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Written By:
Christopher Nicolaysen
Christopher Nicolaysen

Member of the Colorado Bar Association since 2014. Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in Colorado car accidents, other auto accidents, and Colorado personal injury incidents.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and attorneys at Springs Law Group and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced Colorado personal injury lawyer, Christopher Nicolaysen, you can do so here.

Springs Law Group does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Do You Need Help from Experienced Catastrophic Injury Attorneys?

A Colorado catastrophic injury lawyer from Springs Law Group helps clients across Colorado recover compensation after life-altering injuries.

These cases often involve immense physical, emotional, and financial burdens that impact the injured person and their entire family.

Springs Law Group takes a compassionate, detail-oriented approach to these claims, helping injury victims pursue full and fair compensation for permanent disabilities, future medical care, and other lasting damages.

Meet Our Team of Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers; Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer In Welby, Colorado (CO)

Our Colorado-Based Attorneys Handle Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injury cases often involve traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other severe injuries that result in permanent disability or long-term medical needs.

Whether caused by car accidents, construction accidents, or incidents of medical malpractice, these injuries often bring massive medical bills and emotional hardship.

Victims may be unable to return to work, support their families, or enjoy the life they once had.

Filing a personal injury lawsuit can help cover immediate expenses while also holding the insurance company or negligent party accountable.

In some cases, these injuries even result in wrongful death, compounding the suffering for surviving loved ones.

Springs Law Group is experienced in handling serious or catastrophic injuries and understands the high stakes involved in each case.

Our attorneys work to secure fair financial compensation that reflects the true impact of your injury, both now and for the future.

If you or a loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or another life-altering harm due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit and pursue financial recovery.

Springs Law Group is here to help you take legal action against those responsible and fight for the compensation you need to move forward.

Contact us for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a catastrophic injury lawsuit instantly.

Table of Contents

How Do Catastrophic Injuries Occur?

Catastrophic injuries often result from violent, unexpected incidents that cause permanent impairments and dramatically alter the course of a person’s life.

These serious injuries can affect not just the body, but a victim’s ability to work, engage socially, or care for themselves and their loved ones.

In many cases, injury victims are left with lifelong medical needs, including surgeries, physical therapy, and assisted living arrangements.

Whether the result of a motor vehicle accident or a case of medical negligence, catastrophically injured individuals frequently require extensive support and legal recourse.

Understanding the most common causes of these devastating injuries is an essential part of determining who may be held accountable.

Common causes of catastrophic injuries:

  • Motor vehicle accidents (including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes)
  • Workplace accidents involving heavy machinery or unsafe conditions
  • Medical malpractice cases resulting in brain damage, paralysis, or wrongful death
  • Construction accidents and falls from heights
  • Defective products or equipment failures
  • Pedestrian or bicycle collisions
  • Explosions, fires, or toxic exposure
  • Acts of violence or criminal assault

Catastrophic injuries can permanently affect the brain, spine, or limbs, impacting physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

When these injuries are caused by the negligence of another party, such as an employer, manufacturer, or driver, victims may be able to seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

Proving liability requires showing how the defendant’s actions or inaction directly led to the harm suffered.

Legal representation is especially important in these cases, as liable parties often have powerful insurance companies defending their interests.

A dedicated attorney can help uncover the facts, identify all responsible parties, and fight for the full extent of compensation owed.

Common Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries often result in permanent disability or long-term health complications that alter every aspect of an injured person’s life.

Many of these injuries require lifelong medical care, frequent rehabilitation, and can lead to profound financial and emotional hardship for both the individual and their family.

When a catastrophic injury is caused by someone else’s negligence, pursuing compensation can help offset the burden of treatment and care.

Conditions like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries are especially severe and may prevent a person from ever returning to work.

Examples of Common Catastrophic Injuries:

The Legal Process for a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Colorado

Catastrophic injury lawsuits in Colorado follow a specific legal process grounded in state personal injury law, which provides victims and their families the ability to seek financial relief for severe, life-altering injuries.

Whether the case involves a medical malpractice claim, a serious vehicle collision, or another form of negligence, the path to recovering maximum compensation begins with informed, strategic action.

An experienced personal injury lawyer will help guide the injured person or victim’s family through each stage of the case, ensuring that legal deadlines and evidentiary standards are met.

These claims often require more extensive evidence and expert testimony than less severe injury cases due to the lifelong impact on the individual.

The law firm you choose should be equipped to handle complex litigation and advocate forcefully for both economic and noneconomic damages.

At Springs Law Group, we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your claim and begin building a case for recovery.

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the legal process:

  1. Initial Consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer – Discuss the injury, facts, and potential legal options.
  2. Investigation and Evidence Collection – Your legal counsel will gather medical records, expert opinions, and other documentation supporting your personal injury claim.
  3. Filing the Claim – A formal complaint is filed against the at-fault party, outlining the nature of the injury and damages sought.
  4. Pre-Trial Motions and Discovery – Both sides exchange information, depose witnesses, and build legal arguments.
  5. Settlement Negotiations – Many cases settle before trial, often after mediation or informal negotiation between parties.
  6. Trial in Civil Court – If no fair settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial where a judge or jury decides liability and damages.
  7. Resolution and Compensation – If successful, the injured person or their family receives financial compensation, including costs for future medical care, loss of income, and emotional suffering.

Can Family Members File on Behalf of an Injured Person?

Yes, family members can often file a lawsuit on behalf of an incapacitated person who has suffered a catastrophic injury, especially when the individual is unable to make decisions or participate in legal proceedings due to the severity of their condition.

In these cases, a legal guardian or conservator may be appointed to act in the best interest of the injured person.

This process allows the family to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, long-term care needs, and pain and suffering while protecting the rights of the incapacitated individual.

Colorado law supports this approach, particularly in cases involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or other serious conditions that render the victim legally or functionally incompetent.

Working with a personal injury lawyer can help families initiate and manage the legal process effectively under these circumstances.

Do You Qualify for a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit?

To determine whether you qualify for a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Colorado, several key factors must be evaluated.

First, your injury must be classified as catastrophic, meaning it has caused permanent disability, disfigurement, or loss of major bodily function.

Common examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or amputations.

If someone else’s negligence or misconduct led to your condition, you may have a strong legal basis to seek full and fair compensation through a personal injury claim.

Working with an experienced lawyer is essential, as they can assess your eligibility, help gather supporting evidence, and build a compelling case on your behalf.

Financial support may be available for both economic and non-economic damages, including long-term care, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your rights and maximizing the compensation available.

Your attorney can explain how state law applies to your situation and guide you through every stage of the legal process.

Gather Evidence for Your Catastrophic Injury Claim

Gathering strong evidence is critical to building a successful catastrophic injury claim.

A skilled lawyer can help you organize medical documentation, obtain official reports, and show how the injury has affected your entire family.

Resources like the American Medical Association’s disability guidelines may be used to assess long-term impact and verify injury severity.

In addition, police reports can help clarify the events that led to your injury and identify potential liable parties.

Examples of evidence may include:

  • Police reports from the scene of the incident
  • Medical records and diagnoses from treating physicians
  • Documentation from the American Medical Association (AMA) regarding permanent impairments
  • Photographs or video evidence of the accident or injuries
  • Expert witness testimony from medical professionals or accident reconstructionists
  • Written statements from family members describing lifestyle changes and emotional effects
  • Proof of lost wages or diminished earning capacity
  • Insurance claim correspondence and denials
  • Rehabilitation plans or lifetime care cost projections

Types of Damages in Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injury claims often involve life-altering damages that extend far beyond initial medical bills.

These claims account for both tangible losses and the profound emotional and psychological toll on the injured person and their family.

Because of the severity and long-term implications of these injuries, it’s critical to seek damages that reflect the full scope of the harm suffered.

Future medical treatment, long-term care, and diminished quality of life are just some of the factors your attorney may calculate into the value of your claim.

In cases where the responsible party acted with extreme negligence or recklessness, punitive damages may also be awarded.

Types of damages in catastrophic injury claims include:

  • Medical expenses (past and ongoing)
  • Future medical treatment and rehabilitation services
  • Costs for in-home care or long-term assisted living
  • Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium or companionship
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm

An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can help you identify all applicable damages and fight for a settlement or verdict that truly reflects the devastating impact of the injury.

Springs Law Group: Colorado Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

When life is upended by a catastrophic injury, you need more than just legal representation

You need a team that understands what’s at stake.

At Springs Law Group, our Colorado catastrophic injury lawyers are committed to helping you and your family recover the financial resources and justice you deserve.

We handle each case with care, urgency, and deep respect for the long-term challenges you face.

If you or someone you love has suffered a life-altering injury, don’t wait to get the legal support you need.

Call Springs Law Group today for a free case evaluation and learn how our experience, compassion, and drive can help you recover full and fair compensation.

We’re ready to stand by your side and fight for your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer?

    Most catastrophic injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees upfront.

    Instead, your lawyer only collects a percentage of your financial recovery if they successfully win or settle your case.

    This structure allows injured individuals and their families to access strong legal representation without the burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

    If your claim is unsuccessful, you typically owe nothing for legal services rendered.

    This model benefits victims by aligning the attorney’s interests with yours.

    Both parties are motivated to secure the maximum compensation possible.

  • Can a family member file a wrongful death claim if the victim succumbs to catastrophic injuries?

    Yes, a family member may file a wrongful death claim if a loved one dies from catastrophic injuries caused by another party’s negligence or misconduct.

    Under Colorado law, wrongful death claims are available when a person’s death results from the wrongful act, neglect, or default of another.

    If the injuries were so severe that the victim ultimately passed away (whether immediately or after medical intervention) their death may be legally actionable as a wrongful death rather than a personal injury claim.

    Eligible family members, such as a surviving spouse, children, or parents, may have the right to pursue the claim depending on the timing and circumstances of the death.

    A wrongful death claim allows the family to seek compensation for economic losses (like funeral costs and lost income) as well as non-economic losses such as grief and emotional suffering.

  • What should you do immediately after suffering a catastrophic injury?

    If you or a loved one experiences a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, taking the right steps early can significantly affect the strength of your claim and your ability to recover damages.

    Your actions after the incident can help preserve critical evidence and protect your legal rights.

    Here are the steps you should take:

    • Seek immediate medical attention to assess and treat serious injuries.
    • Report the incident to the proper authorities (police, employer, property owner, etc.).
    • Preserve all documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and communications.
    • Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters or providing recorded statements without legal counsel.
    • Contact a catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your case.

    Acting quickly helps your legal team gather evidence, determine liability, and begin the process of pursuing fair compensation for you and your family.

  • Are catastrophic injuries more complicated than other personal injury lawsuits?

    Yes, catastrophic injury cases are generally more complex due to the severity of harm involved, the long-term impact on the victim’s life, and the greater financial stakes.

    These claims often require extensive medical documentation, expert testimony, and detailed assessments of future care needs and lost earning potential.

    The legal process can also be more demanding because insurance companies tend to fight harder against high-value claims, and multiple parties may share liability.

    Working with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer can help you navigate these challenges and build a strong case for compensation.

  • What factors affect the value of a catastrophic injury claim?

    Several key factors influence the value of a catastrophic injury claim, especially when long-term or permanent consequences are involved.

    These claims are often more substantial than typical personal injury cases due to the extensive care and life impact involved.

    When evaluating a claim, your catastrophic injury attorneys will consider:

    • The severity and permanence of the injuries
    • Projected costs of lifelong medical care and rehabilitation
    • Loss of current and future earning capacity
    • Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
    • The extent of the liable party’s negligence or misconduct
    • Availability of punitive damages in extreme cases

    Each case is unique, so speaking with an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer can help you understand what may apply to your situation.

Written By:

Attorney, Christopher M. Nicolaysen focuses primarily on helping those injured in car accidents due to no fault of their own.

The personal injury matters include auto accidents, bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and trucking accidents.

Chris truly enjoys helping clients through a difficult time and helping them get the compensation they deserve.

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About Springs Law Group
The lawyers at Springs Law Group have experience handling diverse personal injury cases with empathy and understanding.
We recognize the delicate nature of these claims and tailor strategies to meet your unique requirements, focusing on smart — not emotional — strategies.
Our team is committed to building long-lasting, trust-based client relationships.
We believe this approach helps ensure that choosing us means partnering with a firm that genuinely values you as a person — not just another client.
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Do You
Have A Case?
No out of pocket costs.
We only collect a fee AFTER you win your case and receive full compensation.
Contact our team today to discuss your case for free & Get answers in as little as 3 minutes.
Would you like our help?
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1
Investigation
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2
Treatment
You focus on healing. We help guide you through the process.
3
Medical Records
Get the records we need to make sure you have a strong case.
4
Demand Prep
Prepare and send our demands to the insurance company.
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Negotiation
Negotiate with the insurance company for max compensation.
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Reach a settlement offer you agree with or we file a lawsuit.
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If we have to go to court, our trial lawyers get ready to win.

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