Las Vegas Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer 

Assisting Victims with Catastrophic Injury Claims in Nevada

Collisions, product liability cases, premises liability cases (slip and falls), and medical malpractice claims can all result in personal injuries, and the trauma of the experience can overwhelm more than the person who is hurt but their families too.

When these incidents cause catastrophic injuries, the financial impact of the ongoing, long-term medical care and lost wages — combined with the emotional pain and suffering the injured person is subjected to — can be overwhelming and last a lifetime.

At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our catastrophic injury attorneys in Las Vegas, Nevada, represent victims entitled to compensation that reflects the lasting impact and permanent effects of another’s negligence.

Call Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen today at (702) 505-8115 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our catastrophic injuries attorney in Las Vegas!

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries  

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that causes significant, long-term damage to a person's body or mind. These injuries often have a profound and lasting impact on the individual's life, leading to disabilities, extensive medical treatments, and significant changes in their ability to perform daily activities. Catastrophic injuries typically result in a permanent loss of function or impairment and may require ongoing medical care and rehabilitation.

Common types of catastrophic injuries can include, but are not limited to:

• Traumatic brain injuries: Result from a severe blow or penetrating injury to the head, causing damage to the brain. TBIs can lead to cognitive, behavioral, and motor impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI): Damage to the spinal cord, often resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation below the level of the injury.
• Amputations: Involves the partial or complete loss of a limb, such as an arm, leg, hand, or foot.
• Back and neck injuries: Includes spinal cord injuries, fractures, or damage to the vertebrae, which can result in paralysis or significant impairment of bodily functions.
• Disfigurement: Refers to severe and permanent changes in a person's physical appearance, often due to burns, scars, or other traumatic injuries.
• Loss of Hearing or Vision: This involves permanent impairment or total loss of hearing or vision, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
• Multiple Bone Injuries: Refers to the simultaneous or sequential fractures of multiple bones, often resulting from high-impact accidents.
• Organ Damage: Injury to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys, which can lead to serious health complications and long-term consequences.
• Paralysis: Occurs when there is a loss of muscle function in part or all of the body, often associated with spinal cord injuries or severe trauma to the nervous system.
• Severe burn injuries: Involves extensive damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to long-term physical and psychological effects.
• Organ Damage: Severe damage to internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys, which can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Crush Injuries: Occur when a body part is trapped between two objects or experiences extreme pressure, resulting in severe damage to muscles, tissues, and potentially nerves.

Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers demand a higher level of compensation for our catastrophic injury clients because their injuries are more severe and require long-term, expensive medical care and treatment that requires the proper financial settlement or jury verdict they deserve.

How Do Catastrophic Injuries Differ From Personal Injuries?

Personal injuries are devastating and cause more than physical harm, but emotional and financial stress for the person who is hurt and those dear to them, including friends and family members who may be charged with care. Our clients who suffer from broken bones, muscle and tendon tears, joint damage, severe cuts, and abrasions deserve compensation for their injuries so they do not have to pay any of their expenses out of pocket.

When a catastrophic injury results from a collision, medical malpractice, product liability, or other negligence, the injured person’s quality of life is significantly compromised.

Because of the extent of the injuries, long-term care and ongoing financial assistance will be required, and our Las Vegas attorneys fight for each of our clients to ensure they can access the care they need.

The financial setbacks that accompany catastrophic injuries can include:

• Inability to return to work and the lost wages that result
• Long-term, specialized medical care
• Ongoing rehabilitation and therapy
• Permanent assistance or supervision
• Prescription drug and medical device purchases
• Special accommodations, including medical equipment, vehicles, and ramps

In contrast, personal injury victims are compensated for their medical care. While the injuries can be severe, the duration of care is typically shorter than that of a catastrophic injury victim. Personal injury victims can also be compensated for the time they are out of work and the lost wages resulting from their injuries. Our legal claim will include any miscellaneous expenses and care requirements to hold the negligent party responsible so our clients can move forward with less stress and positivity.

Victims who suffer from catastrophic injuries often require daily living assistance from the time of the incident through the foreseeable future. When their family is dependent on their financial, physical, and emotional support, the hardship extends to more than the injured person, and the result is overwhelming.

The attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen represent both personal injury and catastrophic injury victims in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada with a commitment to deliver tailored solutions. Our injury attorneys’ primary legal objective is to provide our clients with the best outcome for their unique cases.

Navigating the Legal Process of Catastrophic Injury Claims 

Navigating the complexities of catastrophic injury claims requires a thorough understanding of legal processes, medical aspects, and effective communication. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: The injured party's health and well-being are the first priorities. Seek prompt medical attention to address immediate concerns and establish a medical record.
2. Obtain Legal Representation: Hire an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in catastrophic injuries. They can guide you through the legal process, assess the strength of your case, and advocate on your behalf.
3. Gather and Preserve Evidence: Document and gather all relevant evidence, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and scene photographs. Preservation of evidence is crucial for building a strong case.
4. Identify Liability and Establish Negligence: Determine the party responsible for the injury and establish their negligence. This may involve investigating the circumstances of the accident, consulting experts, and obtaining relevant reports.
5. Understand Insurance Coverage: Assess insurance policies involved, including liability insurance of the at-fault party and the injured party's insurance coverage. Understand the limits and potential sources of compensation.
6. Calculate Damages: Work with experts, such as medical professionals and economists, to accurately calculate the economic and non-economic damages associated with the catastrophic injury. This may include medical expenses, lost wages, future medical needs, and pain and suffering.
7. Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement. Your attorney can handle communications and advocate for your best interests during this process.
8. Consider Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution: If negotiations stall, explore alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation. A neutral third party can help facilitate discussions and find a resolution outside of court.
9. Prepare for Litigation: If a settlement cannot be reached, be prepared to file a lawsuit. Your attorney will guide you through the litigation process, including discovery, depositions, and court appearances.
10. Trial Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for trial, including gathering evidence, identifying expert witnesses, and developing a compelling legal strategy. Your attorney will guide you through the process and represent your interests in court.
11. Attend Mediation or Settlement Discussions (if applicable): Even after filing a lawsuit, there may be opportunities for settlement discussions. Be open to mediation or alternative resolution methods to avoid a lengthy court battle.
12. Court Proceedings: If the case goes to trial, your attorney will present your case in court. Be prepared for court proceedings, including testimony, cross-examination, and legal arguments.
13. Post-Trial Actions: If the court awards compensation, work with your attorney to ensure compliance with court orders and finalize the settlement or judgment.
14. Appeals (if necessary): In some cases, appeals may be necessary. Discuss with your attorney the possibility of appealing a decision if it is unfavorable.
15. Post-Settlement/Verdict Actions: After receiving compensation, ensure that the awarded funds are appropriately distributed and used for the intended purposes, such as medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Recoverable Damages in a Catastrophic Injury Claim

In a catastrophic injury claim, victims may qualify for a wide range of damages to help address the significant physical, emotional, and financial impacts caused by the injury. These damages typically include:

Economic Damages: These compensate for measurable financial losses, such as:

• Medical Expenses: Includes past, current, and future medical treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, hospital stays, and medication.
• Lost Wages: Payment for time missed from work due to the injury and future lost earnings if the injury prevents the individual from returning to work.
• Long-Term Care: Covers the costs of ongoing medical care, therapy, or home modifications to accommodate the victim’s disabilities.
• Property Damage: Compensation for any damaged property during the incident, such as a vehicle in a car accident.

Non-Economic Damages: These account for more subjective losses, such as:

• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional anguish endured due to the injury.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Awarded when the injury hinders the victim from engaging in activities or hobbies they once found fulfilling.
• Loss of Consortium: These damages compensate for the injury's impact on the victim's relationships with their spouse or family members.

The insurance companies and lawyers who represent the negligent parties who cause our personal injury and catastrophic injury clients’ harm are unlikely to agree to pay any damages without the experienced legal pressure our firm applies to provide the outcome our clients deserve. At Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen, our catastrophic and personal injury attorneys in Las Vegas provide aggressive representation that provides solutions for our clients and their families.

If you have been injured by someone’s negligence, we can help. Contact our skilled catastrophic injury attorneys at (702) 505-8115 to learn how Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen in Las Vegas, NV can help today. We will pursue the responsible party to hold them accountable for their negligent actions while seeking the best financial outcome available for your injuries.

Nevada’s Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims

The statute of limitations in Nevada is a strict deadline for filing a catastrophic injury claim. Typically, victims have two years from the date the injury occurred to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline may result in losing the ability to seek compensation for damages.

There are, however, some exceptions to the general rule:

• Delayed Discovery: In some circumstances, the full extent of the injury may not be immediately known. The statute of limitations may begin when the injury is discovered rather than the accident date.
• Government Entities: If a government agency or employee is involved, claims may have stricter deadlines and procedural requirements, including filing a notice within a shorter timeframe.

It's essential to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame and that all procedural requirements are met.

Contact Our Las Vegas Catastrophic Injuries Attorney Today

Catastrophic injuries impose lasting physical, emotional, and financial burdens on victims and their families. Securing compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering is essential for moving forward. The experienced attorneys at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen in Las Vegas are committed to pursuing maximum compensation for those affected by life-altering injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, contact us today to explore your legal options and get the support you deserve. 

Contact Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen today to schedule a meeting with our catastrophic injuries lawyer in Las Vegas!