A catastrophic injury is not simply a broken bone or minor wound. These are life-altering injuries that result in permanent disability, chronic pain, or significant functional impairment. Whether you suffered a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, severe burn injury, or another catastrophic condition, you need legal representation from attorneys who understand your case complexity and the full scope of your damages. Parker Waichman LLP represents victims throughout New York, New Jersey, and Florida with a comprehensive approach to personal injury law.

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    Why Choose Parker Waichman LLP for Your Catastrophic Injury Case

    Parker Waichman LLP is a national personal injury and mass torts law firm. We have a proven track record of success in catastrophic injury cases. Our firm has recovered over $2 billion for injured victims throughout our 23+ years in practice. Our attorneys bring extensive experience, resources, and dedication to every case we handle. Learn more about our case results and verdicts.

    Firm Credentials & Recognition

    Our founding partner, Jerrold S. Parker, has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America for Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions (2010-2026). He holds an AV Preeminent 5.0 rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards. Partner Melanie H. Muhlstock has been named to The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers List annually since 2014. Our firm maintains a Better Business Bureau A+ rating. U.S. News & World Report recognizes us as one of the Best Law Firms for Personal Injury.

    Our Commitment to You

    We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs. We only recover a fee if we win your case or reach a settlement. This arrangement allows us to focus entirely on your case without financial pressure on you. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide support. We understand that catastrophic injuries often require immediate legal action. Evidence preservation and protecting your rights are critical. Our team is ready to help you when you need us most.

    With seven office locations across New York, New Jersey, and Florida, we serve clients nationwide. We have the resources to handle even the most complex catastrophic injury cases. Our attorneys bring specialized knowledge in personal injury law.

    What Constitutes a Catastrophic Injury

    A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in permanent, significant physical or mental impairment. These injuries fundamentally alter a victim’s ability to work, care for themselves, and enjoy life as they did before. Unlike minor injuries that heal within weeks or months, catastrophic injuries often require lifelong medical care, rehabilitation, and support services. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, catastrophic injuries can result in permanent disability requiring specialized treatment.

    The impact of a catastrophic injury extends far beyond the initial medical emergency. Victims often face years of rehabilitation. Ongoing medical treatment continues. Adaptive equipment needs arise. Home modifications become necessary. In some cases, full-time caregiver support is required. The financial burden is staggering. The emotional and psychological toll on victims and their families is immeasurable.

    Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

    Parker Waichman LLP represents victims of all types of catastrophic injuries. We have particular experience with the most severe and complex cases. Each injury type presents unique legal and medical challenges. They require knowledgeable professionals and substantial resources.

    Spinal Cord Injuries

    A spinal cord injury can result in partial or complete paralysis. This affects a victim’s ability to move, feel sensation, and control bodily functions. Victims may require wheelchairs and specialized medical equipment. Home modifications and round-the-clock care become necessary. The lifetime costs of caring for someone with a spinal cord injury can exceed $1 million. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling spinal cord injury cases. We understand the full scope of damages victims are entitled to recover.

    Traumatic Brain Injuries

    TBIs can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, physical disabilities, and emotional disturbances. The effects of a brain injury may not be immediately apparent. Symptoms can worsen over time. Victims often require ongoing neurological care. Cognitive rehabilitation and psychological support become essential. Our traumatic brain injury lawyers work with leading neurologists and brain injury professionals. We document the full extent of your injuries. We calculate damages for lifetime care needs.

    Severe Burn Injuries

    Burn victims frequently require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extensive rehabilitation. Beyond the physical injuries, burn victims often suffer from psychological trauma. Depression and anxiety related to appearance and limitations follow. Our firm has recovered substantial compensation for burn injury victims. We cover medical treatment, rehabilitation, and pain and suffering.

    Amputation Injuries

    Amputations result in the permanent loss of a limb, fundamentally altering a victim’s mobility and independence. The road to recovery often involves fitting for prosthetic limbs, which are costly and require periodic replacement throughout a lifetime. Victims frequently endure chronic “phantom limb” pain and require intense physical therapy to relearn basic daily tasks. The psychological impact of limb loss, including depression and body image issues, is often profound. Our legal team fights to secure compensation that accounts for advanced prosthetics, vocational retraining, and home modifications. We are committed to protecting your financial future while you adapt to life after a severe injury.

    Additional catastrophic injuries we litigate:

    • Organ damage affecting vital body functions
    • Blindness or severe vision loss
    • Severe facial disfigurement
    • Complex regional pain syndrome and other chronic pain conditions
    • Multiple fractures with long-term complications
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    If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident or have been injured by another party in some other way, we are here to stand up for your rights. Our personal injury attorneys have been representing injury victims and their families in Long Island and throughout the nation since the early 1980s.

    Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

    Catastrophic injuries result from a wide variety of accidents and incidents. In many cases, these injuries occur because of someone else’s negligence, recklessness, or failure to follow safety regulations. Understanding the cause of your injury is essential. It establishes liability and builds a strong legal case.

    Common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

    When a catastrophic injury occurs, a thorough investigation is critical. We must identify all responsible parties. We gather evidence to support your claim. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and other specialists. We build a comprehensive case. We examine police reports, medical records, witness statements, and surveillance footage. We establish negligence and prove the full extent of your damages.

    Damages You Can Recover in a Catastrophic Injury Claim

    Catastrophic injury victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages compensate you for quantifiable financial losses. Non-economic damages address the pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life from your injury. Our personal injury attorneys have recovered millions in compensation for catastrophic injury victims.

    Economic Damages include:

    • Past and future medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment
    • Lost wages from the time of injury through recovery or permanent disability
    • Reduced earning capacity if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous occupation
    • Cost of home modifications to accommodate your disability
    • Assistive devices and adaptive equipment
    • In-home care and caregiver expenses
    • Transportation and accessibility modifications
    • Vocational rehabilitation and retraining costs

    Non-Economic Damages include:

    • Pain and suffering experienced as a result of your injury
    • Emotional distress, anxiety, and depression
    • Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
    • Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
    • Disfigurement and permanent scarring
    • Loss of reputation or social standing

    In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, you may also recover punitive damages. These damages punish the defendant. They deter similar conduct in the future. Our attorneys have recovered substantial compensation for victims in premises liability cases, including slip and fall accidents, and have successfully handled pedestrian accident claims.

    Calculating damages in a catastrophic injury case is complex. It requires input from medical professionals, vocational rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and economists. Our attorneys work with these professionals. We ensure your damages are calculated accurately and comprehensively. We account for your lifetime care needs and losses. Contact our personal injury law firm today for a free consultation.

    How Parker Waichman LLP Helps Catastrophic Injury Victims

    From the moment you contact our firm, we are committed to providing aggressive representation and compassionate support. Our approach to catastrophic injury cases includes:

    Comprehensive Case Evaluation – We thoroughly review your case to assess liability, damages, and the strength of your claim. We explain your legal options. We help you understand what to expect throughout the legal process. Our catastrophic injury lawyers bring decades of combined experience to every case.

    Investigation and Evidence Gathering – Our team conducts a detailed investigation into the circumstances of your injury. We work with accident reconstruction professionals, medical professionals, and other specialists. We gather evidence and establish liability. Whether your injury resulted from a truck accident, motorcycle accident, or workplace accident, we have the resources to investigate thoroughly.

    Negotiation with Insurance Companies – We handle all communications with insurance companies on your behalf. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators. We fight for fair compensation. We are not intimidated by insurance company tactics. We have successfully negotiated wrongful death settlements and other complex claims.

    Litigation Preparation and Trial Representation – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our attorneys have extensive trial experience. We are not afraid to present your case before a jury. Our track record includes major verdicts in catastrophic injury cases.

    Access to Medical and Vocational Professionals – We have relationships with leading medical professionals, life care planners, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and other professionals. They provide critical testimony and support in catastrophic injury cases.

    Compassionate Client Support – We understand that you are dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial stress. Our team provides compassionate support throughout your case. We keep you informed every step of the way.

    Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries

    What is the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury claim?

    In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of injury. However, there are exceptions to this rule depending on the circumstances of your case. For example, if your injury was not immediately apparent, the statute of limitations may begin when you discovered the injury. It is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible. This ensures your rights are protected and your claim is filed within the applicable deadline. Contact our catastrophic injury law firm immediately.

    How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?

    The value of your case depends on many factors. These include the severity of your injury, the extent of your medical expenses, your lost wages, your age and life expectancy, and the strength of liability evidence. In catastrophic injury cases, damages can range from hundreds of thousands of dollars to millions of dollars. Our attorneys can provide a more specific estimate after reviewing your case in detail. See our case results for examples of settlements and verdicts we have obtained.

    What should I do immediately after suffering a catastrophic injury?

    Your immediate priorities should be seeking medical attention and ensuring your safety. Once you are stable, document the accident scene if possible. Gather contact information from witnesses. Report the incident to the appropriate authorities. Avoid discussing your injury or the accident with insurance companies or other parties without consulting an attorney first. Contact Parker Waichman LLP as soon as possible. We can begin investigating your case and protecting your rights. Our personal injury attorneys are available 24/7.

    Will my case go to trial or settle?

    Most personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We evaluate settlement offers carefully. We only recommend accepting an offer if it fairly compensates you for your injuries and losses. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are not afraid to present your case before a jury. Our trial attorneys have extensive courtroom experience.

    How long does a catastrophic injury case typically take?

    The timeline for a catastrophic injury case varies. It depends on the complexity of your injuries, the extent of your medical treatment, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Some cases may be resolved within a year or two. Others may take several years. We work diligently to resolve your case as quickly as possible. We ensure that you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact our personal injury law firm for more information.

    Contact Parker Waichman LLP for Your Free Consultation

    If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve experienced legal representation. Parker Waichman LLP is ready to fight for your rights. We help you recover the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

    We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your case and explain your legal options. There is no obligation. You will not pay any upfront costs. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis. We only recover a fee if we win your case or reach a settlement. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today to schedule your free consultation:(516) 466-6500

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    I’m a 9/11 first responder, and I can honestly say that Parker Waichman made me feel like they had my best interest in my VCF case. Ms Candalino & Ms Viti are top notch in my book. I was constantly informed on the status of my case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman LLP to family and friends.

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