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    A catastrophic injury can happen in an instant and change your life – and the lives of your loved ones – forever.

    A hit-and-run that leaves you overturned in a ditch. A train derailment. A collision with a truck. A hard fall on a hidden patch of ice.  A fire. All of these, and many more, can leave you with injuries that are life-threatening, disabling, disfiguring or permanent.

    If you or a loved one are injured catastrophically, you should contact a catastrophic injury lawyer in NYC as soon as possible. 

    Catastrophic Injury Attorney in New York City

    What is a catastrophic injury?

    A “catastrophe” is defined as “a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin.” An injury that results from a momentous tragic event, such as a serious car accident, a fall or a fire, and has a resulting ruinous effect on your life and your future, is an injury that qualifies for the classification of “catastrophic.”

    Types of Catastrophic Injuries 

    New York City catastrophic injury lawyer Michael Lamonsoff "The Bull," can recover the highest compensation for you for the following types of catastrophic injuries: 

    Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

    Traumatic brain injuries can result in long-term or permanent disability, affecting cognitive functions, motor skills, and emotional well-being. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation and can severely impact a victim’s quality of life and ability to work.

    Spinal Cord Injuries

    Spinal cord injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, resulting in significant lifestyle changes and the need for lifelong care. The costs associated with these injuries, including medical expenses, assistive devices, and home modifications, are substantial.

    Severe Burn Injuries

    Third or fourth-degree burns can cause immense pain, deep tissue and organ damage, disfigurement, and psychological trauma. Victims may need multiple surgeries, including skin grafts and reconstructive procedures, as well as long-term physical therapy and counseling.

    Amputations

    Losing a limb is a life-altering event that can drastically change a person’s ability to perform daily activities and work. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and adaptations to living spaces and vehicles add to the financial burden on victims and their families.

    Internal Organ Damage

    Injuries resulting in significant damage to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys can have serious, lifelong implications. These injuries often necessitate ongoing medical treatment, frequent monitoring, and sometimes organ transplants.

    Multiple Fractures

    Catastrophic accidents can result in multiple fractures, especially complex fractures that affect several bones or joints. These injuries often require extensive surgical intervention and lengthy rehabilitation and can lead to chronic pain and disability.

    Permanent Disfigurement

    Injuries that result in permanent disfigurement can cause significant emotional distress and impact a victim’s self-esteem and social interactions. These injuries often require multiple reconstructive surgeries and psychological support.

    Neurological Injury

    Catastrophic injuries can lead to long-term neurological disorders, affecting the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. These disorders can severely impact a victim’s mobility, sensation, and cognitive functions, necessitating lifelong medical care and support.

    Vision or Hearing Loss

    Permanent loss of vision or hearing significantly impacts a person’s ability to communicate, work, and navigate daily life. Victims may need assistive technology and retraining to adapt to their new circumstances.

    Chronic Pain Syndromes

    Catastrophic injuries can result in chronic pain syndromes such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) or neuropathic pain, which require ongoing pain management and can severely impact a person's quality of life and ability to function.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

    Victims of catastrophic injuries often experience PTSD, which can significantly affect their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that require long-term therapy and support.

    Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in New York

    Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events that may result from severe accidents, leaving victims struggling with mounting medical bills, long-term rehabilitation needs, loss of wages, and extensive physical, emotional, and financial strain on victims and their families. New York catastrophic injury attorney Michael Lamonsoff "The Bull" ensures that injured victims in these cases receive the largest possible compensation they deserve to cover these burdens and rebuild their lives.

    How do you cope with a catastrophic injury?

    When a catastrophic injury happens to you or someone that you love, you need to have trustworthy and skilled lawyers on your side who have the experience and resources necessary to get you the compensation you deserve for your damages. With more than 100 years of collective experience in aiding victims of catastrophic injury, the legal team at the Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC is ready to give you the help that you need with some of the best catastrophic injury attorneys in New York City.

    Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in New York

    Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events that may result from severe accidents, leaving victims struggling with mounting medical bills, long-term rehabilitation needs, loss of wages, and extensive physical, emotional, and financial strain on victims and their families. New York catastrophic injury attorney Michael Lamonsoff "The Bull" ensures that injured victims in these cases receive the largest possible compensation they deserve to cover these burdens and rebuild their lives.

    Key causes of these catastrophic injuries include: 

    • Car Accidents: Car accidents are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries in New York City, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and multiple fractures. These accidents can result from reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signals or adverse weather conditions.
    • Truck Accidents: Due to their massive size and weight, truck accidents typically lead to catastrophic injuries such as head, neck, and back injuries, amputations, organ damage, and fatalities. Factors like driver fatigue, improper loading, and trucking company negligence contribute to these devastating incidents.
    • Bus Accidents: Bus accidents can cause serious harm to passengers and other road users. Catastrophic injuries from bus accidents include head injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries, often due to driver negligence, poor maintenance, or road hazards.
    • Uber/Lyft Accidents: Rideshare accidents involving Uber and Lyft vehicles can result in devastating injuries to passengers, drivers, and pedestrians. Distracted driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and driver inexperience are common causes.
    • Motorcycle Accidents: Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries. These accidents often occur due to limited visibility, road hazards, or driver negligence.
    • Bicycle Accidents: Bicycle accidents frequently result in serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries. Causes include collisions with vehicles, poor road conditions, and lack of proper safety measures.
    • Pedestrian Accidents: Pedestrians struck by vehicles can suffer catastrophic injuries, including brain injuries, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures. Distracted driving, failure to yield, and poor visibility are common contributing factors.

    Common Causes Continued

    • Drunk Driving Accidents: Accidents caused by drunk drivers often lead to severe injuries or fatalities. Impaired judgment, slowed reaction times, and loss of control contribute to these tragic events.
    • Distracted Driving Accidents: The use of mobile devices and various other distracted driving behaviors can lead to catastrophic accidents, causing injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and severe fractures.
    • Drowsy Driving Accidents: Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to focus and react, leading to accidents that result in serious injuries like head trauma, back injuries, and internal bleeding.
    • Speeding Accidents: High-speed collisions often result in catastrophic injuries due to the increased force of impact. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and severe fractures.
    • Slip and Fall Accidents: Slip and fall accidents can cause significant injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and broken bones. Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper signage are typical causes.
    • Construction Accidents: Construction sites are inherently dangerous, with risks of falls, machinery accidents, and falling objects. Catastrophic injuries can include amputations, spinal injuries, and severe fractures.
    • Fire and Explosion Accidents: Fires and explosions can lead to catastrophic injuries, such as severe burns, respiratory damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Causes include gas leaks, electrical faults, and chemical reactions.
    • Sports Accidents: High-impact sports can result in catastrophic injuries like concussions, spinal cord injuries, and fractures. Inadequate safety measures, poor training, and faulty equipment contribute to these injuries.
    • Recreation Accidents: Recreational activities such as boating, skiing, and rock climbing pose risks of severe injuries, including head injuries, spinal injuries, and fractures. Lack of proper safety protocols and equipment failure are common causes.
    • Negligent Security Assaults: Inadequate security measures can lead to assaults and resulting injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and severe physical trauma. Poor lighting, lack of surveillance, and insufficient security personnel are contributing factors.
    • Industrial Accidents: Industrial environments expose workers to heavy machinery and hazardous materials, leading to injuries such as amputations, chemical burns, and respiratory damage. Causes include equipment failure, lack of training, and unsafe work practices.
    • Workplace Accidents: Various workplace accidents, from falls from heights to caught-between machinery, can result in catastrophic injuries. Factors such as inadequate training, poor safety protocols, and equipment malfunctions contribute to these life-threatening accidents.
    A gurney by an abulance

    Types of Damages NYC Catastrophic Injury Attorney Michael Lamonsoff "The Bull" Will Recover for You

    If you have suffered a catastrophic injury in New York City, you need fair and full compensation for your recovery and future well-being. NYC personal injury lawyer Michael Lamonsoff, known as "The Bull" for his relentless advocacy, will fight to recover a comprehensive range of damages for you, including:

    Medical Expenses

    The costs associated with medical treatment for catastrophic injuries can be overwhelming. Michael Lamonsoff will work tirelessly to try and ensure that all your medical expenses are covered, including:

    • Hospital Stay Costs: The cost of hospitalization, surgery, medical treatment, and nursing care. 
    • Medical Devices and Healthcare Equipment: Costs for wheelchairs, prosthetics, and other necessary devices.
    • Home Accommodations: Modifications to your home to accommodate your injury, such as ramps or accessible bathrooms.
    • Prescription Drugs and Over-the-Counter Medications: All necessary medications to manage pain and aid in recovery.
    • Co-pays and Transportation Fees: Out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments and transportation to and from treatment facilities.
    • Mental Health Counseling: Therapy to address the psychological impact of your injury.
    • Physical or Occupational Therapy: Rehabilitation services to aid in your physical recovery.
    • Ongoing Medical Treatment: Any long-term or future medical care required due to your injury.

    Wage-Related Losses

    Catastrophic injuries often lead to significant financial strain due to lost wages. Michael Lamonsoff will seek to ensure you are compensated for:

    • Lost Income, Tips, and Wages: Earnings lost while you are unable to work.
    • Loss of Employer Contributions to Your 401(k): Retirement savings contributions lost due to absence from work.
    • Loss of Future Potential Earnings: Reduced earning capacity due to long-term or permanent disability.
    • Lost Sick Time, Vacation Pay, or Other Paid Time Off: Compensation for paid time off that you were unable to use due to your injury.
    • Loss of Employer Health Insurance: The value of health insurance benefits lost due to inability to work.

    Pain and Suffering

    The emotional and physical toll of a catastrophic injury can be significant. Compensation for pain and suffering can  cover:

    • Physical Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain that affects your daily life.
    • Mental Anguish: Psychological distress caused by the trauma of the accident.
    • Skin Scarring or Disfigurement: Permanent physical changes resulting from your injury.
    • Loss of Consortium: Impact on your relationship with your spouse or partner.
    • Reduced Quality of Life: Inability to enjoy activities you once did.
    • Embarrassment, Indignity, and Inconvenience: Emotional suffering due to changes in your appearance or abilities.
    • Fear or Apprehension: Anxiety and fear resulting from your injury and its implications.

    Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.

    The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff

    Catastrophic Injury FAQ

    How does New York law protect victims of catastrophic injuries?

    New York law provides avenues for victims to seek compensation through personal injury claims. Laws such as the New York Labor Law Sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6) offer specific protections for workers injured on the job, ensuring they can hold negligent parties accountable.

    Can an undocumented worker file a catastrophic injury claim in New York City?

    Yes, undocumented workers have the right to file a catastrophic injury claim in New York City. The New York State Labor Laws protect all workers, regardless of their immigration status, allowing them to seek compensation for injuries sustained on the job.

    How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in New York City?

    In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit dictates how long you have to commence a suit. It’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the statutory timeframe.

    Who can be held liable for a catastrophic injury in New York City?

    Liable parties can include individuals, companies, or entities whose negligence or wrongful actions caused your injury. This may include employers, property owners, product manufacturers, drivers, or other responsible parties depending on the circumstances of your case.

    What should I do immediately after sustaining a catastrophic injury in New York City?

    Seek immediate medical attention, report the injury to the relevant authorities (such as your employer or the police), document the accident scene if possible, and contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options and begin the claims process.

    What is the discovery process in a catastrophic injury lawsuit?

    The discovery process involves both parties exchanging relevant information and evidence before trial. This may include depositions, discovery requests, requests for production of documents, and requests for admissions. It’s a critical phase to gather the necessary evidence to support your claim.

    How do workers' compensation laws interact with personal injury claims for catastrophic injuries in New York?

    If you are injured at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits regardless of fault. Based on this, if a third party's negligence contributed to your injury, you may also pursue a personal injury claim to recover additional damages not covered by workers' compensation, such as pain and suffering.

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