Norfolk Catastrophic Injuries Lawyer

Put 40+ Years of Experience on Your Side

Approximately 2 million people get injured and 40 thousand lose their lives in nearly 6.5 million motor vehicle traffic crashes in the United States every year. In the year 2018, Virginia witnessed a total of 131,848 motor vehicle crashes, where 820 people lost their lives and 66,523 injured. (Source- NHTSA)

Catastrophic injuries are life-changing, and victims may experience severe mental and emotional turmoil because of the traumatic crash they endured. Virginia's catastrophic injury attorneys at Kalfus & Nachman can ensure a fair settlement by offering highly skilled and compassionate legal counsel.

At Kalfus & Nachman PC, we understand the devastating impact that catastrophic injuries can have on individuals and their families. Catastrophic injuries often result in life-altering consequences, causing significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, our experienced team of attorneys is here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our Norfolk catastrophic injury attorneys know what it takes to win cases and how to get the best possible results for our clients.

Call to schedule a case evaluation with one of our catastrophic injury attorneys in Norfolk today.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury refers to a severe and often permanent injury that has a profound impact on a person's life. These injuries typically result in long-term or permanent disabilities, requiring extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Catastrophic injuries often have a significant impact on the victim's ability to perform daily activities, maintain employment, and enjoy a normal quality of life.

The specific definition of a catastrophic injury may vary depending on legal and insurance contexts, but generally, it includes injuries that result in:

• Severe Physical Damage: Catastrophic injuries typically involve extensive physical damage to the body, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, multiple fractures, amputations, and internal organ damage.
• Long-Term or Permanent Disabilities: These injuries often result in long-term or permanent disabilities that require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily activities. Examples include paralysis, loss of limb function, blindness, deafness, or significant cognitive impairments.
• Profound Impact on Quality of Life: Catastrophic injuries have a profound impact on a person's overall quality of life. They may cause chronic pain, emotional distress, loss of independence, inability to engage in previous activities, and a need for extensive support and accommodations.
• High Medical Costs and Financial Burdens: Treating and managing catastrophic injuries can result in substantial medical expenses, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, rehabilitation services, assistive devices, and ongoing therapies. These costs, coupled with potential loss of income due to disability, can place a significant financial burden on the injured individual and their family.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

Our skilled Norfolk catastrophic injury lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle a wide range of catastrophic injury cases, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Multiple fractures
• Organ damage
• Paralysis
• Blindness or deafness
• Internal injuries

What to Do After an Accident

After an accident, it is important to act quickly. You will have only a limited amount of time to file a claim, so you will need to act quickly and follow the proper steps. Our Norfolk catastrophic injury attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and can file your claim on your behalf if you choose.

The first step is to get medical attention. Catastrophic injuries require immediate and ongoing medical care. Even if you do not think you are seriously injured, you should go to the emergency room to get checked out.

You will also need to gather evidence. This will include:

• Police reports
• Accident reports
• 911 calls
• Emergency room and doctor's office records
• Photographs of the scene of the accident
• Photographs of your injuries

You will also need to contact your insurance company and file a claim. You may also need to file a claim with the at-fault party's insurance company. If you do not have insurance, you can still file a claim with your insurance company to help cover your medical bills and other expenses.

FAQs About Catastrophic Injury Claims in Norfolk, VA

How do I file a catastrophic injury claim?

To file a catastrophic injury claim in Norfolk, VA, you should start by consulting a personal injury attorney who specializes in serious injury cases. The process typically involves gathering medical records, police reports, witness statements, and any evidence showing negligence or liability. Your attorney will help you file a claim with the responsible party's insurance company or take the case to court if a settlement cannot be reached. Virginia law sets a statute of limitations, so it's critical to act promptly—generally, you have two years from the date of the injury.

Who can be held liable for a catastrophic injury?

Liability for a catastrophic injury in Norfolk can fall on individuals, companies, or even government entities depending on the circumstances of the case. For instance, if you were injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, that driver may be liable. In cases involving defective products, the manufacturer could be responsible. In a workplace injury, it might be an employer or a third-party contractor.

What kind of compensation can I receive for a catastrophic injury?

Victims of catastrophic injuries in Norfolk may be entitled to several forms of compensation. These typically include medical expenses (both current and future), lost income, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and costs for long-term care or home modifications. In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the responsible party’s actions were especially egregious. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your quality of life.

How is fault determined in a Virginia catastrophic injury case?

Virginia follows a pure contributory negligence rule, which means if you are found even 1% at fault for the incident that caused your catastrophic injury, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. This makes establishing liability a critical and often complex part of your case.

How long does a catastrophic injury lawsuit take?

The timeline for a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Norfolk can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to settle, and court schedules. Simple cases might resolve in a few months, but more complex claims involving extensive injuries and multiple liable parties can take a year or more to fully resolve.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury, our team at Kalfus & Nachman PC can help. Our catastrophic injury lawyer in Norfolk can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We know what it takes to win cases and how to get the best possible results for our clients. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.

Call to schedule a case evaluation with one of our catastrophic injury lawyers in Norfolk, VA, today.