Catastrophic Injuries from Accidents in New Jersey

A catastrophic injury can turn your life upside down in an instant. One moment, your life is moving forward as expected — the next, you experience a devastating, life-altering accident that leaves you facing lifelong medical challenges, loss of independence, and an uncertain future. These injuries are not just physically overwhelming; they inflict a deep emotional and financial burden on the victim and their family.

If your life was upended by a catastrophic injury, you need a catastrophic injury attorney who will hold the negligent parties accountable and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries are the most severe, debilitating type of injury a person can suffer, short of an accident causing death. Catastrophic injuries permanently disrupt a person’s life, causing physical, emotional, mental, and financial harm.

Examples of catastrophic injuries from accidents in New Jersey include:

• Spinal cord damage that results in loss of the ability to walk
• Traumatic brain injuries that affect speech, memory, personality, cognition, or motor skills
• Amputation or loss of limb
• Severe burns covering large portions of the body or leading to permanent scarring or nerve damage
• Organ damage or loss of bodily function
• Loss of vision or hearing

How Are Claims for Catastrophic Injuries Different from Other Legal Claims?

Catastrophic injury claims differ significantly from other personal injury cases. These claims involve severe and lasting losses, such as the loss of a limb, mobility, or cognitive function. These injuries often lead to long-term physical or cognitive disabilities that prevent individuals from returning to work and require ongoing medical care.

Seeking Compensation After Accidents Causing Catastrophic Injuries

Damages for catastrophic injuries in New Jersey come in two forms: compensatory damages and punitive damages.

• Compensatory damages cover the cost of medical care, including treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical bills. They also include lost wages, loss of future income, property damage, and compensation for emotional distress and pain and suffering.
• Punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme carelessness, recklessness, or intentional injury. They are intended to punish the responsible party and deter future occurrences. In New Jersey, punitive damages are capped at $350,000 or five times the compensatory damages, whichever is higher.

Do You Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

Legal claims for catastrophic injuries are more complicated than typical personal injury claims, and having an experienced attorney is critical to protecting your rights and your future. Catastrophic injuries often result in permanent disabilities, require long-term medical care, and cause significant loss of income. Defendants and the law firms that represent them will fight aggressively to minimize payouts, often disputing the extent or cause of the injury and trying to shift blame. A skilled catastrophic injury attorney knows how to counter these tactics with compelling evidence, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of the applicable medical and legal issues in your case.

Accompanied by expert analysis and testimony, a catastrophic injury attorney can calculate the lifetime cost of your injury — including future medical needs, assistive care, home modifications, and lost earning potential — to ensure you receive full and fair compensation that reflects the permanent and life-altering impact of your injuries. A catastrophic injury attorney will handle the complex and extensive legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and, when necessary, has the skill and experience to take your case to trial. Most importantly, a catastrophic injury attorney will be your advocate and guide during one of the most difficult times of your life, allowing you to focus on your recovery while they focus on justice.

How Iannelli Law Can Help

Admitted to practice in 1992, John C. Iannelli has decades of experience representing people who suffered catastrophic injuries in accidents that were not their fault. He has earned a reputation for excellence based on the exceptional results he achieves on behalf of his clients.

Contact Iannelli Law Today

Contact Iannelli Law today to schedule an appointment to discuss your situation with an experienced New Jersey catastrophic injury attorney.