Salt Lake City Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries change a person and his or her family’s entire way of life. Debilitating injuries result in immediate and long-term challenges that need to be addressed to help you and your family move forward with your lives.

Helping You Every Step Of The Way

You need to protect your rights when a severe injury is caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a person or company. At Handy & Handy, we will help you every step of the way. We believe in being your advocate by providing personal service and aggressive representation to help you find the best road to recovery.

Our lawyers both worked at a big personal injury law firm before starting Handy & Handy. We are proud to provide the experience and results you expect from a large firm with the personal attention and compassion you need.

We Care About Protecting Your Future

The seriousness of your injuries is not lost on us. We care about helping you through this difficult time. We will explore your legal options, inform you of your rights, and take all necessary steps to find the best possible outcome for you and your family.

We take the time to get to know you and your family to see how your injuries have impacted your way of life, including the physical, emotional, and psychological impact. This allows us to build a strong case that will address your needs now and in the future.

We have experience helping individuals in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah with catastrophic injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal cord injuries
• Paralysis
• Loss of limbs and amputations
• Burns

Our attorneys have more than 35 years of experience helping victims pursue legal action against the party responsible for their injuries. We will vigorously protect your rights and advocate for the best outcome.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is an injury that permanently alters an accident victim’s life.  Catastrophic injuries often require a team of medical professionals to address the needs of the victim and related complications.  

Recovery from a catastrophic injury may include:

• Physical therapy;
• Surgical procedures;
• Medications; 
• Specialty care; 
• In-home assistance; or 
• Nursing care. 

Many victims of catastrophic injuries never return to the workforce.

Three Types of Catastrophic Injuries

There are three types of catastrophic injuries: physical injuries, spinal cord injuries, and cognitive injuries.  

Physical catastrophic injuries are those that cause the loss of a body part.  These may include:

• Limb amputation;
• Second or third-degree burn injuries;
• Internal organ damage;
• Severe or multiple compound bone fractures; 
• Permanent vision or hearing loss; and
• Permanent damage to orthopedic function or body tissue. 

Spinal cord catastrophic injuries exclusively affect the spinal cord.  These injuries cause lifelong mobility issues like full or partial paralysis and medical complications such as:

• Intense pain;
• Sexual dysfunction; and
• Loss of bladder control.

Cognitive catastrophic injuries are the result of brain damage.  These injuries can deprive their victim of the ability to:

• Work;
• Walk;
• Speak; or 
• Form new memories.  

Cognitive catastrophic injuries may include traumatic brain injury or TBI.  Although not all traumatic brain injuries are catastrophic.

Causes of Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury can result from any type of severe accident.  However, some accidents are more likely to cause catastrophic injuries.

These include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Commercial truck accidents;
• Dog bites;
• Bicycle accidents with motor vehicles;
• Pedestrian accidents with motor vehicles;
• Sports accidents such as football and cheerleading;
• Falls from heights;
• Fires and explosions;
• Medical malpractice;
• Horseback riding accidents;
• Defective products;
• Workplace accidents, especially construction; and
• Violent crime.

Compensation in Catastrophic Injury Claims

There are several factors that must be considered when in any claim for catastrophic injuries.  The value of a claim depends on both economic and non-economic damages and the effect of the injury on the victim’s life overall whether physically, mentally, psychologically, or emotionally.  

Economic damages are monies paid to reimburse any accident-related costs.  Economic damages may be current or future, anticipated expenses.  Economic damages have designated dollar amounts.   

Examples of economic damages are as follows:

• Medical bills for past and future accident-related expenses;   
• Lost wages;
• Loss of earning potential;
• Costs of nursing or long-term care;
• Medical devices;
• Occupational therapy;
• Rehabilitation;
• Psychological therapy or counseling
• Modifications to a home or auto; and
• In cases of death, end-of-life expenses.

Noneconomic damages are harder to place a dollar amount on as they include more subjective losses such as:   

• Loss of enjoyment of life;
• Loss of consortium; 
• Pain and suffering;
• Disfigurement;
• Emotional and mental anguish; and
• Loss of companionship.

Every catastrophic injury claim is unique. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney must review all aspects of a claim prior to anticipating a claim value and identifying which damages are available to a victim.

Contact an Experienced Salt Lake City Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today 

When you need the help of an experienced Salt Lake City catastrophic injury attorney, reach out to Handy & Handy. Our attorneys have more than 35 years of experience helping victims pursue legal action against the party responsible for their injuries. At Handy & Handy, our catastrophic injury attorneys will vigorously protect your rights and advocate for the best outcome possible in your accident case. Call (801) 264-6677 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation. There is no risk to meet with us as we only get paid if we win your claim.