Suffering a catastrophic accident can change your life in an instant, leaving you and your family facing overwhelming medical bills, long-term care needs, and uncertainty about the future.
When these devastating events occur, you deserve a compassionate advocate who will fight for the compensation and justice you need to move forward. The Brooklyn personal injury attorneys at Aviles Law Firm PLLC understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll of catastrophic injuries, and we are dedicated to standing by your side every step of the way.
With deep knowledge of New York personal injury law and a proven track record of results, our catastrophic accident lawyers in Brooklyn are prepared to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the recovery you deserve. Call us today to get started.
What We Can Do for You After a Catastrophic Injury
After a catastrophic injury, life can feel overwhelming. That’s where we step in. Our firm is committed to providing the highest level of legal representation, taking on the hard work so you can focus on recovery.
We handle everything:
- Investigating the accident
- Collecting evidence
- Working with medical experts
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing every case as if it’s going to trial
With over 100 years of combined experience and a 99.99% success rate, our attorneys have recovered over $1 billion for clients—including many multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. Nearly half of our cases come from referrals by other law firms that trust us with the toughest, most complex cases.
We’re proud to be one of the most successful Hispanic-owned personal injury law firms in the history of New York. Our team represents all major Hispanic ethnicities and provides fully bilingual service, giving us a cultural connection that truly sets us apart.
Our results and reputation speak for themselves. We’ve been recognized with:
- Best of the Best Attorneys, Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm for 2023 and 2025
- Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Personal Injury Law Firm for 2022 and 2025
- TopVerdict.com United States Top 10 Bench Award for All Practice Areas for 2021 and 2025
- American Institute of Trial Lawyers’ Best Law Firm for 2024 and 2025
- The National Institute of Trial Lawyers’ Best Trial Lawyer in America for 2024 and 2025
When everything is on the line, you want a firm with the skill, experience, and proven record to fight for you.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Catastrophic Injury in New York?
Because catastrophic injuries often cause permanent damage and lifelong challenges, the compensation available in these cases is typically much greater than in standard personal injury claims. In New York, victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover the financial losses you’ve already suffered as well as those you’re likely to face in the future and may include:
- Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation
- Future medical care: Ongoing therapies, assistive devices, in-home care, or long-term treatment needs
- Lost wages: Income you’ve already lost while recovering
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can no longer return to your previous work or earn the same income
- Home and lifestyle adjustments: Costs to modify your home or vehicle for accessibility
Non-economic damages recognize the immense personal toll of a catastrophic injury:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from engaging in activities you once loved
- Disability or disfigurement: The long-term impact of scarring, amputations, or permanent impairments
- Loss of consortium: Harm to your relationship with your spouse or family
Because these claims often involve substantial future costs and complex legal issues, you want to work with a Brooklyn catastrophic accident lawyer who can calculate the true value of your case and fight to secure the maximum recovery available.
What Constitutes a Catastrophic Injury in New York?
In New York, not every serious accident injury is considered “catastrophic.” A catastrophic injury is one that causes long-term or permanent damage, significantly altering a person’s quality of life and ability to work. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, or lifelong care.
Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Leading to permanent cognitive, behavioral, or physical impairments
- Spinal cord injuries: Resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Severe burns: Causing lasting pain, disfigurement, or disability
- Amputations: The loss of a limb or extremity due to trauma or medical necessity
- Multiple fractures or orthopedic injuries: Particularly when they affect mobility or lead to chronic pain
- Organ damage or internal injuries that compromise long-term health and function
- Vision or hearing loss: Especially when permanent
What makes these injuries “catastrophic” is not only their severity but also their impact on your daily life, earning ability, and future independence. Victims may be unable to return to their previous careers, require modifications to their homes, or need ongoing medical support.
Because the stakes are so high, these cases often involve complex legal and financial issues, including significant claims for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. An experienced Brooklyn catastrophic accident lawyer from our firm can ensure that your rights are protected and that you build the best case for full and fair compensation.
How Long Do I Have to Act After a Catastrophic Injury?
In New York, the time you have to take legal action after a catastrophic injury is limited by what’s known as the statute of limitations. For most personal injury cases, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, per CPLR § 214. However, there are important exceptions:
- Claims against government entities: If your injury involves a city, state, or public agency (such as a municipal bus or subway accident), you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days, and the lawsuit itself must be filed much sooner than in standard cases.
- Wrongful death claims: If the catastrophic injury results in death, surviving family members usually have two years from the date of their loved one’s passing to bring a lawsuit.
While these timelines may seem generous, it’s important not to wait. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate as time passes. The sooner you speak with a Brooklyn catastrophic accident lawyer, the stronger your case will be. Acting quickly also ensures your attorney has time to fully investigate, build your claim, and protect your right to compensation.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t delay — contact a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to safeguard your legal rights and begin the process of pursuing the justice and financial recovery you deserve.
Speak With a Brooklyn Catastrophic Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered life-altering injuries in a catastrophic accident, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our Brooklyn catastrophic accident lawyers are here to provide trusted guidance, aggressive representation, and the compassionate support you need during this difficult time. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you secure the financial resources necessary for your recovery and future.
Contact Aviles Law Firm PLLC today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you so you can focus on healing while we focus on pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Can I Afford a Lawyer?
Yes. One of the biggest concerns after a catastrophic injury is the cost of hiring an attorney — but the good news is, you can absolutely afford legal representation. At our firm, we handle catastrophic accident cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No upfront costs: You don’t pay anything out of pocket to get started.
- We only get paid if we win: Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or verdict we recover on your behalf.
- Free initial consultation: You can speak with us, learn your options, and decide if we’re the right fit — all at no cost.
This structure allows you to focus on your recovery without worrying about additional financial strain. It also means our interests are fully aligned with yours; we are motivated to fight aggressively for the maximum compensation available, because we don’t get paid unless you do.
So when you ask, “Can I afford a lawyer?” the answer is a confident yes. Justice should never depend on your financial situation, and we are committed to making high-quality legal representation accessible to every catastrophic injury victim in Brooklyn and throughout New York.
What Types of Catastrophic Injury Cases Do You Handle?
Our team represents people injured in all types of catastrophic injury accidents, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Aviation accidents
- Train accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Construction accidents
What Is the Average Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?
When it comes to catastrophic injury settlements in Brooklyn, there really is no such thing as an “average” payout. Every case is unique, and the settlement amount depends on many factors, including the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s ability to work, the cost of ongoing medical care, and the circumstances of the accident itself.
For some, compensation may focus primarily on covering medical bills and lost wages, while for others it can also account for long-term rehabilitation, permanent disability, or diminished quality of life. Because these variables differ so greatly from one case to the next, settlement amounts can vary widely. Instead of looking for an average, it’s best to consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case and provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Should I Speak With the Insurance Adjuster?
You should not speak with the other party’s insurance adjuster until you have spoken with us. Catastrophic accident and injury cases are often high-value, and as such, the insurance company will do everything in its power to avoid paying what you deserve. The insurance adjuster will attempt to trick you into saying something that jeopardizes your case, and this is much easier to do than you think. We can handle all communication with the insurance adjuster and all involved parties to protect your right to compensation. It also allows you to focus on what truly matters—recovering and getting used to your new normal.
