When Your Back Is Against The Wall
Greenville Catastrophic Injury Lawyers
A catastrophic injury can change your life in an instant. Unlike minor injuries that heal over time, catastrophic injuries often result in long-term disabilities, permanent impairments, and overwhelming medical expenses. The road to recovery can be long and uncertain, leaving victims and their families struggling to adapt to a new reality.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Greenville, South Carolina, you don’t have to face this battle alone. At Lanier Law Group, we fight for the rights of injury victims, holding negligent parties accountable and pursuing maximum compensation. Whether your injury was caused by a car accident, workplace incident, or medical malpractice, our experienced attorneys are ready to advocate for you.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that has life-altering consequences. These injuries typically require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and adjustments to daily life. Victims may lose the ability to work, care for themselves, or maintain the quality of life they once enjoyed.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
To get started, call 919-342-1368 today.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
A TBI occurs when a violent blow or jolt to the head causes brain damage. These injuries can result in cognitive impairments, memory loss, personality changes, and permanent neurological damage. Severe TBIs may require lifelong care and impact a victim’s ability to work or live independently.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, affecting mobility and organ function. Paraplegia (paralysis of the lower body) and quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) are among the most severe outcomes. Victims often require wheelchairs, home modifications, and extensive rehabilitation.
Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Losing a limb is a life-changing event that affects mobility and independence. Many amputees require prosthetic limbs, physical therapy, and job retraining. These injuries can also lead to chronic pain and emotional trauma.
Severe Burns
Third-degree burns can cause permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, and the need for multiple surgeries, including skin grafts. Burn victims often face a long and painful recovery process, as well as emotional distress from scarring.
Organ Damage and Internal Injuries
Blunt force trauma can lead to damage to internal organs, internal bleeding, and life-threatening complications. Injuries to the liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart often require emergency surgery and extensive medical care.
Vision or Hearing Loss
Severe head trauma, exposure to chemicals, or medical negligence can cause permanent vision or hearing loss. Losing one of these essential senses can dramatically affect a person’s ability to work and interact with the world.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Greenville
Catastrophic injuries can occur in many different ways, often as a result of another party’s negligence or recklessness. Some of the most common causes include:
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are among the leading causes of catastrophic injuries in South Carolina. High-speed crashes, rollovers, and collisions with commercial trucks often result in severe head, spinal, and internal injuries.
Workplace and Construction Accidents
Construction sites and industrial workplaces pose serious risks. Falls from scaffolding, machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials can lead to life-altering injuries. Employers who fail to follow safety regulations may be held liable.
Medical Malpractice
When doctors, surgeons, or hospitals make critical mistakes, patients can suffer catastrophic injuries. Misdiagnoses, surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and medication errors can lead to permanent harm or even wrongful death.
Defective Products
Faulty medical devices, defective car parts, and unsafe consumer products can cause catastrophic injuries. Manufacturers and distributors can be held accountable when their products fail and cause harm.
Premises Liability Accidents
Property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe. Slip-and-fall accidents, elevator malfunctions, and inadequate security can lead to serious injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury?
Determining liability is one of the most critical aspects of a catastrophic injury claim. These cases often involve multiple responsible parties, making it essential to conduct a thorough investigation. Holding the right parties accountable can significantly impact the amount of compensation available to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
Negligent Drivers
If a reckless or impaired driver caused the accident that led to your injuries, they can be held accountable. In cases involving commercial trucks, delivery vehicles, or rideshare services, the employer may also share liability. Trucking companies, for example, can be responsible if they failed to properly train drivers, enforced unsafe driving schedules, or neglected vehicle maintenance.
Employers and Property Owners
Businesses that fail to maintain safe working conditions or properties that allow hazards to go unaddressed can be held responsible for injuries that occur as a result. Slip-and-fall accidents, falling objects, and unsafe construction sites are common causes of catastrophic injuries in the workplace or public spaces. Employers who violate safety regulations or fail to provide proper protective equipment may also be held liable.
Medical Professionals and Hospitals
Doctors, nurses, and hospitals that commit medical malpractice can be sued for the harm they cause. These cases often require expert testimony and extensive evidence to prove negligence. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, birth injuries, and medication mistakes are just a few examples of medical negligence that can lead to catastrophic harm. Hospitals and healthcare facilities may also be responsible for failing to properly train staff or enforce patient safety protocols.
Manufacturers of Defective Products
If a dangerous or defective product caused your injury, the manufacturer or distributor could be held liable under product liability laws. This includes defective auto parts, medical devices, industrial equipment, and consumer products. If a company knew about a defect but failed to issue a recall or warn consumers, they could be held accountable for the resulting injuries.
Government Entities
If poor road conditions, missing traffic signs, or unsafe public spaces contributed to your injury, a government agency may be responsible. These claims require specific legal procedures and strict filing deadlines. Cases against government entities are often more complex, requiring thorough legal analysis and adherence to strict regulations regarding notice and filing deadlines. An experienced attorney can help navigate these legal hurdles and hold the government accountable for negligence.
Compensation Available for Catastrophic Injuries
Victims of catastrophic injuries often face enormous financial burdens, which is why the law makes compensation available in these cases. Generally speaking, this compensation can fall into three categories:
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the financial losses resulting from the injury. These include medical expenses, hospital bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Victims may also receive compensation for home modifications, assistive devices, and long-term care costs.
Non-Economic Damages
Beyond financial losses, catastrophic injuries take an emotional and psychological toll. Non-economic damages provide compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages acknowledge the deep impact the injury has on a victim’s daily life and relationships.
Punitive Damages
In cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
Challenges You’ll Face in Securing Compensation
Pursuing compensation for a catastrophic injury is not a simple process. Insurance companies, employers, and other responsible parties will often try to minimize or deny claims to protect their financial interests. As a result, injury victims and their families may encounter several obstacles when trying to recover the full amount they deserve.
Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies are in the business of making profits, not paying out fair settlements. They may try to delay your claim, dispute the severity of your injuries, or offer a lowball settlement that barely covers your immediate medical expenses. Some insurers even use recorded statements or social media posts against victims to argue that their injuries are not as severe as claimed. Without aggressive legal representation, accident victims may be pressured into accepting far less than they need.
Proving Liability
Establishing fault in a catastrophic injury case can be complicated, especially when multiple parties are involved. The responsible party may try to shift blame onto the victim or another entity to avoid liability. In cases of medical malpractice, product defects, or workplace accidents, proving negligence often requires expert testimony, accident reconstruction, and thorough investigations. A strong legal strategy is crucial to overcoming these challenges and holding the right parties accountable.
Grappling with the True Cost of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries often require long-term medical care, home modifications, assistive devices, and ongoing therapy. Many victims are unable to return to work, resulting in a significant loss of income. Insurance companies may only consider current expenses when offering settlements, ignoring the long-term financial impact of the injury. Accurately calculating future costs and presenting a compelling case for full compensation requires the expertise of medical professionals, vocational experts, and economists.
Legal and Procedural Complexities
Filing a personal injury lawsuit involves strict deadlines, legal paperwork, and court procedures that must be followed precisely. Missing a filing deadline or failing to provide sufficient evidence can result in delays or even dismissal of the case. Additionally, claims against government entities or large corporations involve unique legal challenges that require specialized knowledge.
Emotional and Physical Barriers
Recovering from a catastrophic injury is physically and emotionally exhausting. The stress of dealing with legal battles, financial uncertainty, and insurance negotiations can take a toll on victims and their families. Having a dedicated legal team on your side allows you to focus on healing while your attorney fights for the compensation you need.
While the road to securing compensation can be challenging, you don’t have to face it alone. A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer can anticipate these obstacles, counter insurance company tactics, and advocate for the full financial recovery you deserve.
How a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help
A catastrophic injury claim requires extensive investigation, strong legal arguments, and expert testimony. These cases are far more complex than standard personal injury claims, as they often involve long-term medical care, permanent disabilities, and significant financial losses. An experienced lawyer can:
- Gather medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
- Work with medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts to prove liability and calculate damages accurately.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- File a lawsuit and take the case to trial if necessary to secure maximum compensation.
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by downplaying injuries or shifting blame onto the victim. A skilled attorney can push back against these tactics, handle all legal complexities, and fight for the compensation you deserve for medical care, lost wages, and long-term suffering. With legal representation, you can focus on recovery while your lawyer fights for justice on your behalf.
Why Choose Lanier Law Group?
At Lanier Law Group, we understand the devastating impact catastrophic injuries have on victims and their families. These life-altering injuries come with overwhelming medical bills, long-term care needs, and emotional distress. Our team is dedicated to securing justice and financial recovery for our clients, ensuring they receive the maximum compensation they deserve.
Aggressive Legal Representation
Insurance companies and corporations often try to deny or minimize claims, using delay tactics and undervaluing injuries. We push back with strong legal arguments, expert testimony, and aggressive litigation strategies. Whether through negotiation or courtroom litigation, we fight to hold negligent parties accountable.
Personalized Client Advocacy
Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your specific needs. Our attorneys provide one-on-one attention, keeping you informed throughout the legal process. We tailor our legal approach to your circumstances, ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
No Fees Unless We Win
We handle catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you. This allows you to focus on your recovery without financial stress, knowing that our team is fully invested in your case and committed to winning the justice you deserve.
Seriously Injured in Greenville? Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Greenville, you need a legal team that won’t back down. The insurance companies may try to dodge responsibility, but at Lanier Law Group, we’re ready to go toe-to-toe with them and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call 919-342-1368 or reach out to us online for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing and moving forward with your life.
Your road to recovery starts now. Call 919-342-1368 or contact us online for a free consultation. Let us take on the legal battle so you can focus on healing and moving forward.
We Won't Back Down
Lanier Law Group is Here When Results Matter Most
We Fight for Our Clients
*Featured Case Results, Settlements, & Trial Wins From Our Attorneys
$4.8 Million
Settlement
A case with multiple plaintiffs who were potentially exposed to a deadly disease while in the hospital.
$3.1 Million
Birth Injury/Hypoxic Brain Injury
The OB doctor’s negligence caused a delay in the baby’s birth which resulted in the baby suffering of a severe hypoxic brain injury.
$1.375 Million
Medication Overdose/Hospital Negligence
Our client died following an overdose of medication that occurred as a result of the negligence of the nursery staff while they were in the hospital.
$1.2 Million
Birth Injury/Developmental Delay
Our client suffers from a severe developmental delay following a birth injury when there were signs of fetal distress that were not responded to.
$500,000
Botched Gall Bladder Surgery
Our client suffered an injury to their common bile duct during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
$425,000
Surgical Error
A client had their bowel perforated during a ventral hernia repair.
We Never Back Down From a Fight
Featured Reviews, Testimonials & Results
"20 out of 10 stars."
There are times in your life you are so hurt and feel life has a grudge against you. Nothing in your life is going right. I lost the most important person in my life to death, of which I knew mistakes were made because I witnessed it with my own eyes. When you contact a law group you most of the time get all business and a matter of fact conversation. I want all to know that from the first phone call they listened to my lengthy story, sobbing most of the time with so much compassion. They never made any promises but offered assurances that no stone would be unturned. They fulfilled every word they said. They restored faith that I had lost. Until you are in a position like mine you can never know how invaluable Lanier Law Group is. They were wonderful while maintaining their professionalism. They treated me like a family member. They really do care about their clients. But most of all they are the best at what they do. I worked in the court system for years so I knew how attorneys and law firms basically operated. Understanding the law and it’s interpretation is the ultimate key to winning any case. Also know that if an attorney/attorneys study and review your case and know that you don’t have a chance in a court of law and are big enough to tell you that instead of giving you false hope, you then my friend have a group with valuable shared values. I have so much respect for everyone in this Law Group. I recommend Lanier Law Group, P.A. to anyone who needs representation, they are in your corner. 20 out of 10 stars.
- Diane W.
"Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members"
I started working with Lanier Law Group in 2020 on my Social Security Disability case. They from start to finish were awesome. My case manager Janet Hanks and attorney, Ashley Sappenfield were always available to answer all my questions. I did not have to do much but sit back and let them handle whatever was needed. My case took too long (2 years) and if I did not have Janet and Ashley My case would still not be approved. I would recommend Lanier to anyone to get the job done and approved. Do not go to another firm with your case, who promise the world and do not see it to completion and do not think another firms would have worked as hard as they did on my case. Lanier Law Group will always be the choice for me and all my family members to handle any cases of this type and other legal services they provide. They went above and beyond!
- Phillip J.
"So thankful for your expertise and professionalism"
Mrs. Gonzalez did an awesome job of explaining everything in detail and keeping me informed on the status of my case. Despite poor customer service with the insurance company, Mrs. Gonzalez was able to fix what they could not. Mrs. Gonzalez was very helpful with helping me understand things that I was not aware of when dealing with insurance claims. I am so thankful for her expertise and professionalism.
- Mario H.
"Always ready to answer any questions I may have"
The staff kept me well informed in a more than timely manner and was always ready to answer any questions I may have.
- Timothy M.
"The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service!"
The Lanier Law Group provided excellent customer service! My main contact was Denise.
- Malinda P.
Respect. Integrity. Passion.
Our Commitment to Our Clients
We Come Prepared
After an injury, every second counts. We are available to meet with you in person, virtually, or at your location to provide the highest quality legal counsel.
We're In Your Corner
Every case we take on has a team of dedicated professionals assigned to make sure that we're delivering the best possible service and results.
We're Here For You 24/7
Regardless of when you contact our firm, we're here to make sure that you get the answers you need. We also offer weekend appointments and consultations.
We Never Back Down
Our attorneys are confident taking cases to trial and will always seek to maximize your compensation.