Missouri Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

The following types of personal injury are formally defined as catastrophic:

• Amputation: The loss of one or more limbs or extremities, which may be classified as catastrophic when it significantly impairs mobility, function, or the ability to perform activities of daily living. The loss of two or more limbs is often considered a presumptive catastrophic injury under many legal and medical standards.
• Significant organ damage: An injury resulting in the permanent and irreversible failure of a major organ system, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, or gastrointestinal tract. This level of impairment often requires lifelong medical care.
• Spinal cord injuries: These may result in permanent paralysis, such as quadriplegia (loss of motor and sensory function in all four limbs and the torso) or paraplegia (loss of motor and sensory function in the lower half of the body, typically affecting both legs). Such injuries are life-altering and typically classified as catastrophic due to their impact on mobility, independence, and long-term care needs.
• Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) may result in permanent cognitive impairment that significantly diminishes the individual’s ability to make independent decisions or perform essential activities of daily living. These activities may include eating, dressing, or bathing, and the loss of such functions can constitute a profound and lasting disability under the law.
• Vision loss: Vision loss may be classified as catastrophic when a person’s central visual acuity is no better than 20/200 in their stronger eye with the best possible correction, or when their field of vision is so limited that they can see no more than 20 degrees across the widest area of sight in that eye.
• Severe burn injuries: Third-degree burns covering a significant portion of the body, often resulting in permanent disfigurement, loss of mobility, and the need for long-term care or skin graft surgeries.
• Multiple fractures with long-term impairment: Especially those involving the pelvis, spine, or major joints, which result in permanent loss of function, chronic pain, or require prosthetic intervention.

These types of catastrophic injuries not only cause lifelong physical and emotional challenges but also demand extensive medical care, ongoing support, and significant financial resources.

A Missouri catastrophic injury attorney will thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potentially liable parties and legal theories of recovery. We often work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and life care planners to accurately assess the extent of your injuries and project your future medical, rehabilitative, and financial needs.

When appropriate, we may retain accident reconstruction experts to analyze the events leading to the injury and establish liability using advanced forensic tools. Throughout the legal process, our goal is to pursue a settlement, or, if necessary, a trial verdict, that reflects the full value of your losses and ensures access to the long-term care and support you require.

The Statute of Limitations

Missouri law provides a five-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, one of the longest timeframes in the country. However, waiting to consult with a Missouri catastrophic injury attorney is not advisable. Key evidence, such as surveillance footage or accident scene data, can be lost or destroyed if not preserved promptly. Engaging legal counsel early ensures that your rights are protected and critical evidence is secured.

Comparative Negligence

Even if you believe you may share some responsibility for the accident that caused your injury, it’s important to speak with a qualified Missouri catastrophic injury attorney. The state follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you may still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault. However, any damages awarded will be reduced in proportion to your degree of fault.

If you or a family member suffered a catastrophic injury because of another party’s negligence, recklessness, or deliberate action, contact an experienced Missouri catastrophic injury attorney at Buchanan Williams & O’Brien, P.C. today. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

We have offices in Joplin, Springfield, and St. Louis, serving clients throughout the state. We have proudly served Missourians for more than 40 years. While most cases are settled, we will take your case to trial if the insurance company fails to agree to a reasonable settlement amount.