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 Representation in Great Kills, NY

Compassionate Recovery Advocacy

A Clear Guide to Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injuries change lives in an instant, affecting mobility, income, and daily routines for the injured person and their family. If you or a loved one suffered a life-altering injury in Great Kills or Richmond County, it is important to understand your legal options and the practical steps that can protect recovery and financial stability. The Ahearne Law Firm PLLC, led by Allan J. Ahearne, Jr., represents individuals pursuing fair compensation for long-term care, rehabilitation, and lost wages. We help clients collect documentation, preserve evidence, and communicate with providers to build a thorough claim while keeping focus on recovery and family wellbeing.

Sustaining a catastrophic injury often involves a complex mix of medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and financial uncertainty. Early action can preserve critical evidence, secure medical records, and create a clear picture of future needs. Our approach emphasizes careful investigation, collaboration with medical and vocational professionals, and clear communication with clients about realistic timelines and potential outcomes. We work to assemble a full accounting of economic and non-economic losses so decision makers understand the full impact of the injury. If you are navigating this difficult time, there are practical steps that can make a meaningful difference in the strength of a claim.

Why Thoughtful Legal Handling Matters in Catastrophic Cases

Catastrophic injury claims often require a long view because they involve ongoing medical needs, assistive devices, home modifications, and potential loss of future earning capacity. Effective representation ensures that all foreseeable costs are identified and presented clearly to insurers or juries. A comprehensive claim includes medical documentation, expert medical opinions, vocational assessments, and a careful accounting of household and family impacts. Thoughtful legal handling helps clients obtain compensation that reflects both immediate bills and the long-term consequences of an injury, allowing families to focus on recovery and adaptation rather than piecemeal settlements that leave gaps in care or finances.

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

Ahearne Law Firm PLLC serves clients in Great Kills, Richmond County, and surrounding New York communities with a focus on personal injury matters that profoundly affect lives. Allan J. Ahearne, Jr. and the team handle catastrophic injury matters from initial investigation through resolution, whether by negotiated settlement or trial. The firm emphasizes clear communication, diligent case preparation, and a client-focused approach to help families understand options at each stage. We accept many matters on a contingency-fee basis to help people access legal representation without upfront costs, and we coordinate with medical and care professionals to quantify long-term needs.

Understanding Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injury claims arise when an injury results in permanent impairment, significant long-term care needs, or a substantial change in income and lifestyle. Common examples include severe brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, limb loss, and injuries that result in chronic, disabling conditions. The claim process typically involves gathering comprehensive medical records, documenting treatment plans and rehabilitation needs, and identifying all potentially responsible parties. Evidence collection and preservation are essential early tasks, along with a careful review of insurance policies and potential sources of compensation. Knowing how to document current and future costs forms the backbone of an effective claim.

The legal process often requires coordination among medical providers, life care planners, economic consultants, and vocational professionals to put a realistic value on future care and lost earning potential. Cases may involve claims against drivers, property owners, employers, or product manufacturers depending on the facts. Insurance companies will evaluate both liability and damages, and having well-documented records and persuasive presentation of long-term impact strengthens a client’s position. Timely filing, careful witness preparation, and professional assessments that tie medical prognosis to long-term costs are all elements that contribute to a well-supported claim.

Need More Information?

Key Terms You Should Know

Catastrophic Injury — What That Means

A catastrophic injury is one that causes a permanent or long-term impairment that significantly limits a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, or enjoy normal life functions. These injuries often require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitative care, assistive devices, and sometimes home or vehicle modifications. Examples include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis, amputation, and severe burns. The legal significance of the term is that catastrophic injuries usually lead to larger and more complex claims because future medical needs and lost earning capacity must be accounted for when seeking compensation for the full impact of the injury.

Economic Damages — What They Cover

Economic damages refer to quantifiable financial losses that result from an injury, including medical expenses, future care costs, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity. These damages are supported by bills, pay records, insurance statements, and expert assessments that estimate ongoing needs. In catastrophic cases economic damages often include projected costs for lifelong care, therapy, medical equipment, and any necessary residential adaptations. The goal in documenting economic damages is to create a clear, evidence-based estimate of present and future financial needs so compensation can cover concrete costs rather than short-term or incomplete reimbursements.

Non-Economic Damages — Pain, Suffering, and Loss

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that do not have a direct price tag, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. These damages require a narrative that shows how the injury changed daily life, relationships, and personal wellbeing. In catastrophic cases, the scale of non-economic damages can be significant because permanent disabilities affect core aspects of identity and family roles. Presenting a compelling account of the injury’s effect on quality of life, supported by medical notes and firsthand accounts, is essential to capture the full human impact of the harm.

Liability and Negligence — Legal Responsibility

Liability refers to a party’s legal responsibility for causing harm, and negligence is the standard often used to establish that responsibility. To prove negligence, a claimant must show that another party owed a duty of care, breached that duty through action or inaction, and that the breach caused the injury and resulting damages. In catastrophic injury matters, establishing causation may require detailed investigation, witness statements, expert analysis, and reconstruction of events. Identifying all potentially responsible parties, including third parties or multiple defendants, ensures the claim addresses every available avenue for compensation.

PRO TIPS

Tip: Document Everything Early

Begin documenting medical treatment, incident details, and out-of-pocket expenses as soon as possible to preserve a clear record of the event and its consequences. Keep copies of medical reports, photographs of injuries and the scene, and a contemporaneous journal of pain, limitations, and appointments to show how daily life has been affected. Early documentation strengthens credibility and provides a foundation for medical and economic assessments that will quantify both immediate and long-term needs.

Tip: Coordinate Care and Records

Make sure medical providers maintain thorough records and communicate treatment plans that reflect both current care and projected needs, since these records form the backbone of any claim for long-term costs. Request copies of reports, test results, and referrals to rehabilitation or assistive services, and organize them chronologically to show progression and ongoing needs. Consistent medical documentation and adherence to recommended treatment also strengthen the connection between the accident and the injury’s long-term consequences.

Tip: Consider Long-Term Cost Planning

Engage with medical and vocational professionals who can estimate future care costs, rehabilitation timelines, and potential impacts on earning capacity to create a realistic projection of lifetime needs. A comprehensive life-care plan or vocational assessment helps translate medical prognosis into financial terms that adjust for inflation, ongoing therapy, and equipment replacement. Having these projections available early helps guide settlement negotiations or trial preparation toward covering the full spectrum of future expenses and support needs.

Comparing Legal Options After a Catastrophic Injury

When a Comprehensive Approach Helps:

Complex Medical Needs and Long-Term Care

Cases involving ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive technology benefit from a comprehensive approach that assembles medical, vocational, and life-care planning evidence to quantify future needs. A full investigation into medical history, projected treatment, and daily support requirements helps ensure compensation addresses lifetime costs rather than only immediate bills. Coordinating these elements provides decision makers with a clear, organized presentation of the long-term financial impact of the injury.

Multiple Responsible Parties

When liability may rest with more than one party, a thorough legal response identifies all potentially responsible actors and pursues each available source of recovery to fully compensate for injuries. This often requires careful investigation, subpoenas for records, witness interviews, and coordination with professionals who can explain how shared responsibility affects damages. Addressing all avenues of liability early enhances the likelihood that a settlement or verdict will reflect the full scope of harm.

When a Narrower Approach May Be Appropriate:

Clear Liability and Manageable Needs

If liability is uncontested and the injury results in manageable, time-limited care rather than lifelong needs, a more focused strategy can be sufficient to secure fair compensation without prolonged litigation. In those situations, gathering concise medical records and negotiating directly with insurers may resolve the matter efficiently. Even when a streamlined approach is taken, careful documentation of expenses and treatment remains important to avoid leaving future needs unaddressed.

Desire for Quick Resolution

Some clients prefer a quicker resolution to obtain funds for immediate needs and avoid protracted legal processes when future costs are limited or predictable. In cases where the long-term prognosis is clear and future costs are not expected to be substantial, focused negotiation and settlement can provide timely relief. Even in these circumstances, assessing potential future impacts ensures the settlement reflects a realistic view of recovery and related expenses.

Common Situations That Lead to Catastrophic Claims

Serious Motor Vehicle Collisions

High-speed or multi-vehicle collisions often produce catastrophic injuries that require prolonged medical care and rehabilitation, with long-term effects on work and family life. Thorough accident investigation, medical documentation, and reconstruction are typically necessary to establish liability and the full scope of damages in these matters.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

On-the-job incidents, particularly in construction or industrial settings, can lead to catastrophic outcomes requiring specialized medical treatment and disability accommodations. These claims may involve workers’ compensation as well as third-party claims where another party’s negligence contributed to the injury.

Premises Liability and Dangerous Conditions

Falls, structural failures, and other hazardous conditions on private or commercial property can cause severe, life-changing injuries that demand long-term care and modifications to daily life. Identifying property owners’ duties, maintenance failures, or negligent conditions is a key aspect of such claims.

Great Kills Catastrophic Injury Representation

Why Choose Ahearne Law Firm for Catastrophic Claims

Clients choose Ahearne Law Firm for a methodical, client-centered approach that prioritizes comprehensive documentation and clear communication throughout the claim process. The firm assists with gathering medical records, coordinating assessments, and explaining how different types of damages are calculated so clients can make informed decisions. We represent individuals and families across Richmond County and nearby regions, working to secure compensation that reflects both immediate needs and long-term care requirements while providing personal attention during a very difficult time.

From the outset we focus on developing a strong factual record, communicating with insurers and opposing parties, and preparing for negotiation or trial if needed to achieve a fair outcome. Our practice accepts many cases on a contingency basis to remove upfront financial barriers and prioritizes transparency about potential timelines, costs, and realistic recovery scenarios. We aim to reduce stress for clients by managing procedural tasks, advancing claims diligently, and keeping families informed at every step.

Request a Case Review in Great Kills

People Also Search For

catastrophic injury lawyer Great Kills

Great Kills catastrophic injury attorney

Richmond County catastrophic injury claim

severe injury compensation Staten Island

brain injury lawyer Great Kills

spinal cord injury attorney Staten Island

life care planning catastrophic injury

long term care damages New York

FAQS

What qualifies as a catastrophic injury in New York?

A catastrophic injury typically refers to a permanent or long-lasting impairment that significantly affects a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, or perform routine activities. In New York this commonly includes severe traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis, amputations, and other conditions that require ongoing medical care and modifications to daily life. The legal label matters because it often leads to larger, more complex claims that account for future care and lost earning potential. Determining whether an injury is catastrophic depends on medical prognosis, functional limitations, and the anticipated need for long-term assistance or therapy. Medical records, diagnostic tests, and professional assessments help establish the extent of the injury and projected future needs. Early documentation and a coordinated approach to gathering those materials are essential to building a claim that reflects both present and future impacts.

How long do I have to file a claim after a catastrophic injury?

In New York, the statute of limitations varies depending on the nature of the claim, but many personal injury actions must be filed within a specific time after the incident or after discovery of the harm. For wrongful death claims and claims involving government entities, different and often shorter deadlines may apply, so timeliness is critical. Failing to meet the applicable deadline can prevent recovery, so it is important to determine the relevant statute of limitations early. Because catastrophic injuries often involve evolving medical conditions, consulting legal counsel promptly helps identify the correct filing period and preserve necessary evidence. Early action allows for preservation of records, witness statements, and other evidence that could weaken or disappear over time. If there is any question about deadlines, seek advice without delay to protect your right to pursue compensation.

What types of compensation can I pursue for catastrophic injuries?

Compensation in catastrophic injury matters commonly includes economic damages such as past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, assistive devices, home and vehicle modifications, and lost wages or diminished earning capacity. Non-economic damages can address pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress, while in some cases punitive damages may be available if conduct was particularly reckless. The goal is to create a comprehensive account of present and future financial needs tied to the injury. To pursue appropriate compensation, documentation from medical providers, life care planners, and economic consultants is often necessary to quantify future costs. These assessments translate medical prognosis into dollar figures for long-term care and support. Presenting a clear combination of immediate bills and projected lifelong needs helps decision makers understand the full financial and personal impact of the injury.

How do you prove the future care needs of someone with a catastrophic injury?

Proving future care needs starts with a detailed medical record and extends to assessments from rehabilitation specialists, life care planners, and vocational professionals who can estimate ongoing treatment, therapy, assistive devices, and attendant care. Life care plans lay out anticipated services, frequency, and costs over time, incorporating medical recommendations and realistic timelines for recovery or accommodation. These professional evaluations are essential to show how current treatment connects to projected needs. Medical opinions that link the injury to long-term limitations, combined with documented treatment patterns and expert projections, create a persuasive picture of future costs. Cost projections should factor in inflation, equipment replacement, and potential changes in care requirements, and they should be clearly explained so insurers or juries can appreciate the full scope of future financial obligations.

Will insurance companies pay for long-term care and lifetime costs?

Insurance companies may cover long-term care and lifetime costs when liability and the extent of damages are clearly established, but insurers often seek to limit payouts and dispute the need for certain services or projected expenses. Successful recovery of long-term costs depends on careful documentation, professional assessments, and persuasive presentation of how the injury necessitates ongoing care. Insurers will evaluate the strength of evidence tying current treatment plans to future needs. Because insurance companies may initially undervalue long-term expenses, it is important to present well-supported cost projections and to negotiate persistently when necessary. In some situations, pursuing additional sources of recovery or preparing for litigation may be required to obtain compensation that adequately covers lifelong care and support needs.

Should I accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company?

It is usually unwise to accept the first settlement offer from an insurance company without fully understanding the long-term implications, especially in catastrophic cases where future medical needs and lost earning capacity can be substantial. Initial offers are often based on immediate bills and may overlook projected lifetime costs. Reviewing medical records and projections before agreeing to a settlement ensures that future care and household impacts are not undercompensated. Before accepting any offer, document all current and anticipated expenses and consult with professionals who can estimate future needs. If the proposed settlement does not account for long-term rehabilitation, assistive services, or potential loss of income, it may leave significant gaps that the injured person and family will have to address personally.

Can multiple parties be held responsible for a catastrophic injury?

Yes, multiple parties can be responsible for a catastrophic injury depending on the facts. For example, a serious auto collision may involve negligence by another driver, a vehicle manufacturer, or a government entity responsible for road maintenance. In construction-site injuries, employers, subcontractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers may each bear some responsibility. Identifying every potentially liable party helps maximize recovery options. When multiple defendants are involved, legal strategies focus on allocating responsibility and pursuing each source of compensation as appropriate. Thorough investigation, witness interviews, and discovery help reveal the full picture of fault, and pursuing all responsible parties increases the likelihood that the injured person will receive adequate compensation for medical care and long-term needs.

How does a life care plan factor into a catastrophic injury claim?

A life care plan is a detailed forecast of the medical, rehabilitative, and support services an individual is expected to need over their lifetime, along with cost estimates for those services. It translates medical prognosis into a structured financial plan, covering items such as therapy, equipment, home modifications, and attendant care. This document becomes a central piece of evidence when calculating future economic damages in a catastrophic injury claim. Life care plans produced by qualified professionals provide a defensible basis for projecting costs and help decision makers understand long-term needs. Including a life care plan in negotiations or at trial helps ensure that settlements or awards reflect ongoing expenses, reducing the risk that a claimant will face uncovered costs down the road.

What role do medical and vocational professionals play in these cases?

Medical professionals document diagnoses, treatment plans, and expected outcomes, which are essential to establishing the nature and severity of the injury. Vocational professionals assess how the injury affects employability and earning capacity, while life care planners estimate future medical and support needs. Together these professionals translate clinical findings into practical, financial terms that support a claim for long-term compensation. Their reports and testimony help connect medical realities to projected costs, providing an organized basis for economic calculations. Reliable professional assessments make it easier to present a persuasive case to insurers or juries and to ensure compensation reflects both the clinical and day-to-day consequences of the injury.

What are the first steps I should take after a catastrophic injury?

After a catastrophic injury, prioritize immediate medical care and follow recommended treatment plans, both for health reasons and to create a clear medical record that documents the injury and its effects. Preserve evidence such as photographs, incident reports, and contact information for witnesses, and keep a detailed record of appointments, expenses, and changes in daily functioning. This early documentation supports later claims for both current and future needs. Contact legal counsel promptly to identify deadlines, preserve evidence, and begin assembling medical and expert resources needed to quantify long-term costs. Early legal involvement helps coordinate record collection, request necessary documents, and plan for professional assessments that will inform settlement discussions or trial preparation.

Personal Injury Services in Great Kills

Explore our injury practice areas

⚖️ All Personal Injury Services