The American Medical Association defines catastrophic injuries as those leading to long-term or permanent disabilities or impairment. Some examples include brain injuries, traumatic amputations, and spinal cord damage, causing paralysis. The injuries have devastating effects, and when a person’s negligence caused an avoidable accident, you might have the legal right to hold them financially responsible.
Catastrophic injuries will often have severe consequences for you and your entire family. Therefore, civil laws may entitle you to collect compensation from the at-fault party to cover your damages and losses. Call a compassionate and hard-working Pennsylvania catastrophic injury lawyer for questions and case review. A personal injury attorney could help you file a suit.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries can happen in any accident, but some are much more common. Vehicle collisions of all types are the most common cause, and other typical catastrophic injury causes include:
- Medical mistakes and malpractice
- Dangerous and defective products, including medications and medical devices
- Construction and other workplace accidents
- Violent attacks, gunshot wounds, and other assaults
- Trip, slip, and fall accidents and falls from heights
- Bicycle and pedestrian crashes
A catastrophic injury lawyer in Pennsylvania could help determine the cause of the incident and the liable party.
Damages in Severe Injury Claims
There is no standard amount of damages the plaintiff will collect from the defendant in catastrophic injury cases. However, medical care, other expenses, and losses in these cases are usually substantial, and the award amount can be significant. The court may award a settlement to cover medical care, lost pay and benefits, loss of companionship, pain, suffering, and more. The court awards compensation in civil cases to rectify the defendant’s wrongdoing through financial damages and return them to the same financial situation as before the accident.
Speaking With Insurance Adjusters
The other parties’ insurance agency adjusters generally start calling soon after the accident. Catastrophic injury cases are costly, and they often look for ways to reduce the payout for damages. They could use anything the plaintiff says against them to reduce their customer’s liability. A catastrophic injury attorney in Pennsylvania could handle the communications and negotiations on the plaintiff’s behalf.
Comparative Negligence and the Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Cases
In many injury cases, the defendant argues the plaintiff or other third parties share liability for the accident and damages. According to 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7102, as long as the defendant is more at fault than the plaintiff, the court will not restrict recovery. However, if the court determines the claimant’s portion of the liability is over 51 percent, they will dismiss the case and bar recovery.
The plaintiff is still eligible to recover the value for the percentage of the defendant’s fault. While many factors could shorten or extend the deadline, under 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5524, the plaintiff generally has two years to file the case in civil court. A devastating injury lawyer in Pennsylvania could answer questions about applicable statutes and handle the legal work and filings to ensure compliance.
Call a Seasoned Pennsylvania Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today
Catastrophic injury cases require extensive knowledge of the medical and legal fields and lengthy litigation. A hard-working and knowledgeable Pennsylvania catastrophic injury lawyer could help you through the complex court process and handle the legal work on your behalf.
Call today when you need help with a civil claim for damages after suffering a severe and life-altering injury because of negligence. It is best to start preparing immediately because the evidence is fresh and you will meet the statute of limitations deadline.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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