Albany Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
When someone suffers a catastrophic injury, every aspect of life turns upside down. There are often more questions than answers in the aftermath of an accident, particularly about whether a full recovery is possible.
In the midst of such an uncertain time, victims and family members also face a sudden explosion of medical bills, rehabilitation costs and a drop in household income. Thankfully, financial relief is possible.
The Albany attorneys at Belluck & Fox provide compassionate and skilled legal services to victims of catastrophic accidents throughout New York. From making sure that you can afford the best medical care to aggressively pursuing the parties responsible for your injuries, the top-rated attorneys at Belluck & Fox will demand maximum compensation for your losses.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured due to someone else’s negligence, our catastrophic injury lawyers will fight for the money you deserve to prepare for whatever the future holds.
Contact us today to arrange a free consultation.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle
Table of Contents
Whether you were hurt in a motor vehicle accident in New York, injured by a dangerous product or in a fall on an unsecured construction site, our attorneys will identify the cause of the accident, document the severity of your injuries and make sure that all accountable parties are held liable for their negligence.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head and neck trauma
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Burns
- Disfigurement
An injury does not have to cause a permanent disability to qualify as catastrophic in New York. However, victims must be able to prove how the accident has interfered with their ability to perform daily tasks.
When it comes to auto accidents, New York’s insurance law does have specific criteria spelling out what qualifies as a serious injury. These rules include many types of catastrophic injuries.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured
Figuring out what to do after an accident involving a catastrophic injury often depends on the circumstances of the case.
Here are some general tips:
- Get medical care: With most catastrophic injuries, medical treatment happens automatically. These types of injuries often put the victim in critical condition and in need of immediate attention. There are some cases, particularly with traumatic brain injuries, where the severity of the injury is not detected for hours, days or even weeks past the event. If sudden-onset symptoms emerge well after the accident happens, victims should visit an emergency department right away for evaluation.
- Keep track of your records: A catastrophic injury often involves extensive medical treatment, prescriptions and other care. These injuries often require time off work as well. Keep records of all of your appointments, medical invoices and the hours lost from work. This will help you get the compensation you deserve for your damages. Don’t worry if you are unable to get all of the information yourself. The legal team at Belluck & Fox can collect all the necessary documentation for you.
- Insurance companies can play two different roles when you are injured. Some of them will ignore you completely, while others may reach out early and make a low settlement offer. No matter your situation, do not try to negotiate with an insurance company without the assistance of an experienced catastrophic injury attorney. Our lawyers take over all communications with the insurance companies for you so that you can focus on your health and wellbeing.
- Call Belluck & Fox for no-cost case review: The best way to achieve a successful settlement for catastrophic injuries is to get help from a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. In New York, most victims have three years from the date of injury to file a legal claim for compensation.
Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury
In New York, you may be entitled to several types of compensation. These are categorized as economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to expenses that can be quantified. This can include the cost of medical care, property damage, long-term nursing care, lost income and lost future earning potential, among others.
Non-economic damages are less easily calculated. The most common example of non-economic damages is compensation for pain and suffering, but can also include loss of household services, loss of companionship and emotional distress.
In rare cases, New York victims may be awarded punitive damages by the court. These are intended to punish negligent parties and deter future misconduct. Punitive damages are only awarded for the most egregious actions (or inactions) of a liable party.
How Can Belluck & Fox Help Me?
With a catastrophic injury, there are no guarantees. It may not be immediately apparent how fully that you or a loved one will recover or what that will mean for your finances and home life.
At Belluck & Fox, our lawyers have seen how devastating a catastrophic injury can be. We have medical and economic experts who can testify about how the accident has impacted —and will continue to impact — your life going forward. This testimony will assist our lawyers in crafting a solid legal claim for compensation.
Most injury cases resolve with settlements, but our dedicated attorneys prepare every case as if it is going to trial. That way, we’re ready to go to court if you are denied the compensation you deserve.
It’s important to remember that you are in control of your case at all times. Belluck & Fox is here to advise and help you achieve your legal goals, but you will decide what actions we take on your behalf.
Get Help from Accomplished Albany Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Now
Belluck & Fox has 25 years of experience representing clients in catastrophic injury claims in Albany and its surrounding communities. During that time, we have recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for deserving accident victims, helping them on the path to financial recovery.
Our attorneys represent clients on a contingency fee basis, which means we don’t get paid unless you receive compensation.
Contact us to discuss your legal rights now.