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Phoenix Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Serving Clients in Phoenix & All of Arizona

A Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer at Burg Simpson represents clients who have been severely injured through no fault of their own. Catastrophic injuries can result in major physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. The cost of treating these injuries, not to mention the subsequent financial losses, can be enormous.

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If you were injured due to somebody’s negligence, you should not have to face these hardships on your own. Our catastrophic injury attorneys can fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Burg Simpson has been representing injured people for more than 45 years. We are a nationwide law firm with a history of obtaining substantial verdicts and settlements on behalf of those who have suffered a catastrophic injury in a wide variety of incidents.

What qualifies as a catastrophic injury? | Burg Simpson

Why Choose Us for a Catastrophic Injury Case?

Each personal injury claim is different. With catastrophic injuries, you need an attorney who understands the far-reaching impact on your health and well-being, family, and finances. Your lawyer also needs to be able to advocate for you effectively so you have the resources for current and future damages.

At Burg Simpson, catastrophic injuries are a major focus of our practice. Reasons to choose a catastrophic personal injury lawyer at our firm include:

  • Results: We have earned more than $2 billion in settlements and trial awards for clients in personal injury claims.
  • Awards: Individual attorneys and the firm as a whole have received numerous awards and accolades, including recognition in Best Law Firms in the Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs category for the Phoenix metropolitan area.
  • Resources: Burg Simpson has a team of 60+ attorneys nationwide. We have established relationships with leading experts whose testimony allows us to build strong cases on behalf of catastrophic injury victims.
  • Local clout: Attorneys at Burg Simpson are well-known by local courts, defense lawyers, and insurance companies in the Phoenix area. Our reputation for winning precedes us, providing a decisive edge in settlement negotiations and at trial.
  • Trial experience: The complexity of catastrophic injuries and the money at stake mean that these cases may end up going to trial. Burg Simpson has a long history of preparing cases for trial and winning awards in court for plaintiffs who have been seriously injured.

To speak with a Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer, call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today. We serve clients throughout Arizona. Your initial case evaluation is FREE, and you only pay fees if we earn a favorable result.

Phoenix Catastrophic Injury Attorneys

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

The term “catastrophic injury” does not have an exact legal definition. Generally speaking, an injury is considered catastrophic if it results in severe and permanent disability, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and/or significant dysfunction of a bodily system or function.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include:

Catastrophic injuries require immediate medical intervention. Extensive therapy and rehabilitation may also be necessary to regain function and independence. This may include physical therapy, retraining for occupational and vocational tasks, and more.

Recovery from a catastrophic injury is a long and difficult process. Unfortunately, some limitations from the injury may be permanent. A catastrophic injury attorney at Burg Simpson can review your case and assess your right to compensation while you focus on recuperation.

Causes of Catastrophic Injury

Virtually any type of incident resulting in personal injury has the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. Catastrophic injury lawyers at Burg Simpson can help pursue compensation for any of the following:

Determining the cause of the injury is key for establishing the legal avenues available to you. If the negligence of another party caused you harm, a Phoenix catastrophic injury attorney can fight to hold the defendant(s) accountable. This may include a motorist, a property owner, a doctor, a company, etc.

Burg Simpson promptly and fully investigates injuries and accidents. This ensures that all evidence is preserved and recovered, which is key for identifying the defendants and establishing liability for your injuries.

Arizona Catastrophic Injury Statistics

Motor vehicle accidents account for a significant number of serious injuries every year. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, there were 18,130 instances of suspected serious injury in crashes between the years 2018 and 2022.

Burg Simpson provides exceptional legal service for clients injured in motor vehicle collisions and other incidents throughout Arizona. Contact us today for FREE to discuss your case and explore your right to recompense.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

A catastrophic injury claim is a personal injury action where the plaintiff has suffered serious, life-altering injuries. Though there is no legal distinction between cases based on the severity of injury, catastrophic injury claims tend to differ from other injury matters in several key respects:

  • Medical needs: Lengthy hospitalizations, ongoing therapy, and household support are often necessary after a catastrophic injury. People with less serious injuries do not typically require this level of treatment.
  • Effect on income: It is not uncommon for people with catastrophic injuries to suffer some level of disability. This can make it difficult—if not impossible—for them to earn a living or return to the job they had prior to the accident.
  • Damages: Compensation sought for a catastrophic injury tends to be much higher than the amounts seen in other personal injury claims. This is attributable not only to substantial upfront medical expenses and loss of income, but the damages a seriously injured person will likely face in the future.
  • Impact on the family: A catastrophic injury can have adverse effects on relationships with a spouse, children, and other family members. It is important to account for all of the ways a serious accident impacts victims and their families, from loss of companionship and support to loss of earnings to household expenses.
  • Legal challenges: Insurance companies are more likely to contest liability for a catastrophic injury claim due to the damages that are typically at stake. This may result in more challenging negotiations and a greater likelihood of going to trial.

Strong evidence and expert testimony are essential for making a catastrophic injury claim. A skilled Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer will have the knowledge to identify what support is needed for your case and the resources to hire reputable experts in medicine, economics, accident reconstruction, and other disciplines.

What to do after a catastrophic injury | Burg Simpson

What Compensation Is Available for a Catastrophic Injury?

At Burg Simpson, we believe people who have been seriously harmed by the negligence or wrongdoing of others deserve maximum compensation for their injuries. The unique circumstances of your case will determine the damages to which you may be entitled.

The compensation that may be recovered for a catastrophic injury includes:

  • Current and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages to date, as well as future loss of earnings
  • The cost of retraining for a different job
  • Damage to personal property
  • Out-of-pocket expenses for medical equipment and assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, medical-related travel, and more
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Mental and emotional distress
  • Permanent disability
  • Disfigurement and scarring

You and your family may also be entitled to compensation if a catastrophic injury results in the death of your loved one. Our lawyers can investigate the incident that led to your relative’s death, identify those responsible, and pursue fair compensation on your family’s behalf through a wrongful death claim.


$58.5 Million

Mistreatment of Human Remains

$31.875 Million

Public Service Company of Colorado dba Xcel Energy, Gas Explosion

$18.105 Million

Single Vehicle Motor Vehicle Crash

$15.06 Million

Wrongful Death

$9.7 Million

Motor Vehicle Crash

$9 Million

Truck Crash / Commercial Motor Vehicle Crash

$9 Million

$7.5 Million

$7.3 Million

$6.4 Million

Gas Explosion

$6 Million

Product Defect Case

$5.8 Million

$5.3 Million

Bad Faith Insurance

$5.1 Million

$4.38 Million

$4.1 Million

Brain Injury

$3.85 Million

$3.5 Million

$3.49 Million

$3.48 Million

$3.49 Million

$3.03 Million

$3 Million

$2.9 Million

$2.8 Million

$2.53 Million

$2.49 Million

$2.45 Million

$2.34 Million

$2.3 Million

$2.27 Million

$2.25 Million

$2.2 Million

$2.2 Million

$2.17 Million

$2.15 Million

$2.02 Million

$2 Million

$1.99 Million

$1.9 Million

$1.87 Million

$1.77 Million

$1.75 Million

$1.76 Million

$1.75 Million

$1.75 Million

$1.64 Million

$1.74 Million

$1.73 Million

$1.72 Million

$1.71 Million

$1.7 Million

$1.6 Million

$1.57 Million

$1.5 Million

$1.51 Million

$1.5 Million

$1.5 Million

Pursuing Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury

A Phoenix catastrophic injury attorney has an in-depth understanding of the rules of civil trial procedure in Arizona. This knowledge is critical for correctly bringing a personal injury claim.

Plaintiffs in Arizona are not allowed to include the dollar value of the damages they are seeking in the complaint. The complaint must indicate the tier of damages being claimed, as defined by the Arizona Rules of Civil Procedure.

  • Tier 1: Claims for $50,000 in damages or less
  • Tier 2: Claims for damages between $50,000 and $300,000
  • Tier 3: Claims for damages totaling $300,000 or more

The choice of damage tier is an important consideration. Courts allot a certain amount of time for discovery based on the assigned tier. Discovery is the process of collecting information and preparing for trial.

With complex legal actions (which usually include catastrophic injury claims), you and your lawyer need enough time to make an effective case. This starts with the proper filings.

Do I Have a Catastrophic Injury Case?

As with any personal injury claim, there are certain elements you need to prove to establish your right to compensation for a catastrophic injury. These elements include:

  1. The defendant owed you a duty of care, or an obligation to avoid actions that could cause you harm.
  2. The defendant’s actions constitute negligence, or a breach of the duty of care.
  3. The negligence of the defendant caused your injury or injuries.
  4. You sustained damages as a result of the defendant’s negligence.

A Phoenix catastrophic injury attorney will thoroughly review the evidence to determine the viability of your case. This may include medical records, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and more.

Catastrophic injury claims must also be brought within the statute of limitations. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for personal injury is generally 2 years. You do not want to miss your opportunity to obtain fair compensation, so you should seek legal counsel as soon as possible.

Disabled African-American man in a wheelchair | Burg Simpson

What Should I Do After a Catastrophic Injury?

The steps you are able to take after a catastrophic injury are often limited due to the seriousness of the trauma. Preserving your legal rights is important, but not at the expense of your safety. To keep it simple, the things you should do after a catastrophic injury are:

1. Call 911

Any serious injury should be reported to the authorities immediately. First responders will arrive on scene to tend to your medical needs, and the police may ask you for a statement.

2. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

You will likely meet with multiple medical professionals in the days and weeks following a catastrophic injury. They will be giving you a lot of information, but it is important to pay attention and comply with their treatment recommendations. Doing so may aid in your recovery.

3. Continue with Medical Treatment

Various types of rehabilitation may be needed after you are released from the hospital. Following the therapy regimen may result in improvements to your condition. It also shows that you are serious about your recovery and creates a record of the nature and extent of your injury.

4. Keep All Bills & Documents

Staying organized is crucial if you believe you have a personal injury claim. Hold onto anything that proves how much your injuries cost (including medical bills, insurance statements, invoices, etc.), as well as records demonstrating other effects of the injury (such as communications with your doctor, employer, etc.).

5. Speak with an Attorney

A Phoenix catastrophic injury lawyer can advise you whether you have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. Be sure to bring any documents and other evidence to the initial consultation to provide the attorney with the clearest picture of your case.

Why Choose Burg Simpson?

How a Catastrophic Injury Attorney Can Help

Many people do not realize how complicated personal injury matters can be. This is especially true when the injuries are serious, the circumstances are complex, and the damages are extensive.

Your number-one focus should be recovering from your injuries, not pursuing a legal claim on your own. Catastrophic injury lawyers at Burg Simpson can assist with all aspects of your case. These include:

  • Evaluating your case and providing an honest assessment of your legal options
  • Investigating the accident, including what led to your injuries and who is at fault
  • Gathering evidence in support of your claim
  • Consulting expert witnesses to establish causation, liability, and other key elements
  • Reviewing the available insurance coverage each defendant has
  • Calculating the total value of damages, including all losses to date and going forward
  • Negotiating a settlement on your behalf
  • If necessary, filing a lawsuit and preparing your case for trial

Retaining a lawyer who is willing to take your case to trial is of the utmost importance. Insurance companies may dispute liability, refuse to offer a fair settlement, or prolong negotiations when substantial compensation is on the line. Hiring Burg Simpson’s nationally recognized trial attorneys shows that you mean business.

Contact a Phoenix Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

Getting your life back after a serious injury can be a long and challenging road. If someone else is responsible for the situation you are facing, you should not wait to seek legal guidance and pursue the compensation you deserve.

For a FREE and confidential case evaluation, call Burg Simpson at 602-777-7000 today. Our personal injury lawyers serve the victims of catastrophic injuries in Phoenix and other areas of Arizona.

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