Catastrophic injuries, marked by their severity and life-altering consequences, can reshape the course of not just an individual's life but also their entire family’s. They come in different forms, from spinal cord injuries (SCI) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) to severe burns, amputations, and beyond.
These injuries can also result from many types of accidents or incidents, most commonly motor vehicle accidents. However, assaults, slip and falls, recreational accidents, and other situations can also lead to catastrophic injuries.
At DJC Law, our San Antonio catastrophic injury lawyers understand the emotional and physical toll these injuries bring, and we're here to stand by your side as you begin the journey of recovery and seek the justice and financial compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us
A veteran-attorney-owned firm with over 25 years in business, DJC Law has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by victims and their families in the aftermath of catastrophic incidents. We recognize the physical and emotional hurdles you confront and the complexities of pursuing a legal claim while coping with the aftermath.
Our San Antonio catastrophic injury attorneys can empower you to take informed steps toward securing the compensation and support necessary for your recovery.
Our attorneys have over 80 years' experience in the legal field and have obtained more than $50 million in compensation for our clients. We will work just as hard for you as we've done for them.
Our recent case successes on behalf of personal injury clients include:
- $5.9 million for a child who suffered head injuries when a table fell on her at a restaurant.
- $1.3 million for a young motorist involved in a head-on collision who sustained neck and head injuries
- $934,000 for a rideshare driver on his way to get a new client when an individual ran a red light and struck his vehicle. He received $276,460.60 after attorney fees, medical liens, and costs.
- $760,000 for a woman rear-ended by a delivery van, suffering severe injuries to her neck and back. Our qualified personal injury attorneys settled for almost the entire remaining policy limits available. We also negotiated the medical liens down so that she received $391,461.82 after attorney fees, medical liens, and case expenses.
- $750,000 settlement for a personal injury client whose prior attorney dropped them, given the difficulty of the case. The team at DJC Law was able to achieve this amazing result despite the challenges of the case.
- $685,000 for a client involved in a trucking collision who suffered neck, back, and head injuries. His net recovery was $164,451.47 after attorney fees, medical liens, and expenses
- $525,000 for the family of a man killed by a drunk driver. The family received $401,767.14 after attorney fees, medical liens, and costs.
Our San Antonio office is conveniently located Northwest of Muriel Forbes Elementary School and Northwest of Hot Wells Middle School at:
2374 East Southcross Boulevard
Suite 2342
San Antonio, TX 78223
Catastrophic Injury Compensation
Catastrophic injury compensation is determined through a thorough assessment of various factors, all aimed at fairly addressing the extensive physical, emotional, and financial impact these injuries can have on an individual's life.
While the specifics can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the unique circumstances of each case, the following key elements are typical considerations when determining catastrophic injury compensation:
- Medical expenses: Catastrophic injury victims shouldn't pay their own medical bills. Compensation should include the costs associated with initial medical treatment, ongoing care, surgeries, therapies, medications, assistive devices, and any future medical needs to ensure adequate coverage.
- Lost income and earning capacity: Compensation includes income lost due to the injury and potential future earnings that may be affected by the individual's diminished ability to work or pursue their previous career.
- Pain and suffering: This category addresses the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the catastrophic injury.
- Long-term care and support: For injuries requiring lifelong care, compensation considers the costs of home modifications, personal assistance, and other forms of ongoing support.
- Disability and impairment: Compensation reflects the degree of disability and impairment resulting from the injury, with greater compensation awarded for more severe limitations.
- Loss of consortium: This pertains to the impact of the injury on personal relationships, including the loss of companionship, consortium, and support from a spouse or family member.
- Future expenses: Anticipated future expenses, such as ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and adaptive equipment, are projected and factored into compensation.
- Evidence strength: The strength and amount of evidence you have in support of your catastrophic injury claim can also impact what your claim is worth. Stronger evidence will typically garner a higher settlement or court award.
- Legal fees and costs: The costs associated with legal representation and pursuing the claim are typically part of the compensation calculation.
- Punitive damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, such as a drunk driving accident or an assault, a court might award punitive damages to deter similar behavior.
Determining catastrophic injury compensation requires careful consideration of all these factors, often involving medical experts, financial professionals, and knowledgeable legal counsel. Consult an experienced San Antonio catastrophic injury attorney to ensure you consider all aspects of the injury's impact on your life, so you receive the compensation necessary to support your recovery and quality of life.
Where Do Catastrophic Injury Accidents Occur in San Antonio?
Catastrophic injuries often occur in motor vehicle accidents, which frequently happen on the streets and intersections of San Antonio.
However, they can happen nearly anywhere around the city, including:
- Methodist Hospital
- Kindred Hospital San Antonio Central
- SeaWorld
- Tower of the Americas
- Hotels
- Supermarkets
- Big box stores
- The Riverwalk
- Brackenridge Park
- McAllister Park
- The Alamo
- Confluence Park
- North Star Mall
- The Shops at Rivercenter
Catastrophic Injury Claims
Types of Catastrophic Injury Accidents
Catastrophic injuries can arise from various types of accidents that result in severe harm and life-altering consequences.
Here are different types of catastrophic injury accidents:
- Motor vehicle accidents: Car crashes, motorcycle collisions, and accidents involving trucks or commercial vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries due to the high-impact forces involved.
- Construction site accidents: Falls from heights, scaffold collapses, equipment malfunctions, and being struck by heavy objects at construction sites can result in catastrophic injuries.
- Industrial accidents: Accidents in factories, warehouses, and manufacturing plants can lead to severe injuries, including burns, crush injuries, and exposure to hazardous substances.
- Slip and fall accidents: Falls from significant heights or onto hard surfaces can result in catastrophic injuries, particularly if the head or spinal cord is affected.
- Sports and recreational accidents: High-impact sports like football, rugby, and extreme sports can lead to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries.
- Workplace accidents: Accidents involving heavy machinery, explosions, or chemical exposure in hazardous work environments can lead to severe injuries.
- Electrical accidents: Electrocutions and severe burns can occur due to faulty wiring, exposed electrical elements, or unsafe electrical equipment.
- Assaults and violent acts: Physical assaults, shootings, and intentional acts of violence can cause catastrophic injuries like gunshot wounds, stab wounds, and head trauma.
- Recreational vehicle accidents: Accidents involving ATVs, snowmobiles, jet skis, and other recreational vehicles can lead to catastrophic injuries due to high speeds and lack of protective barriers.
- Explosions and fires: Industrial explosions, gas leaks, and fires can result in severe burns, respiratory injuries, and other catastrophic harm.
- Aviation and maritime accidents: Plane crashes, boating accidents, and maritime disasters can lead to catastrophic injuries, often due to the nature of impact and the challenges of rescue.
Catastrophic injury accidents can cause profound and lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. Seek immediate medical attention and consult an experienced San Antonio catastrophic injury attorney to ensure proper treatment and explore potential legal avenues for compensation and justice.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries typically result from accidents that involve high-impact forces or dangerous situations. Catastrophic injuries often lead to permanent disabilities, long-term medical treatments, and substantial changes in a person's quality of life.
Due to the profound impact of these injuries, individuals who experience them often require extensive medical care, ongoing rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities. Legal actions to seek compensation and support for the immense challenges posed by catastrophic injuries are common, as victims often face substantial medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs.
Common catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
- Severe burns
- Amputations or limb loss
- Multiple fractures or crush injuries
- Organ damage or failure
- Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia)
- Blindness or vision loss
- Deafness or hearing loss
- Internal injuries (such as damage to vital organs)
- Respiratory injuries (including lung damage or chronic respiratory conditions)
- Coma or persistent vegetative state
- Loss of bodily functions (such as bowel or bladder control)
- Hemiplegia or hemiparesis (loss of function on one side of the body)
Fighting the Insurance Company After a Catastrophic Injury
Facing insurance companies alone becomes one of the most challenging parts after a catastrophic injury due to these companies’ complex procedures, bureaucratic red tape, and tendency to prioritize their bottom line over your well-being. Battling the insurance giants by yourself after such an injury can add more stress to an already extremely difficult situation.
Insurance adjusters are skilled negotiators who aim to minimize the amount they have to pay in claims. Despite appearing sympathetic, their real goal is to settle your case quickly and with as little compensation as possible. Trying to manage your claim without legal help will put you at a serious disadvantage.
The intricacies of insurance policies, evaluating damages, and the negotiation process can be complicated and challenging for someone without legal experience.
Without an experienced San Antonio catastrophic injury attorney, you risk getting overwhelmed by the complexities and potential problems of dealing with insurance companies. This can leave you with inadequate compensation for your injuries and losses, which is the last thing you want to have happen when facing a catastrophic injury.
What to Do After a Catastrophic Injury Accident?
Your actions and inactions after suffering a catastrophic injury can affect how much money you might get from your claim.
To increase the chances of receiving full and fair compensation, remember to:
- Follow what your doctor tells you and stick to your medical plan—including any restrictions on your physical activity or employment
- Keep all the receipts for medical bills, supplies, and prescriptions, as well as anything else you paid for because of the accident.
- Get a copy of the police and incident report if officers generated one after the accident or incident.
- Talk to a San Antonio catastrophic attorney before you talk to the insurance adjuster.
- Regularly write down how your injuries and pain affect your everyday life and your plans before the accident.
- Gather all your receipts, reports, notes, and anything else about the accident together and give them to your San Antonio catastrophic attorney at DJC Law. They'll use your documentation to make your claim stronger.
DJC Law Is Here for Catastrophic Injury Accident Victims and Their Families
If you or a loved one recently suffered a catastrophic injury, you can count on the attorneys at DJC Law to be here for you every step of the way. We will listen to your concerns and promptly address your questions.
Our firm has the resources and skills to secure maximum compensation for your catastrophic injury claim. Not only do we offer free case consultations to catastrophic injury victims and their families, but we also work on contingency fees. Under such an arrangement, you owe us nothing upfront and nothing until we secure compensation for your damages.
Contact a personal injury law firm in San Antonio today at (210) 220-2222 or online to schedule your case evaluation.