Addressing the Impact of a Catastrophic Injury
A catastrophic injury is any harm that results in serious, long-term or permanent disability, such as severe burns, traumatic brain injuries, amputations, or spinal cord injuries. These typically require extensive medical care, may prevent the victim from returning to work, and significantly reduce one’s quality of life. Because of the gravity of these injuries, victims usually face astronomical medical bills, lengthy rehabilitation, and profound emotional struggles.
Nevada law recognizes the severity of catastrophic injuries by allowing victims to seek compensation that covers immediate and ongoing expenses, along with compensation for pain, suffering, and reduced earning capacity. If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Las Vegas catastrophic injury attorney who understands how to calculate the full scope of damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Life may look different after a catastrophic injury, but it is possible to build a brighter future— and we're here to help.
“After working with Arnold & Itkin, I feel good about my future. I feel like I have no worries. They were there for us, and they're still there for us now.”
- Denver Coulter, gas line explosion victim
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
While catastrophic injuries can take many forms, some are more common than others. Below is an overview of the most frequent and life-altering injuries we encounter. If your situation isn’t specifically listed here, you may still have a valid claim. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Las Vegas can review your case and offer more guidance.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A traumatic brain injury occurs when a blow or jolt to the head disrupts normal brain function. Even a mild concussion can lead to long-term issues if not treated properly, but severe TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment, altered personality, loss of motor function, and more. Victims often require constant medical care, rehabilitation, and therapies to relearn basic tasks. These injuries may stem from car accidents, falls, workplace incidents, or assaults.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury. Quadriplegia and paraplegia are among the most devastating outcomes, leaving victims unable to walk or care for themselves independently. Long-term medical expenses for spinal cord injury patients can be astronomical, including costs for specialized equipment, assistive devices, and significant home modifications.
Severe Burns
Burn injuries are not only excruciatingly painful; they often cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. Third-degree burns can destroy both the outer layer of skin and the tissues underneath, sometimes requiring skin grafts or reconstructive surgery. Serious burns may also lead to infections and complications that threaten the victim’s life. Industrial accidents, electrical malfunctions, car fires, and explosions on worksites are among the most common causes of severe burns.
Amputations & Limb Loss
When a limb is crushed or so badly injured that it cannot be saved, doctors may have no choice but to amputate. In other instances, a traumatic event, like a manufacturing or construction accident, can sever a limb instantly. This life-altering loss has enormous emotional and financial repercussions; victims often require expensive prosthetics, physical therapy, and psychological support to cope with the impact on daily life and self-image.
Primary Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Las Vegas
In a city like Las Vegas, catastrophic injuries can happen in a variety of settings. Though the circumstances of the accident or injury may vary, negligence or wrongdoing often lies at the heart of each incident.
Common causes of catastrophic injuries in Las Vegas include:
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Due to heavy tourism and congested roads, car and motorcycle collisions are a frequent source of severe injuries. On Las Vegas Boulevard, pedestrians may be at particular risk.
- Workplace Incidents: As a constantly developing city and a host of Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix, construction accidents, industrial fires, and machinery malfunctions can lead to limb loss, spinal trauma, or burn injuries.
- Slip & Falls: From slick casino floors to poorly maintained sidewalks, a hard fall can result in life-threatening head or spinal injuries. Las Vegas hotels, casinos, and other establishments may be liable for such injuries.
- Product Defects: A defective piece of equipment, automobile component, or consumer product can malfunction without warning, causing catastrophic harm to any resident or visitor in the Vegas area.
- Commercial Truck Collisions: Given the size and weight of commercial vehicles, accidents involving tractor-trailers and buses on major highways and city streets are more likely to produce devastating injuries.
Regardless of how your catastrophic injury occurred, the key legal question is whether another party’s negligence contributed to or directly caused the accident. As proven Las Vegas personal injury attorneys, our team at Arnold & Itkin can work with you to determine your next steps and best approach to finding the answers you need.
Securing Compensation After a Catastrophic Injury
Nevada law allows catastrophic injury victims to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. This compensation makes all the difference as a survivor and their family work to move on with their lives, particularly with the long-term physical, financial, and psychological effects they will have to deal with.
A successful catastrophic injury claim may include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medication and medical supplies
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Punitive damages
An experienced Las Vegas catastrophic injury lawyer can work to compile the evidence necessary to identify at-fault parties, support your claims, negotiate with insurers, and, if needed, take your fight to civil court.
Determining Liability in a Las Vegas Catastrophic Injury Claim
Determining who is legally responsible for a catastrophic injury can be complex, particularly in Las Vegas, with so many visitors and large property owners. In many cases, more than one individual or organization may share the blame.
The following parties may be liable for a catastrophic injury:
- Employers
- Hotel and casino owners
- Event promoters
- Venue owners
- Security companies
- Bar and restaurant owners
- Manufacturers
- Trucking companies
- Negligent drivers
- Third-party contractors
Talk to a Las Vegas Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
A catastrophic injury affects every facet of your life, from your physical well-being to your financial security. It’s a challenging path, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Our team at Arnold & Itkin has built our reputation on advocating for individuals who have experienced life-altering harm, winning more than $20 billion for our clients nationwide. Whether you need a catastrophic injury attorney in Las Vegas for a spinal cord injury, severe burn, amputation, or traumatic brain injury, we’re prepared to fight for the results you need—and deserve. No matter what.
Take the first step toward a brighter future. Call (888) 493-1629 or fill out our online form.
