A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•A+ rating on Better Business Bureau•Google reviews: 5.0•Martindale Hubbell Client Rating: 5.0•Lawyers.com Client Rating: 5.0•Avvo Client Rating: 5.0•Facebook Rating 5.0•Best Dog Bite Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers – Queens, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)•Best Car Accident Lawyers – Middletown, NY (2025) (Expertise.com)

Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Big Flats Airport

Serious Injury Help

A Guide to Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injuries sustained at or near Big Flats Airport can change a life in an instant, leaving people and families facing long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and lost income. This page explains how a personal injury claim can help address those consequences in New York and Chemung County, and how The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC approaches these matters for local residents. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. represents clients from the Hudson Valley and surrounding communities, and this resource outlines what to expect when pursuing compensation after a severe injury at or around the airport.

The information below covers key steps in a catastrophic injury claim, typical sources of compensation, and important timing considerations under New York law. You will find practical guidance about gathering medical records, preserving evidence, and understanding common defenses insurers may raise. While every case is different, learning these basics can help you make informed decisions and take timely action; delays can reduce legal options. If you have immediate concerns after a serious injury, contact The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC to discuss your situation and possible next steps with Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

How a Claim Can Make a Difference

Pursuing a catastrophic injury claim can address the full range of losses that follow a severe accident, including current and future medical care, lost wages, adaptive equipment, rehabilitative services, and compensation for reduced quality of life. A focused legal approach aims to document the extent of injuries and present clear evidence of liability and damages to insurers or a court. Careful case preparation can improve negotiating position, help secure funding for ongoing care, and provide financial resources that families need when daily routines and employment are disrupted by long-term injury.

Ahearne Law Firm and Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr.

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients in New York with a primary focus on personal injury matters, including catastrophic injury claims arising near Big Flats Airport and throughout Chemung County. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. works directly with injured people and their families to investigate incidents, collect medical documentation, and pursue fair compensation through negotiation or litigation when appropriate. The firm prioritizes clear communication, thorough case preparation, and personalized attention to each client’s circumstances to help navigate the complexities that accompany severe injuries.

Understanding Catastrophic Injury Claims

A catastrophic injury commonly refers to a severe, long-lasting harm such as traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, limb amputation, severe burns, or other conditions that significantly alter daily life and earning capacity. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and durable medical equipment, and they may lead to permanent disability. Recognizing the serious nature of such injuries early helps ensure that medical documentation and other important evidence are collected promptly to support a claim for comprehensive damages that reflect both immediate needs and future care requirements.

The legal process for catastrophic injury claims typically starts with a thorough investigation of the incident, including witness statements, incident reports, and relevant records from the airport or other involved parties. Medical records and expert medical opinions are used to establish the severity and prognosis of injuries, while economic evaluations estimate lost earnings and future care costs. Cases may resolve through settlement negotiations, but preparing for litigation is often necessary to obtain fair compensation when insurance companies undervalue long-term losses or dispute liability.

Need More Information?

Key Terms and Glossary

Catastrophic Injury

A catastrophic injury is a severe physical harm that results in long-term or permanent impairment, requiring extensive medical treatment and often altering the injured person’s ability to work and perform everyday activities. Examples include spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, traumatic brain injuries that affect cognitive function, amputations, and severe burns that require multiple surgeries. In the context of a legal claim, demonstrating that an injury is catastrophic affects the calculation of damages because it increases expected future medical needs, potential long-term care costs, lost earning capacity, and other life-altering impacts that must be quantified and presented to insurers or a court.

Damages

Damages are the monetary compensation a person may seek after being harmed by another party’s actions or negligence, intended to address medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. In catastrophic injury cases, damages typically include past and future medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and non-economic losses such as reduced enjoyment of life. Accurately estimating damages in these claims requires careful documentation of medical treatment and thoughtful assessment of how injuries will affect the injured person’s life and finances over time.

Liability

Liability refers to legal responsibility for harm caused to another person through negligent or wrongful actions. Establishing liability in an injury case usually requires showing that a party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through action or omission, and that the breach caused the injury and resulting damages. In airport-related incidents, potential liable parties might include property owners, contractors, maintenance providers, vehicle operators, or others whose conduct contributed to the accident. Determining liability involves examining evidence such as incident reports, maintenance records, witness accounts, and applicable safety rules.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is the time limit set by law within which a claim must be filed in court, and failing to file within that period can bar a lawsuit in most circumstances. In New York, typical personal injury claims must be commenced within a prescribed timeframe from the date of the injury, though certain factors can affect timing, such as discovery of the injury, actions by government entities, or special rules for medical claims. Because timing rules are strict, it is important to understand applicable deadlines early so legal options are preserved while evidence remains available and memories are fresh.

PRO TIPS

Tip: Preserve Medical Records

Keep careful records of every medical visit, test result, treatment plan, and prescription related to the injury because those documents form the backbone of any claim seeking compensation for past and future care. Ask providers for copies of medical records and discharge summaries, and keep a running log of symptoms, therapies, and appointments to show how the injury has affected daily life and work duties. Early and complete medical documentation strengthens the factual record used to evaluate damages and can improve the prospects of a fair resolution with insurers or in court.

Tip: Document the Scene

As soon as it is safe to do so, take photos of the scene, any hazards, your injuries, and relevant signage or equipment because visual evidence can clarify how the incident occurred and who might be responsible. Collect contact information for witnesses and request copies of any incident reports from airport authorities, property managers, or employers to help preserve details that may otherwise be lost. Timely documentation helps reconstruct events, supports liability theories, and provides corroborating evidence alongside medical records and witness statements.

Tip: Track Ongoing Costs

Maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to the injury, including medical bills, prescription costs, travel for treatment, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and lost wages, because these figures are essential when seeking compensation for both current and projected needs. Use a dedicated file or digital folder to store receipts, invoices, and correspondence, and note dates and descriptions for each item to create a credible ledger of financial impact. Consistent tracking enables a clearer presentation of damages and helps ensure that recoverable losses are not overlooked during settlement or trial.

Comparing Legal Paths After Injury

When a Full Legal Response Helps:

Complex Medical Needs

A comprehensive legal approach is often needed when injuries require long-term medical management, multiple specialists, or ongoing rehabilitative care because those conditions complicate damage calculations and settlement planning. Coordinating medical evaluations, economic forecasting, and liability investigation takes time and resources to ensure projected future needs are included in any demand for compensation. When medical prognosis is uncertain or care needs are extensive, thorough preparation and careful documentation improve the likelihood that a claim will address both immediate and long-term consequences.

Multiple Liability Parties

Claims involving more than one potentially responsible party require careful legal strategy to identify each source of liability and coordinate claims to maximize recovery while avoiding procedural errors. Complex incidents at busy locations like airports may involve contractors, property owners, vehicle operators, and governmental entities, and each may have different insurance arrangements and defenses. A comprehensive response helps gather necessary records, work with investigators, and assess how multiple exposures affect negotiation or litigation strategy to pursue full and fair compensation.

When a Limited Approach May Work:

Minor Long-Term Impact

A narrower legal approach may be appropriate when injuries are serious at first but expected to resolve without significant long-term impairment, making damages simpler to estimate and document. In such cases, focused negotiation with insurers or pursuing a prompt settlement can be efficient for addressing medical bills and short-term wage loss. However, even when long-term impact appears limited, careful documentation of treatment and recovery is important to avoid underestimating future needs if the condition changes.

Clear Liability and Short-Term Injuries

When liability is undisputed and injuries do not require long-term care, resolving a claim through direct negotiation without extensive investigatory steps can save time and expense while providing fair compensation for immediate losses. In those scenarios, presenting clear medical records and documented economic losses to the insurer often leads to quicker resolution. Still, it is important to ensure that any settlement accounts for potential complications and that documentation is sufficient to support the full extent of claimed damages at the time of resolution.

Common Situations Leading to Catastrophic Injury Claims

Aviation and Airport Incidents

Incidents at airports can include vehicle collisions on service roads, falls in poorly maintained areas, accidents during loading or unloading of luggage, and other hazardous conditions that lead to severe injury; these events often involve multiple parties whose responsibilities must be examined. Determining the facts requires reviewing airport maintenance records, surveillance, and vendor or contractor practices to identify how the injury occurred and who may be liable.

Vehicle Collisions Near Airport

Crashes involving passenger vehicles, taxis, shuttle buses, or service trucks near airport grounds can produce catastrophic injuries, with liability depending on driver conduct, vehicle maintenance, traffic control, and visibility conditions. Collecting police reports, witness accounts, and vehicle inspection information helps clarify responsibility and supports claims for medical and economic damages.

Workplace and Construction Incidents

Construction, maintenance, and ground handling activities at airports present risks such as falls from heights, struck-by incidents, and heavy equipment accidents that can produce life-changing injuries. Identifying the roles of employers, contractors, and equipment operators is important for pursuing compensation and addressing both workers’ compensation and third-party claim options where available.

Big Flats Airport Personal Injury Attorney

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Catastrophic Injury Claims

The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC takes a client-focused approach to catastrophic injury matters by prioritizing clear communication, careful case preparation, and persistent advocacy when dealing with insurers and opposing parties. We work to assemble the medical documentation, economic analysis, and investigative materials needed to present a complete picture of damages and liability. Clients can expect timely updates, personalized attention to questions about medical and financial recovery, and a commitment to pursuing outcomes that address both immediate needs and long-term consequences of severe injury.

Serving clients in Big Flats Airport’s region and throughout Chemung County, the firm combines knowledge of New York procedures with local familiarity to help navigate claims efficiently. Attorney Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team assist with obtaining records, coordinating evaluations, and negotiating for appropriate compensation, while preparing for trial when necessary to protect client interests. If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury, contact The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC to discuss available options and how to preserve your rights under applicable timelines.

Get a Case Review Today

People Also Search For

catastrophic injury lawyer Big Flats Airport

Big Flats Airport personal injury attorney

Chemung County catastrophic injury claims

New York catastrophic injury attorney

Hudson Valley personal injury law

airport injury claim Big Flats

serious injury attorney Big Flats

Allan J. Ahearne catastrophic injury

FAQS

What qualifies as a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is generally one that results in long-term or permanent impairment, such as severe brain trauma, spinal cord injury, amputation, or injuries that require ongoing, extensive medical care and alter the injured person’s ability to work and perform daily activities. These injuries often involve prolonged hospital stays, multiple surgeries, rehabilitation, and durable medical equipment, and they typically create significant future care needs that must be factored into a claim for damages. Determining whether an injury is catastrophic depends on medical records, prognoses from treating providers, and evaluations of how the injury will affect future earning capacity and daily living. Establishing that an injury is catastrophic affects how damages are calculated and usually requires comprehensive documentation of present and expected future medical needs, economic losses, and non-economic impacts like diminished quality of life.

How long do I have to file a claim in New York?

New York law sets specific deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, for filing personal injury claims, and those deadlines vary depending on the nature of the claim and the parties involved. For many personal injury actions, the time limit begins on the date of the injury, but certain circumstances can alter that date or create different timing rules, so it is important to learn the applicable deadline for your situation as soon as possible. Because missing the statutory deadline can prevent a lawsuit from proceeding, prompt action is important to preserve legal options, gather evidence, and avoid loss of rights. Contacting a law office early helps ensure that necessary filings, document collection, and preservation efforts occur within the required timeframes.

Who can be held liable for an airport injury?

Potentially liable parties for an airport injury vary with the circumstances and may include the airport authority, property owners, contractors, vendors, vehicle operators, maintenance personnel, or other private parties whose actions or neglect contributed to the incident. Identifying liability requires investigating who controlled the area, who performed maintenance or operations, and what rules or regulations governed the activity that led to the injury. Gathering incident reports, maintenance logs, surveillance footage, witness statements, and vendor or employment records helps build a clear picture of responsibility. In some cases, multiple parties share responsibility and claims may need to address different sources of insurance and legal defenses to seek full compensation.

What types of compensation are available in catastrophic injury cases?

Compensation in catastrophic injury cases can include payment for past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation, assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, and long-term care costs, as well as compensation for lost wages and reduced future earning capacity due to permanent disability. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress are also commonly pursued when appropriate under the facts of the case. An accurate claim requires assembling medical documentation, economic analysis of lost earnings and future care, and persuasive presentation of non-economic impacts to insurers or the court. The goal is to ensure recovery reflects the full scope of present and anticipated losses stemming from the injury.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Insurance companies may present a quick settlement early in a claim, but the first offer is often limited and may not account for long-term medical needs or future lost earnings, especially in catastrophic cases. Before accepting any offer, it is important to have a clear assessment of current medical expenses and a reasoned projection of future care costs and lost earning capacity so that a settlement adequately addresses long-term needs. Reviewing offers with legal counsel helps ensure you understand the full implications of accepting a payment, including whether a release would bar future claims for ongoing care. Careful evaluation of settlement terms prevents inadvertently giving up rights to compensation needed down the road.

How are future medical needs calculated for a claim?

Calculating future medical needs involves reviewing medical records, obtaining current treatment plans and prognoses from treating providers, and often consulting with medical and economic professionals who can estimate the scope and cost of long-term care. Factors include the expected duration and intensity of future treatment, likely need for assistive devices or home modifications, and inflation or care cost increases over time. An economic analysis combines these medical projections with financial modeling to estimate present value for future expenses and lost earnings, allowing a claim to reflect both immediate costs and the long-term financial impact of a permanent or progressive condition.

What evidence is most important in catastrophic injury claims?

Key evidence in catastrophic injury claims typically includes comprehensive medical records, imaging and diagnostic results, treatment notes, rehabilitation reports, and statements from treating clinicians that explain prognosis and ongoing care needs. Incident documentation such as police or airport reports, photos or video of the scene, witness statements, and maintenance or safety records also play major roles in establishing how the injury occurred and who may be responsible. Economic documentation like wage records, tax returns, and vocational assessments helps quantify lost income and future earning capacity, while expert evaluations—medical and economic—often support claims for long-term damages. Thorough early evidence collection strengthens the ability to present a complete and persuasive claim.

Can I pursue a claim if I was partially at fault?

New York follows modified rules regarding comparative fault, which can allow a person to recover damages even if they bear some responsibility for the incident, though recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the injured person. The exact impact of shared fault depends on how liability is apportioned in the case and the legal rules that apply to the specific claim. If you believe you may bear some responsibility, it remains important to document the incident and seek legal guidance, because a fair recovery may still be available after accounting for allocated fault. Understanding how comparative fault may affect your case helps inform strategy and settlement negotiations.

How long does a catastrophic injury case usually take?

The duration of a catastrophic injury case varies widely depending on factors such as the complexity of medical issues, the number of parties involved, the willingness of insurers to negotiate, and whether litigation is necessary. Some cases resolve within months if liability is clear and damages are straightforward, while others may take several years when extensive treatment, discovery, and court proceedings are required to reach a fair result. Preparing a claim carefully from the start, including gathering comprehensive medical and economic documentation, can streamline negotiations and reduce avoidable delays. Even when litigation is necessary, thorough preparation helps present the strongest case as efficiently as possible given the circumstances.

How do I start a claim with The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC?

To start a claim with The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, contact the office to arrange an initial discussion about the incident and your injuries; you can call the firm directly to explain the basics and schedule a time to review records and next steps. During that first conversation, the firm will outline what documents are helpful, suggest immediate steps to preserve evidence, and explain how timelines under New York law may affect your options. If you choose to proceed, the firm will begin gathering medical records, incident reports, and other documentation, coordinate necessary evaluations, and develop a plan for presenting your claim to insurers or in court. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC focuses on clear communication and practical planning to address the immediate needs and long-term consequences of catastrophic injury.

Personal Injury Services in Big Flats Airport

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services