Relentless Advocacy From Catastrophic Injury Attorneys In Omaha

Some injuries can heal with time. Others can leave a person with a long-term or permanent disability, changing their lives forever. When an accident leaves you or your loved one with a catastrophic injury, you have the right to hold the at-fault party accountable and demand fair compensation.

At Walz Law Offices, we understand the challenges that come with serious injuries, and our catastrophic injury lawyers are ready to provide the aggressive advocacy you need to seek justice. Following the principle of “By The Greater Weight,” we leave no stone unturned when building your case, ensuring we have the facts to make a powerful argument. Our attorneys provide comprehensive and compassionate guidance to injured individuals and their families throughout Omaha and across Nebraska.

What Makes An Injury “Catastrophic?”

Courts often consider an injury “catastrophic” if it is a severe impairment to a bodily system. This means the injury has a permanent or debilitating impact on a person’s ability to work, perform daily tasks or live independently. Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries: TBIs often result from a severe blow to the head in a car crash or a workplace fall. The long-term effects can include memory loss, cognitive issues and even changes in personality. A person with a TBI may struggle with day-to-day life, and may need extensive and long-term rehabilitation.
• Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can lead to partial or total paralysis, loss of sensation and an inability to control bodily functions. They can require significant medical care, mobility aids and home modifications.
• Accidental limb amputations: These injuries often happen in industrial or farm accidents involving heavy machinery. It can involve immediate surgeries followed by the long process of fitting and learning to use a prosthetic limb. This can have a huge effect on a person’s ability to perform their job and live their life independently.
• Severe burns: Often needing extensive and painful treatments such as skin grafts and reconstructive surgery, these injuries can also lead to chronic pain and a high risk of infection.

Our personal injury attorneys fight to make sure that our clients’ compensation truly reflects the full impact of their injuries, covering future needs and treatment alongside current expenses.

Standing Up Against Insurance Companies

A catastrophic injury often leaves a person needing immediate financial support, and insurance companies may use this to their advantage. In most cases, an insurance company’s main goal is to protect their bottom line, which is why they may try to use sophisticated tactics to lessen the value of your claim. This can include:

• Surveillance: Insurers may hire investigators to watch a claimant’s daily activities and find evidence that contradicts the severity of the injuries described in the claim.
• Pressure to agree to an early settlement: An insurer may quickly offer a small settlement before the full extent of your long-term medical needs becomes clear. The financial pressure from sudden medical bills has led many people to accept this settlement and sign away their right to pursue a full and fair claim.
• Independent medical exams: An insurance company may require you to see a doctor of their choosing, who they call an “independent medical examiner.” While health care practitioners have a duty to provide an objective medical assessment, they are still hired by the insurance company to evaluate your claim. There is a possibility that their opinion may minimize the seriousness of your permanent disability.

Our catastrophic injury lawyers are familiar with these common strategies and will work to counter them. We have our own trusted network of medical professionals to provide an unbiased assessment of your long-term needs. As your legal counsel, we will not let an insurer’s biased strategies affect your right to fair compensation.

Clarifying Concerns About Catastrophic Injury Claims

It can be difficult to know where to begin after suffering a life-altering injury. We have put together answers to some of the most common questions our clients have to help you understand your rights and the legal process ahead:

How long do you have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Nebraska, and are there any exceptions to the deadline?

In Nebraska, you can file a lawsuit within four years after the injury or accident. However, there are important exceptions that can shorten this timeframe. For example, if your injury occurred in a workplace accident, you may only have two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. If the negligent party is a government entity, the deadline can be as short as two years.

A few situations can also extend the deadline, such as if the injured person is a minor or is mentally incapacitated at the time of the injury. Our catastrophic injury attorneys will assess your case and advise you on any exemptions that might apply to your situation.

How do catastrophic injury cases differ from regular personal injury cases in terms of legal strategy and potential settlements?

The primary difference is the scale of the harm and the long-term impact on the victim’s life. A regular personal injury case often focuses on recovering costs for immediate medical treatment and short-term lost wages. A catastrophic injury case, on the other hand, requires a much more comprehensive legal strategy.

Our lawyers will account for a lifetime of financial need. This includes:

• Future medical care
• Home health aides
• Assistive devices
• Compensation for lost earning capacity and quality of life

As such, the potential settlement in a catastrophic injury case is usually much larger because it must cover these extensive costs. Our personal injury lawyers will take a thorough and aggressive approach to hold the at-fault party accountable for the full extent of the harm you suffered.

Take The First Step With Us Today

At Walz Law Offices, we know the struggles involved in a catastrophic injury case, as well as the courage it takes to stand up and fight for what’s right. Our attorneys are ready to be your advocate and guide you through every step of this difficult process. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. Call us at 402-998-5044 or send us a message through our online form.