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Catastrophic Injuries Handling Complex Cases With Unparalleled Expertise

Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Columbus

What Makes an Injury Catastrophic?

All injuries caused by the negligence or carelessness of another warrant due compensation under our civil justice system. That said, certain injuries which have a more serious and/or permanent effect on the victim can raise a number of unique and complex issues in a civil lawsuit. These injuries are known as catastrophic injuries.

These catastrophic injuries can prevent one from being able to maintain gainful employment, create a need for future surgeries or other medical care, or in some cases even lead to lifelong disability and the need for round-the-clock assistance. These cases can have lasting effects for a victim’s loved ones as well, as family members must often make life-altering sacrifices to provide needed care and attention.

Catastrophic Injury Law

Ohio law treats many of these more serious injury cases differently in litigation, regardless of whether they are caused by an auto collision, medical negligence, defective products, or other wrongful conduct. These catastrophic injury cases can involve permanent and substantial deformities, loss of the use of one or more limbs, or those which prevent a person from being able to independently care for his or her self.

Cases rising to this level include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputation, loss of vision or hearing, and serious burn injuries, among others. In many situations, injuries that can be categorized as catastrophic in these respects can render the “damage caps” for noneconomic loss (such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life) inapplicable to the lawsuit. In addition to the different treatment for noneconomic damages, catastrophic injury cases oftentimes create the need for additional consultants and experts throughout the course of a case and at trial, and in some cases even after the litigation has concluded.

In order to meet the burden of proof for future economic losses, rehabilitation specialists and life care planners may be required to offer testimony as to the need for future medical treatments. Economists can offer evidence as to the present value of these projected medical expenses, in addition to the loss of income that results from a disabling injury. Nursing care consultants and specialists in insurance and disability benefits can also be involved in some cases to help provide the injured party with options to receive appropriate and needed care.

We've Recovered Hundreds of Millions

Over the past 35 years, the attorneys at Rourke and Blumenthal LLC have had the privilege of representing many plaintiffs and families that have found themselves in these dire situations due to negligence and wrongful conduct. Our firm has significant experience coordinating with teams of professionals that can address the specific needs of each individual client, with a track record of success in catastrophic injury cases that includes a number of multi-million dollar recoveries including the following:

  • $8,500,000 Jury Verdict for an employee who lost his hand in a machine in a workplace injury
  • $5,300,000 Combined Verdict and Settlement for a woman who suffered paralysis as a result of medical negligence
  • $4,000,000 Settlement for a woman who suffered cardiac arrest and a hypoxic brain injury following a surgical procedure
  • $3,500,000 Settlement for an anoxic brain injury caused by medical negligence
  • $3,300,000 Settlement for a man who lost his leg in a trucking collision
  • $1,400,000 Settlement for a woman who sustained multiple, permanent injuries due to a collision with a commercial truck
  • $1,200,000 Jury Verdict for a woman who suffered permanent nerve damage following knee surgery

Commonly Asked Questions

What defines a catastrophic injury in Columbus, Ohio?

In Columbus, Ohio, a catastrophic injury is characterized by its severe and often permanent impact on the victim. These injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, amputation, and serious burns. They are distinguished by their potential to prevent someone from maintaining gainful employment, necessitate ongoing medical care, or lead to lifelong disabilities requiring constant support.

How does Ohio law handle catastrophic injury cases differently?

Ohio law recognizes the unique challenges of catastrophic injury cases by treating them differently in litigation. These cases may involve permanent deformities or loss of limb use, and often bypass the damage caps for noneconomic losses. They require extensive evidence and expert testimony to accurately project future economic losses and the value of medical expenses, as well as the impact on the victim's income.
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A Proven Track Record of Success

  • $20,800,000 Drunk Driving Accident
  • $8,500,000 Verdict for Amputation Injury
  • $7,400,000 Accident Causing Amputation
  • $6,500,000 Wrongful Deaths Caused By Arson
  • Record-Setting $6,000,000 Wrongful Death

    We Come Highly Recommended

    Learn what our happy clients have to say about working with our team
      "You NEED attorneys who are experienced in TBI cases."
      Wonderful firm! We have worked with other attorneys in the past and Mike and Tim blew us away. If you have a brain injury in the State of Ohio, you NEED attorneys who are experienced in TBI cases, not just motor vehicle accidents or other personal injury matters. It makes a huge difference having an attorney who understands the medical, emotional, and financial issues a family suffers after a TBI. They are professional, compassionate, and great communicators. I would recommend this office to anyone.
      - Suzanne
      "Attorney Stoudt is the best lawyer I've ever worked with."
      Attorney Jon Stoudt is the best lawyer I've ever worked with. He did everything he could to help me. From the start, Jon was very responsive and always explained everything in terms I could easily understand. Jon's staff was also kind and responsive. I highly recommend Jon and would use him again in the future. Several months after being done with my case, another lawyer, handling a different part of the case, commented on how well Jon handled my civil suit.
      - Jillian
      "Mr. Rourke and his team were extremely compassionate, knowledgeable and friendly"
      From the very beginning and to the very end of a long process, Mr. Rourke and his team were extremely compassionate, knowledgeable and friendly. I found them to be honest and easy to communicate with, day or night, weekday or weekend. Mr. Rourke was always professional but at the same time made you feel important and took as much time that was needed to explain the many steps in this process. Everyone of his team were very respectful and caring of everyone in my family involved in our case. I will have an admiration for Mr. Rourke and his team for the remainder of my life.
      - Kelly
      "Excellent Counsel"
      Jonathan Stoudt gave us excellent counsel during our time with him.
      - Cathy
      "I always felt that he had my best interests as the top priority."
      Mr Timothy Mahler represented me after a personal injury auto accident. He was professional, knowledgeable, empathetic and experienced. I always felt that he had my best interests as the top priority. I was relieved from the intricate and time-consuming tasks related to the accident, free to focus on healing and recovery. He managed the complicated insurance and settlement to the best outcome. His team always treated me with respect. I would highly recommend Mr Mahler and his team. Thank you.
      - Cathy B.
      "I will forever be grateful for their help!"
      I suffered physical injuries and a concussion from an auto accident in December of 2020. The team, from receptionist to attorneys, were nothing less than stellar, professional, kind, and hard working. The accident and aftermath were extremely stressful; but the Rourkes, Michael Senior and Michael Junior, helped me navigate the process while I focused on healing. For me, recovery from the accident was the most important part of the process. While I worked on recovering, Rourke and Blumenthal worked on negotiating a fantastic settlement for me. I will forever be grateful for their help!
      - Maggie S.
      "These attorneys always do what they promise."
      Attys. Mike Rourke, Sr. and Mike Rourke, Jr., helped us understand and settle all the legalities after my husband was hit be a car while riding his bicycle. Their extensive knowledge with injury cases, and their professionalism were ever-present, along with their empathy and understanding of what people experience after injuries that change lives. These attorneys always do what they promise, and in a timely and concise manner.. We would recommend Rourke & Blumenthal for anyone who needs legal services related to an accident or injury.
      - Stefanie M.
      "Our family is so grateful to have Rob Miller represent my daughter’s personal injury case."
      Our family is so grateful to have Rob Miller represent my daughter’s personal injury case. He is extremely knowledgeable about Ohio Law and was very patient with my numerous questions. Rob was always genuinely concerned about my daughter’s recovery and well being first. He is professional, knowledgeable, understanding, patient and we are so pleased with the outcome of the settlement. I would highly recommend Rob Miller to anyone looking for a top personal injury attorney.
      - Kathy

      What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?

      Rourke & Blumenthal is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.

      • Evening & Weekend Appointments - We Will Come to You
      • We Don't Get Paid Unless We Recover Money for You
      • We are Able to Handle Complex Cases that Other Lawyers Can't
      • Attorneys Who Have Been Included in Ohio Super Lawyers®
      • AV® Rated - Top Rating for Ethics and Legal Skill
      • Member of Million Dollar Advocates Forum®
      Compassion Experience Results Contact Us For Your Free Case Evaluation!

      Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help.

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