Scottsdale Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

A catastrophic injury can have devastating effects on your life. An unexpected accident, a slip and fall at work, or injuries sustained during recreational activities can have lasting consequences for you and your family. If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, premises liability, a workplace accident, or an equipment or mechanical malfunction, a Scottsdale catastrophic injury lawyer can help you seek compensation.

At Luis P. Guerra, LLC, we have more than two decades of experience advocating for clients in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, and the surrounding areas. Our dedicated, compassionate team is knowledgeable in all aspects of personal injury law, and we can explain the catastrophic injury laws relevant to your case. We are ready to aggressively advocate on your behalf to help you gain the outcome you deserve.

Catastrophic injuries are defined by their severity and the ongoing nature of the health issues a victim may suffer. In 2024, there were 54 million injuries reported in the US. Some common catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). These devastating head injuries can affect memory, speech, gross and fine motor skills, emotions, and personality. TBI injuries can require long-term care, ongoing therapy, and, in some cases, life support.
• Spinal cord injuries. Similar to TBIs, spinal cord injuries can impact mobility and motor skills. They could even leave you partially or totally paralyzed. You may never recover your ability to walk, and you may face lifelong disability. Your home may need to be modified with disability accommodations, or you may require long-term residential care.
• Amputation. Some amputation injuries occur due to workplace accidents and crushing injuries in automobile crashes. In some cases, a limb or digit may not be able to be saved, requiring surgical amputation. Amputation injuries often require ongoing physical therapy and costly prosthetics. They can also impact your ability to work.
• Severe burns. Chemical spills, fires, workplace injuries, and vehicle and truck accidents can create disfiguring, painful burns that may require expensive, ongoing plastic surgery and skin grafting to repair scarring and injuries.
• Internal injuries. Internal bleeding, organ damage, and other life-threatening injuries are common in truck accidents, bicycle and pedestrian accidents, and other traumatic accidents. These injuries often require emergency surgery and, in some cases, an organ transplant.

No matter the nature of your injuries, it’s important to speak to a qualified personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident, before speaking with insurers, to protect your case. Arizona imposes a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury cases, so prompt action is necessary.

At Luis P. Guerra, LLC, we represent accident victims and their family members in any number of catastrophic injury cases. If your loved one’s injuries caused their death, we can also pursue a wrongful death claim. An estimated 101.4 out of every 100,000 people died as a result of a catastrophic injury in Arizona between 2019 and 2023. Furthermore, 2.3% of workers experienced a workplace injury in 2024.

Accidents happen every day. Many accidental injuries resolve with medical attention, but with a catastrophic injury, the medical costs can multiply exponentially. Coupled with diminished earning capacity, an accident can create severe financial and emotional hardships that affect your family for decades to come.

Arizona injury awards, or damages, fall into three categories: 

• Economic damages, which address quantifiable, documented financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity
• Non-economic damages, which are awarded for intangible losses, including pain and suffering, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress
• Punitive damages. Punitive damages may apply in rare cases where extreme negligence or malicious intent are factors.

Compensation for personal injury cases in Arizona can be significant, as there is no statutory cap on these awards. Our firm can provide you with case examples during your consultation to help you understand the scope of the awards you may be entitled to.*

What Is the Meaning of a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is one in which a severe, often permanent injury negatively affects a person’s life, requiring ongoing care and preventing them from maintaining the same quality of life they enjoyed before the accident. Some examples of catastrophic injuries could include head injuries sustained while engaging in recreational activities, such as skiing at Bear Mountain Ski Resort, or internal injuries that occur due to truck accidents on I-10 or I-17.

Which Level of Injury Severity Do Catastrophic Injuries Fall Under?

Catastrophic injuries fall under Grade Three injuries. Injury severity is often categorized into three levels:

• Grade 1/Minor. Minimal tissue damage and mild pain that can be managed at home
• Grade 2/Moderate. Partial tissue tearing, significant sprains, and minor fractures that result in moderate pain and require medical attention
• Grade 3/Catastrophic. Major fractures, life-threatening injuries, severe tissue damage, and severe pain. Emergency medical care, ongoing rehabilitation care, and possible long-term support are necessary.

How Much Does a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a catastrophic injury lawyer typically depends on whether they recover appropriate compensation for you. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they do not collect a fee unless the client receives a settlement for their personal injury claim. If they do, their fee would be a percentage of that settlement.

If I’m in a Catastrophic Injury-Causing Accident, Should I Call My Insurance Company?

You may choose to contact your insurance or the other party’s insurance provider after an accident, but you should be careful about what you say. Insurance adjusters are often interested in settling your claim as quickly as possible, for the least amount of money. Especially in catastrophic injury cases, settling for less than you are entitled to can lead to immense financial consequences. It’s in your interests to contact a lawyer who can speak with your insurer on your behalf.

Contact Luis P. Guerra, L.L.C., to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you protect your rights and your future.