What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that causes long-term or permanent damage to a person’s physical or cognitive abilities. Unlike minor or moderate injuries, catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. These injuries may prevent a person from returning to work or performing daily tasks independently.

Catastrophic injuries can result from various accidents, including motor vehicle collisions, industrial or oilfield accidents, medical malpractice, or defective products. In many cases, these injuries are caused by another party’s negligence—whether it’s a careless driver, a negligent employer, or a company that failed to ensure product safety.

At KRW Lawyers, we take the time to understand every detail of your situation. Our goal is to hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue the full compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Common Catastrophic Injuries

While every catastrophic injury case is unique, some types of trauma are more common than others. Our Abilene catastrophic injury lawyers have extensive experience representing clients who have suffered injuries such as:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): These can lead to permanent cognitive impairments, memory loss, and behavioral changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, requiring lifelong care and adaptive equipment.
• Severe Burns: Burn injuries often cause extreme pain, disfigurement, and emotional trauma, in addition to significant medical expenses.
• Amputations: Losing a limb affects mobility, independence, and quality of life, often necessitating prosthetics and physical therapy.
• Crush Injuries: Common in workplace or vehicle accidents, these can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, and permanent disability.
• Multiple Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: Severe bone and joint injuries may require multiple surgeries and long recovery times.
• Vision or Hearing Loss: Sensory impairments can severely impact a person’s ability to work or perform daily tasks.

Each of these injuries carries not just physical challenges but also emotional and financial burdens that can last a lifetime. Our firm is committed to helping you obtain compensation that reflects the true extent of your losses.

The Life-Altering Impact of a Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury affects every part of your life. Victims often face years—or even decades—of medical treatment, physical therapy, and personal care. The emotional impact can be just as severe, as individuals may struggle with depression, anxiety, or loss of identity after their injury.

Financially, the cost of care for catastrophic injuries can be enormous. Ongoing rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lost earning potential all contribute to long-term economic hardship. Families may also experience strain as loved ones become full-time caregivers.

At KRW Lawyers, we believe victims of catastrophic injuries deserve full compensation—not just for immediate expenses, but for their lifetime of care and future needs. We work with medical professionals, life care planners, and financial experts to determine the total value of your claim. This allows us to pursue damages for:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Home or vehicle modifications
• Costs of long-term care or assistance

Our team’s goal is to help you secure the resources you need to live as fully and comfortably as possible after your injury.

Catastrophic Injury Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, exceptions can apply, especially if the injury was not immediately apparent or involves a government entity. Contact an attorney as soon as possible to protect your right to compensation.

What if I was partially at fault for my accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault for the accident. Your total recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What types of compensation can I receive?

Victims of catastrophic injuries can seek both economic damages (like medical expenses and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life). In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the defendant’s conduct was especially reckless.

Do I need a lawyer for a catastrophic injury claim?

Yes. Catastrophic injury claims are complex and often involve large insurance companies that will try to minimize your payout. Our Abilene catastrophic injury lawyer can handle negotiations, gather expert testimony, and ensure your claim reflects the full scope of your losses.

Speak with an Abilene Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. KRW Lawyers is here to provide the skilled, compassionate representation you need to pursue justice and financial recovery.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the next step toward rebuilding your life.