When a catastrophic injury strikes, your life can change in an instant. A spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, severe burn, or permanent disability can leave you facing years of medical treatment, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. If your catastrophic injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation that reflects the full impact of your injuries—not just today, but over time. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Newark can help you pursue financial recovery. Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers has recovered over $700 million for clients across New Jersey, and we bring that same commitment to every catastrophic injury case we handle.
Why Choose Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for Your Newark Catastrophic Injury Case
Catastrophic injuries often require more than a standard personal injury approach. They involve long-term medical, financial, and emotional consequences. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, our trial attorneys have decades of experience handling serious injury cases. We work with medical professionals, vocational specialists, and economic analysts to build a comprehensive understanding of your damages. We have obtained verdicts and settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for clients with catastrophic injuries—including a $21.8 million settlement for a child injured in a pedestrian accident and an $8.525 million settlement for a construction worker.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is free, and we are available 24/7 to answer your questions. If you cannot come to our office, we can arrange to meet you at your home, hospital room, or another convenient location. We are committed to advocating for your interests and pursuing a fair outcome.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury
Not all serious injuries are considered catastrophic. A catastrophic injury generally causes permanent, life-altering damage and often requires ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, or long-term support. Understanding what qualifies as catastrophic can help you determine whether you may have a claim. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, catastrophic injuries often result in permanent neurological damage requiring extensive rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries range from partial to complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the damage. A complete injury at the cervical level (neck) can result in quadriplegia—loss of function in all four limbs. Thoracic injuries (mid-back) often cause paraplegia, affecting the lower body. Even partial injuries may lead to chronic pain, loss of sensation, and reduced motor control. Many individuals face long-term medical expenses, mobility equipment needs, home modifications, and personal care assistance. The National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center provides comprehensive data on spinal cord injury outcomes and recovery.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur when a blow or jolt to the head damages brain tissue. Severe TBIs can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, and loss of motor function. Some individuals may require long-term or full-time care. The long-term costs of brain injury care—including medical treatment, therapy, and support services—can be substantial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that TBIs are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.
Severe Burn Injuries
Severe burn injuries damage skin and underlying tissue, creating risks of infection, scarring, and long-term complications. Burns covering large areas of the body may require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and extended rehabilitation. Many individuals experience lasting physical and psychological effects and may be unable to return to prior employment. The American Burn Association provides resources for burn injury prevention and treatment standards.
Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
Catastrophic injuries can also include those that result in permanent disability or significant disfigurement that limits a person’s ability to work or live independently. This may include limb loss, severe facial injuries, or conditions that impair daily functioning. These injuries often qualify for workers’ compensation claims if they occur in the workplace.
How Catastrophic Injuries Happen in Newark
Catastrophic injuries can occur in many settings. Identifying how your injury happened is an important step in determining liability and pursuing compensation.
Motor vehicle accidents are a common cause, particularly high-speed collisions, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes. Construction site accidents may involve falls, equipment failures, or electrocution. Workplace incidents in industrial settings can result in crushing injuries, amputations, or burns. Premises liability incidents—such as unsafe property conditions or inadequate security—may also lead to severe injuries. Medical malpractice during treatment or surgery can result in lasting harm. Defective products, including vehicles and machinery, may cause serious injury when they fail unexpectedly.
Compensation Available for Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injury cases often involve significant damages due to the long-term nature of the injuries. New Jersey law allows for recovery of both economic and non-economic damages under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.
Economic damages may include current and future medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, costs of home modifications or assistive devices, and expenses for in-home or long-term care. Non-economic damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement. In cases involving especially egregious conduct, punitive damages may be available under New Jersey law.
The value of a catastrophic injury case depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, age, life expectancy, prior income, future care needs, and available evidence. Working with an experienced Newark personal injury attorney can help you assess and present these damages effectively.
Our Approach to Catastrophic Injury Cases
Catastrophic injury cases require a detailed and strategic approach. We take the time to fully develop each case and evaluate settlement offers carefully. Our team, led by experienced trial attorneys including Edward P. Capozzi and Peter L. MacIsaac, brings decades of combined experience to every case.
We begin by investigating how the injury occurred, gathering records, witness statements, and other evidence. We identify potentially responsible parties, which may include individuals, employers, property owners, manufacturers, or government entities. We consult with medical professionals to understand your condition and long-term needs, and we work with vocational and economic professionals to evaluate financial impact. We then negotiate with insurance companies based on the available evidence. If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we may file a lawsuit and prepare the case for trial.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries
What is the statute of limitations for a catastrophic injury claim in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you generally have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions may apply. For example, if the injured person is a minor, the time limit may be extended. In some cases, the discovery rule may apply if the injury was not immediately known. Speaking with an attorney promptly can help preserve your rights.
How long does a catastrophic injury case take to resolve?
There is no fixed timeline. Some cases resolve within months, while others may take longer, particularly when they involve serious injuries, multiple parties, or extensive evidence. The focus is typically on reaching a fair outcome rather than resolving the case quickly. Learn more about how long a personal injury lawsuit takes.
What should I do immediately after a catastrophic injury?
Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are able, document the scene and gather witness information. Avoid speaking with insurance representatives before consulting an attorney. You can contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your situation. Our Essex County personal injury lawyers are available 24/7.
How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?
Each case is different. The value depends on factors such as injury severity, financial impact, and available evidence. An attorney can provide a more specific evaluation after reviewing your records and the details of your case. Review our case results and settlements to see examples of recoveries we’ve achieved.
Will my case go to trial?
Many personal injury cases settle before trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, filing a lawsuit and proceeding to trial may be necessary. Our trial-ready team has successfully litigated catastrophic injury cases through verdict.
Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?
Yes. New Jersey follows a comparative negligence rule. You may recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you are not eligible for recovery. Any compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Learn more about comparative negligence in New Jersey.
Contact Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers Today
At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we understand that a catastrophic injury can have long-term consequences that affect many areas of your life. Our team is committed to helping clients pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of their losses. Call (973) 364-8300 today to discuss your Newark catastrophic injury claim.
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We are the trial attorneys with the experience and knowledge to get you the results you deserve. At Brach Eichler Injury Lawyers, we take time to get to know you, as well as your case. We are committed to excellence. It is important for our team to understand your fears, concerns and expectations. We are always available to answer any questions, and are willing to come to you if you are unable to come to us.
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