Catastrophic Injury Claims in Pennsylvania: Amputations, Severe Burns & Permanent Disability
Some injuries heal. Catastrophic injuries don't. An amputation, a severe burn, a spinal cord injury or a serious brain injury can change a person's ability to work, live independently and care for a family for the rest of their life. A claim for an injury like this has to be built around the future, not just the bills on the table today.
What counts as a catastrophic injury
Amputation or loss of a limb
Severe burns requiring grafts and repeated surgeries
Spinal cord injury and paralysis
Traumatic brain injury with lasting effects
Loss of vision or hearing
Injuries causing permanent scarring and disfigurement
Building a claim for a lifetime
A catastrophic injury claim often relies on experts to put a real number on the future:
Life-care plans laying out future surgeries, prosthetics, therapy, medications, home changes and in-home care
Lost earning capacity, not just lost wages to date, but the career and income you can no longer earn
Economists who calculate those future costs in today's dollars
Pain and suffering, including the loss of life's pleasures and the impact on your family. Your spouse may also have a loss of consortium claim.
When one insurance policy isn't enough
Catastrophic injuries often exceed the at-fault driver's policy. That makes it critical to look for every source of recovery: umbrella policies, employers responsible for their drivers, defective product claims, dram shop liability, and your own underinsured motorist coverage, which may be stacked. Settlements may also need to account for health insurance liens and protect eligibility for future benefits.
Don't settle before you know the full picture
It can take months to understand the full extent of a catastrophic injury. Insurers know that and may push for an early settlement. Once you sign a release, you can't go back. Pennsylvania's general deadline to file is two years from the injury.
Talk to Joyce, Carmody & Moran
If you or someone you love suffered a life-changing injury anywhere in Pennsylvania, call Joyce, Carmody & Moran at 570-602-3560 for a free consultation. We build claims that account for the whole road ahead.
Our Wilkes-Barre personal injury lawyers and truck accident attorneys handle serious injury cases throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Let’s Work Together
When you work with us, you can expect clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and a team that is fully invested in your goals. We take the time to understand your needs, tailor our approach, and stand with you through every step of the legal process. Let’s move forward — together.