Odessa Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of bodily function. These injuries frequently prevent victims from returning to work, living independently, or enjoying life as they once did.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including permanent cognitive impairment
- Spinal cord injuries, resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Amputations or loss of limb function
- Severe burn injuries, including chemical or electrical burns
- Crush injuries and internal organ damage
- Severe orthopedic injuries, such as complex fractures that never fully heal
- Loss of vision or hearing
- Permanent nerve damage
Unlike minor or moderate injuries, catastrophic injuries typically require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term support. In many cases, victims need care for the rest of their lives. Texas law allows injured individuals to seek compensation when another party’s negligence or wrongful conduct causes this level of harm.
Legal Help For Life-Altering Injuries
Catastrophic injuries change everything in a single moment. A spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, amputation, or severe burn can mean months in the hospital, years of rehabilitation, and a future that looks nothing like what you had planned. If this is what you or a loved one are facing in Odessa, you are not alone.
At KRW Lawyers, we represent people whose lives have been turned upside down by serious accidents. Our catastrophic injury attorney team works with families throughout West Texas who are suddenly dealing with permanent injuries, lost income, and overwhelming medical bills. We understand how heavy this feels, and we are here to guide you through the legal side so you can focus on healing.
Since 2006, our firm has recovered more than $1 billion for over 40,000 clients across Texas and beyond. We prepare every case for trial from day one and we know what it takes to stand up to powerful insurers and corporations that operate in the Permian Basin. Your first step is simple. Reach out for a free consultation and learn where you stand.
Call (432) 223-9975 now to speak with our team in a free, confidential consultation.
The Life-Changing Effects of a Catastrophic Injury
The impact of a catastrophic injury goes far beyond the initial medical emergency. Victims and their families frequently face challenges that affect every aspect of daily life.
Physical Consequences
Many catastrophic injuries result in chronic pain, mobility limitations, paralysis, or permanent loss of bodily function. Even routine tasks may become difficult or impossible without assistance.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and emotional distress are common among catastrophic injury victims. The sudden loss of independence and changes to personal identity can be devastating.
Financial Strain
Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, home modifications, and assistive devices can quickly add up. At the same time, many victims are unable to return to work or must accept lower-paying jobs due to their limitations.
Family and Caregiver Burdens
Loved ones are often forced into caregiving roles, sacrificing their own careers and personal well-being. Relationships and family dynamics may change permanently.
Our Odessa catastrophic injury attorney understands these realities and works to pursue compensation that reflects the full, lifelong impact of the injury—not just immediate expenses.
Proving Liability in a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Catastrophic injury claims often involve complex investigations and high-value damages. To succeed, your legal team must establish:
- Duty of care owed by the responsible party
- Breach of that duty through negligence or misconduct
- Causation, showing the breach directly caused the injury
- Damages, including economic and non-economic losses
These cases may involve multiple defendants, expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, medical specialists, and life-care planners. At KRW Lawyers, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring we are ready to stand up to powerful insurance companies and defense teams.
Compensation in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Because catastrophic injuries have long-term consequences, compensation must account for both current and future losses. A successful claim may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Long-term nursing or in-home care
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home and vehicle modifications
- Assistive devices and mobility equipment
In cases involving extreme negligence or misconduct, punitive damages may also be available under Texas law.
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When your health and financial future are at stake, having confidence in your legal representation is essential
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Honesty & IntegrityWe believe in transparent communication, offering candid advice, and always putting your best interests at the forefront.
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Teamwork & CollaborationEvery case is a collective effort. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to ensure the best strategy and outcome for you.
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Diversity & InclusionDiversity is our strength. We celebrate differences, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and represented.
Catastrophic Injury Claim FAQs
The following are some frequently asked questions about catastrophic injury claims:
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Texas?
In most cases, Texas law allows two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, exceptions may apply, so it is important to speak with an Odessa catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible.
What if my loved one cannot speak for themselves?
Family members or legal guardians may pursue claims on behalf of catastrophically injured individuals who are incapacitated.
Are catastrophic injury cases more valuable than other injury claims?
They often are, due to the lifelong medical needs, permanent disabilities, and significant economic losses involved. Each case is unique and depends on the specific facts and damages.
Will my case go to trial?
Many cases settle, but catastrophic injury claims are more likely to proceed to litigation due to the high stakes. Having a trial-ready attorney is critical.
Why Choose Our Serious Injury Lawyers
When an injury is permanent or life changing, the legal claim is very different from a typical accident case. The future cost of medical care, the loss of lifetime earnings, and the impact on your family must all be carefully documented and presented. Our serious injury lawyer team builds these high-stakes cases in a way that tells the full story of what you have lost.
Leadership matters in catastrophic cases. Our firm president, Douglas Ketterman, is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, a distinction that fewer than 2% of Texas attorneys have earned. This credential reflects advanced training and a strong record in serious injury trials, which can give you added confidence when your future is on the line.
Results matter too. Since opening our doors in 2006, we have helped more than 40,000 clients recover over $1 billion in compensation. Those recoveries have paid for surgeries and rehabilitation, replaced lost paychecks, and helped families rebuild after devastating losses. When you hire a catastrophic injury lawyer at our firm, you get a team that prepares every case as if it may go before a jury, which often strengthens negotiations with insurance companies.
Equally important is how we treat you. Our representation is lawyer led and client focused. You work directly with attorneys who know your case, explain your options in plain language, and respect that it is always your choice whether to accept a settlement. We call this “Your Voice, Your Choice.” We strive to treat every client like family while bringing the resources of a regional firm to your side.
Contact our firm today to get started on your claim.
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