Catastrophic Injury Cases Require Skill, Experience and Compassion. Are you Sufficiently Represented?
Catastrophic injury victims suffer serious, long-term repercussions in addition to immediate physical harm. They often require long-term medical care, resulting in devastating financial and emotional losses. Victims may lose their ability to earn a living or to perform the routine tasks of daily living. Caring for victims of catastrophic injuries is also no small task, and treatment costs can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Family members may also be left with the lifelong burden of providing comprehensive care to a loved one, which can put unnecessary stress and tension on family relationships. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.
What Medical Conditions Meet the Definition of “Catastrophic”?
Catastrophic injuries include the following:
- Spinal Cord Injury
May cause paralysis, impaired limb and breathing functions, often requiring breathing tubes or other assisted breathing devices. - Traumatic Brain Injury
May cause loss of certain body functions, including limb function and brain damage, or impaired emotional and mental functioning. - Serious Burn Injuries
May cause significant scarring and disfigurement, painful skin conditions, and the inability to regulate body temperatures. - Amputation
May cause impairment or loss of mobility, and often requires prosthetics or other replacement devices.
How We Can Help You
- We provide immediate assistance in determining which insurance company should be paying your medical bills and help you get those bills processed;
- We handle all communications with the insurance company for you;
- We advise you of all of the damages you can recover and confer with life care planners when necessary;
- We investigate all persons, businesses and governmental entities who may be responsible for your injuries or those of your loved one;
- We determine the value of your claim and assess the fairness of any settlement offers by the insurance company;
- We advise you of the risks and expenses associated with filing a lawsuit;
- We answer your questions and consult with you in person – please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our Experience and Commitment
Your family shouldn’t have to suffer because of someone’s negligence. It is critical that catastrophic injury claims be carefully researched, investigated and thoroughly prepared to ensure that those seriously injured are fairly and fully compensated. We have handled brain injury, spinal cord injury and amputation cases. Ken also started and led a monthly brain injury support group in his hometown of Burien, Washington. Our law firm believes that when you’re struggling to recover from catastrophic injuries – or dealing with the loss of a loved one – you shouldn’t have to fight the insurance companies and a complex legal system alone. We offer skilled representation, handle each case on an individual basis, and respond to your questions and concerns promptly. Please contact us for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.
Common Questions
How are my medical bills paid in a catastrophic injury case in Washington?
It depends on how the injury occurred, but it may be covered by your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or medical pay insurance coverage on your vehicle, or by your health insurance or by Medicaid or Medicare depending on your circumstances and age. In catastrophic cases, you may also be eligible for Social Security benefits. If another party acted negligently and is responsible for your injuries, then the negligent party is ultimately on the hook for your bills. However, insurance companies for the negligent party usually do not pay your bills as they are incurred, but pay them when your case is settled or resolved by judgment in court. Whoever paid your bills is then reimbursed out of your settlement or judgment proceeds.
How do I pay for your services?
Our firm handles catastrophic cases on what is called a contingency fee basis: earning our attorney’s fee is contingent upon obtaining a favorable settlement or verdict. The fees charged are a percentage of the settlement or verdict that is obtained. In most catastrophic accident cases our fee is 33% of the recovery, but in complex cases (roadway design, products liability) our fee is usually 40%. This fee agreement is different from a traditional hourly fee charged by attorneys who keep track of their time and charge you at their hourly rate. With an hourly fee attorney you must also pay for the attorney’s time as the case proceeds. We are paid at the conclusion of the case and do not charge you along the way. We also advance the costs of pursuing the case (paying for experts, depositions or other case related expenses for which you are responsible) and are repaid when we collect from the negligent party. The costs we advance are separate from the attorney’s fees we charge. To see a copy of our fee agreement or to have any of your questions answered, please contact us.
How do I know if I need an attorney?
Most personal injury cases are better resolved with the help of an attorney. If you are involved in a case where a small amount of money is being pursued, you may be better off representing yourself in settlement negotiations or in small claims court. With serious and catastrophic injuries, an attorney is recommended to capture all of your losses and to create greater value for your claim. At the very least, you should have an attorney consultation to assess your claim, to understand your options, and to explain the claims process. We offer free consultations, so please don't hesitate to contact us.
How long will the claim process take?
We will move as quickly as possible to resolve your claim and bring an end to this process. The time periods to settle claims do vary and there is no set answer as to how long your claim process will take since your settlement may depend upon your injuries and recovery, or the court in which we have filed a lawsuit. In King County, for example, cases are set for trial roughly 18 months after a lawsuit is filed with the court. Most cases settle without a trial or hearing, bringing closure sooner than the trial date.