prove fault and hold the defendant accountable for your loved one’s death.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can result from preventable accidents or intentional acts of misconduct. Given the high volume of traffic along Chapel Street, Whalley Avenue, Dixwell Avenue, and elsewhere, car collisions are a leading cause of personal and catastrophic injuries. When a negligent driver is distracted, intoxicated, or engages in aggressive driving, they can cause collisions that leave victims contending with fractures, head trauma, and internal organ damage.

Physical assaults can also lead to a catastrophic injury. In those cases, the assailant may face both criminal charges and civil liabilities. Both types of cases can run concurrently. Attacks may involve weapons like guns, knives, or a blunt instrument. Even when weapons are not involved, a physical altercation can lead to head injuries or other forms of harm that follow a fall.

Although we place great trust in our doctors and nurses, they can make errors that result in serious injuries. Whether your doctor neglected to properly diagnose your condition or ailment, or a surgery went terribly wrong, you can take legal action against your healthcare provider when you secure legal representation from an attorney who is familiar with injury laws. Other causes of catastrophic injuries include falls, recreational sports, and boating accidents.

Evidence That Can Support Your Catastrophic Claim in New Haven

Before you can file an injury claim, you will need to work with an attorney to secure the types of evidence that clearly establish fault and liability. These may include medical records that document your past procedures, treatment plans, and injuries. Photographs from the scene of the collision can also document who is at fault for your injury.

Witness statements often play a critical role in catastrophic injury claims. They provide an objective perspective on what occurred and who is at fault. When someone suffers a serious injury, law enforcement is often called to the scene. The responding officer can provide a police report. These are crucial forms of evidence in car collision cases and incidents involving assaults. You should learn how to get a car accident police report in Connecticut as soon as possible to support your case.

Outside testimony from medical consultants or accident reconstruction consultants can also play a key role in establishing liability and laying the groundwork for a successful injury claim.

Why You Should Hire a New Haven Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury in New Haven or the surrounding area, your top priority should be to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer. Legal representation plays a key role in protecting your rights and ensuring that your catastrophic injury claim receives the attention that it deserves.

The state’s catastrophic injury laws provide a pathway for injured parties to seek justice and accountability, but only when their claims are backed by compelling evidence. When you work with an experienced attorney, you can gain a better understanding of catastrophic injury laws and how they apply to your case.

An attorney can protect you from false accusations should they arise. They can also determine the ideal strategy for securing maximum compensation for the harm you endured. During a difficult ordeal, having an experienced legal advocate by your side can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

FAQs

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury causes long-term or permanent harm. They often involve head or spinal cord injuries. Internal organ damage is another common injury that can qualify as catastrophic. When someone suffers a traumatic brain injury, severe burns, or the loss of a limb, they suffer extensive hardships that can affect their ability to make a living or perform regular activities.

What Is the Hardest Injury to Prove?

The hardest class of injuries to prove are brain or soft tissue injuries. These forms of harm may not show up on imaging tests. Doctors rely on reports from the patient to document headaches, memory loss, and nerve pain. Insurance carriers often challenge these claims due to the lack of physical proof. By working with an experienced injury lawyer, you can back up your claim with the evidence needed to secure fair compensation.

Can You File a Claim for Pain and Suffering?

Yes, you can file a claim for pain and suffering. These are known as economic damages, and they account for the emotional harm you endured due to an injury. Although tangible losses play an important role in a settlement, the anguish and pain you endured can also be accounted for in an injury claim. An injury attorney can calculate the value of your non-economic damages so your settlement or court verdict fully accounts for the harm you endured.

What Is a Catastrophic Claim Worth?

The value of a catastrophic claim depends on the extent of your injuries and the setbacks they caused in your life. Your attorney’s ability to establish fault also plays a key role in establishing the value of your claim. Once you find an experienced attorney, they can provide you with a more accurate assessment of what your claim is worth. Legal representation can play a critical role in maximizing the value of your catastrophic claim.

Do I Need to Hire an Injury Lawyer?

You are not required to hire an injury lawyer, but having legal representation can play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of your claim. An attorney understands the type of evidence that is needed to secure a favorable outcome to your claim. They can strategically negotiate a settlement that accounts for the harm you endured. Attorneys are also trusted advisors who have your interests at heart.

Find Legal Counsel You Can Trust in New Haven

A catastrophic injury is, by definition, life-changing for the victim. They will not only need to adjust to permanent difficulties and a diminished quality of life, but their family will also likely need to make significant adjustments to their usual routine in response to such an event. When this has happened to you or a family member due to another party’s actions, you need to consult a New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible.

We offer contingency fee billing for personal injury cases in New Haven, meaning there is no risk of paying more for legal counsel than you win in compensation for your damages. We only charge a fee if and when we win your case, so there are no upfront legal costs. You have a limited time in which to pursue your recovery, so contact Bartlett & Grippe today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New Haven catastrophic injury lawyer you can trust.

New Haven, CT Catastrophic Injury Resources

• Learn about the statute of limitations for Connecticut personal injury cases
• See how long a car accident lawsuit typically takes in CT