When a moment of negligence results in a life-altering, catastrophic injury, the impact on you and your family is devastating and permanent. These injuries change your life forever, leaving you with overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial burdens. You have the right to hold the responsible individual, corporation, or government entity accountable. The catastrophic injury attorneys at The Cochran Firm Atlanta devote their careers to helping victims like you secure the resources necessary to recover and move forward. We are committed to continuing Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr.'s legacy of passionate advocacy for those who have suffered severe harm due to the misdeeds of others.

A History of Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts

The Cochran Firm has a long and proven history of securing landmark verdicts for victims of catastrophic injuries and gross negligence. Our willingness to take complex cases to trial and fight for the maximum possible compensation has resulted in some of the largest personal injury verdicts ever awarded. While every case is unique, our record demonstrates our commitment to achieving justice for our clients.

Some of our notable results include:

  • $197 Million Jury Verdict for plaintiffs who were catastrophically injured when their rented car, which was not equipped with sufficient seatbelts, collided with a disabled tractor-trailer.
  • $104 Million Jury Verdict for two brothers who were rendered quadriplegic after diving from a pier into shallow water. The beach was unattended by a lifeguard and the pier lacked adequate warnings of the danger.
  • $100 Million Jury Verdict awarded in a pedestrian knockdown case after a mother and her child were struck by a car.
  • $76 Million Verdict for two men who were severely and unjustifiably beaten by undercover officers in a case of mistaken identity, resulting in brain damage for one of our clients.
  • $51.4 Million Jury Verdict for a young girl whose right forearm was crushed when she fell beneath the wheels of a streetcar during a party.
  • $40 Million Jury Verdict for a worker who was paralyzed after falling six floors through an open elevator shaft.
  • $32.9 Million Jury Verdict for an infant who suffered brain damage after an unnecessary, premature delivery. The mother had received improper medical care after a cancer diagnosis during her pregnancy.

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

Unlike a standard personal injury, a catastrophic injury is defined by its severity and the long-lasting, life-altering effect it has on the victim. These injuries are often permanent and prevent an individual from returning to their previous way of life or performing any gainful work. Generally, an injury is deemed catastrophic if it results in significant, long-term disability or disfigurement, such as the loss of a limb, paralysis, or a traumatic brain injury.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Atlanta

While a catastrophic injury can happen in many ways, most cases arise from a few common types of incidents where negligence is a factor. The most frequent causes our Atlanta catastrophic injury attorneys see include:

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents: Collisions involving cars, commercial trucks, and motorcycles are a leading cause of severe harm, often resulting in traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
  • Workplace and Construction Accidents: Dangerous job sites, particularly in construction and industrial settings, expose workers to risks like falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and toxic exposure.
  • Medical Malpractice: Errors made by doctors, surgeons, or other healthcare professionals can lead to devastating, life-altering injuries for patients.
  • Defective Products: When a poorly designed or manufactured product fails, it can cause severe burns, amputations, or other catastrophic harm to the user. 

Do You Have a Catastrophic Injury Claim in Georgia?

If you are subjected to an injury or any kind of mishap because of a mistake made by another person, then you have the right to file a personal injury case against the culprit. In this case, it is crucial to consult an expert catastrophic injury lawyer who can help you gain a fair compensation for your injury.

Common Challenges in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Pursuing a catastrophic injury claim presents significant challenges. Insurance companies often resist paying large settlements, using their resources to devalue your claim or shift blame. Proving the full extent of your damages, which includes projecting the cost of future medical care, lost earning capacity, and lifelong pain and suffering, is a complex task. The at-fault party will likely try to argue that you were partially responsible to reduce their liability under Georgia's comparative negligence laws. An experienced catastrophic personal injury lawyer is essential to navigate these complexities and counter the tactics used by defendants and their insurers.

Our Approach to Winning Your Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

The Cochran Firm Atlanta provides comprehensive legal representation designed to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Our process begins with a thorough investigation of your case to establish who is liable for your damages. We gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements, to build a powerful and undeniable claim on your behalf. Our catastrophic injury attorneys handle all negotiations with insurance companies, fighting to reach a fair settlement that covers your extensive medical bills, lost income, and long-term care needs. If a just settlement cannot be reached, our experienced trial lawyers are always prepared to take your case to court and advocate aggressively for a verdict in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Claims

What Makes a Personal Injury Claim Catastrophic?

A personal injury claim is considered catastrophic due to the severity and permanence of the injuries involved. These cases almost always involve lifelong disabilities, disfigurement, and the need for ongoing medical care, resulting in much higher financial damages compared to a standard personal injury claim.

What Is an Example of a Catastrophic Injury?

Common examples include traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that impair cognitive function, spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia, the amputation of a limb, severe third-degree burns that cause permanent disfigurement, and paralysis.

How Much Do Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Charge?

Most catastrophic injury lawyers, including The Cochran Firm Atlanta, work on a contingency-fee basis. This means you do not pay any attorney fees upfront. Instead, the lawyer's fee is a percentage of the total compensation they successfully recover for you through a settlement or court verdict. If we don't win your case, you owe us nothing.

Can You Survive a Catastrophic Injury?

Yes, it is possible to survive a catastrophic injury, but survival often means adapting to a new way of life with permanent impairments. Recovery typically involves extensive and lifelong medical treatment, rehabilitation, therapy, and adaptive assistance to manage the physical and emotional challenges.

What Is a Catastrophic Disability?

A catastrophic disability refers to a permanent and severe impairment that prevents an individual from performing any meaningful employment. It signifies a long-term loss of function that drastically alters a person's physical or mental capabilities, requiring significant medical and personal support for the rest of their life.

Contact a Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawyer Today for A Free Consultation

Speak to a dedicated catastrophic injury lawyer and resolve all your queries over a call. Dial (404) 222-9922 for a free consultation.

We bring together a diverse group of premier serious personal injury lawyers to represent clients who have suffered severe or catastrophic personal injuries. Our serious injury lawyers are handpicked by Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr., and we are committed to continuing his legacy and his passionate advocacy for the disadvantaged, the disenfranchised, and the downtrodden. The Cochran Firm Atlanta takes an energetic stance against the corporations, doctors, hospitals, and municipal factions that may be responsible for your injury. Our serious injury lawyers are committed to representing clients who may not know how to begin aggressive litigation. Your origin and status are not liabilities at The Cochran Firm Atlanta.

Want to file a catastrophic injury claim? Contact our catastrophic injury lawyers, who have expertise in catastrophic injury cases, including amputations, brain injuries, burn injuries, fractured bones, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, and toxic exposure. Call The Cochran Firm Atlanta toll-free at (404) 222-9922, or send us your queries using this inquiry form.