Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Catastrophic injuries are often severe in nature. These injuries typically include significant bodily harm, including spinal cord injuries, organ damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Such injuries can leave the victim with permanent damage, permanent impairment, and a recovery period that can take anywhere from several months to several years.

Unfortunately, these types of injuries are becoming far too common. According to a recent report, over 6,000 people sustained traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the state of Washington in 2015 alone. If you believe that the negligent actions of another person were responsible for your catastrophic injury, you are entitled to seek fair compensation for your medical costs, lost wages, and any additional pain and suffering.

Here at my firm, The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, I have the experience and resources needed to help you hold the responsible parties accountable. I can review and investigate the details that led to your accident and determine the best way to pursue the compensation you deserve. As a knowledgeable Washington state personal injury attorney, I can fight compassionately to protect your rights and help you recover rightful compensation that can cover your medical bills, lost wages, and account for any additional pain, discomfort, and suffering you’ve been forced to endure.

My firm is proud to represent clients across Seattle, and all of Western Washington, including the Puget Sound Area, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett — so call today to schedule your own free consultation.

What are Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are severe injuries to a person's brain, spinal cord, spine, internal organs, or other body parts that often result in long-term or permanent disability or a complete inability to function. Catastrophic injuries often require multiple surgeries and have devastating, long-term effects on the victim. Some common examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Spine or spinal cord Injuries

• Head and traumatic brain injuries

• Skull fractures

• Back injuries

• Hip injuries/fractured pelvises

• Internal injuries

• Internal organ damage

• Knee injuries

• Amputations

• Multiple bone fractures

• Severe burns

• Disfigurement

• Neurological disorders

• Loss of hearing, sight, or other senses.

• Permanent injuries to the central nervous system

Any of these injuries can require a lengthy recovery process and a loss of enjoyment of life. In some cases, they can even lead to the victim's death.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Washington

Victims of catastrophic injuries can recover fair financial compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury claim. However, there are some important laws that address liability when it comes to successfully pursuing a personal injury claim in Washington State.

Statute of Limitations

In Washington, the statute of limitations for a catastrophic injury claim is three years from the date of the injury or accident. This means that you have a three-year window of opportunity to file a claim to pursue compensation for your injuries. That three-year time period begins from the date that the injury or accident occurred, not from when you decided to seek treatment for your injuries.

Washington Is an At-Fault State

Additionally, Washington is considered an "at-fault" state. This means that the person responsible for causing any catastrophic injury will be held accountable for all medical expenses, vehicle damages, and any other losses suffered by the victim of the accident. Injured victims can proceed by:

• Filing a claim with their own insurance provider

• Filing a claim against the at-fault party's insurance company

• Filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party in civil court

Washington’s Comparative Negligence Law

Washington State operates using the "pure comparative negligence" rule. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 4.22.005, contributory fault in an accident does not bar you from attempting to recover damages. However, your compensation will be reduced by your fault percentage.

For example, if the court awarded a $100,000 settlement for your personal injury lawsuit, and you were found to be 20% at fault for the accident, your damages will be reduced by $20,000 to account for your level of fault in the accident. This means that the final amount that you will be eligible to collect will be $80,000.

Under Washington State's pure comparative negligence principle, an injury victim can still collect compensation even if they were 99% responsible for their injuries.

Pursuing a Wrongful Death Claim

The purpose of a wrongful death claim is to compensate the surviving family members of the deceased for an avoidable death if it was caused by someone else’s negligent actions. According to the Revised Code of Washington Section 4.22.020, the following people can file a wrongful death action:

• The decedent's personal representative

• The decedent's spouse or state-registered domestic partner

• The decedent's children or stepchildren

However, if the decedent has none of the above, then the parents or siblings can file a wrongful death claim.

Work With a Trusted
Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Catastrophic injuries, such as organ damage, loss of limb, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries can have devastating consequences that leave lasting effects on the victim’s financial, physical, and mental well-being. Luckily, you don't have to face these challenges alone. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can be a crucial first step that you can take to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you need to aid in your recovery.

For nearly 20 years I have dedicated my career to offering comprehensive legal guidance, support, and compassionate representation to catastrophic injury victims and their families. As your attorney, I can:

• Review and investigate every aspect of your case

• Gather important information, pieces of evidence, and required documentation

• Attempt to prove fault and establish liability

• Determine the full extent of your catastrophic injuries and estimate case-value

• Work to negotiate a fair settlement with any insurance companies involved

• If necessary, file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit to help you maximize your personal injury settlement

I will fight vigorously to protect your rights and advocate for your needs at every turn. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can often make the difference between a denied personal injury claim and a successful one. So don’t wait. If you or someone you know has experienced a catastrophic injury following an accident, call or reach out to my firm today to schedule a free case consultation. I’d be happy to sit down with you and discuss the details of your unique situation.