Rockford Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Defending Injured Victims’ Rights Following Catastrophic Accidents

Rockford catastrophic injury attorneys advocate for victims facing life-altering injuries that result in permanent disabilities, extensive medical expenses, and emotional trauma. The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Law is dedicated to protecting your rights and holding negligent parties accountable.

Verdicts and Settlements from Our Catastrophic Injury Cases

With a proven history of securing compensation for catastrophic injury victims, our Rockford personal injury attorneys have recovered millions for those suffering life-altering injuries caused by negligent drivers, defective products, and other accidents, including:

• $7,300,000 for a worker who suffered severe internal injuries, including a collapsed lung and liver damage, when a defective extension ladder failed at 30 feet high.
• $5,250,000 for a woman who sustained hand injuries while using a faulty circular saw during a shop class, leading to permanent loss of function.
• $4,400,000 for a forklift operator who suffered crushing injuries.

What are Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are severe, life-altering conditions that result in permanent disabilities or significant impairments. These injuries often affect a person’s ability to work, perform daily activities, or maintain their quality of life.

Common examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, amputations, and multiple fractures. Victims of catastrophic accidents typically require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term support, leading to overwhelming medical costs and lost wages.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Rockford Accidents

Catastrophic injuries often occur in serious accidents that result in permanent disabilities and long-term medical needs. Common causes include:

• Motor vehicle accidents – High-impact car crashes, motorcycle accidents, and truck collisions frequently cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and severe fractures.
• Workplace accidents (construction, industrial) – Falls, electrocutions, heavy machinery accidents, and exposure to hazardous materials can lead to life-threatening injuries.
• Falls from heights – Common in construction work and unsafe premises, these falls can cause spinal cord damage, paralysis, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Bicycle and pedestrian accidents – Collisions with vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries due to the lack of protection.
• Sports and recreation accidents – High-impact sports, diving, and extreme activities can lead to permanent impairments like paralysis or brain trauma.
• Defective products – Faulty vehicles, industrial equipment, or medical devices can cause severe harm.

How We Establish Liability in Rockford Catastrophic Injury Case

Proving liability in a catastrophic injury case requires demonstrating that another party’s negligence directly caused the victim’s serious injuries. This process involves four key elements:

• Duty of care – The negligent party was legally obligated to act responsibly, such as a driver following traffic laws or an employer ensuring workplace safety.
• Breach of duty – The responsible party failed in their duty, such as a motorist running a red light or a company neglecting proper equipment maintenance.
• Causation – The breach directly led to the catastrophic accident, resulting in life-altering injuries.
• Damages – The victim suffered medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other financial and personal losses.

Steps to Take After Suffering a Catastrophic Injury in Rockford

After a catastrophic accident, the injured person may be unable to act, making it critical for family members to take the necessary steps to protect their legal rights.

• Prioritize medical care – Seek immediate treatment for serious injuries, as timely care can be lifesaving.
• Report the accident (if applicable) – Notify the police for car accidents or workplace authorities for job-related injuries.
• Document everything – Keep records of medical costs, lost wages, and ongoing treatment.
• Preserve evidence – Save any photos, video footage, or witness information to support the claim.
• Do not admit fault or discuss the accident with insurance companies – Anything said may be used to reduce compensation.
• Contact a Rockford personal injury lawyer – An attorney can help establish liability and fight for maximum compensation.

Lawsuit Filing Process for a Catastrophic Injury in Rockford

An experienced lawyer plays a critical role in building a strong personal injury case. The process begins with a thorough investigation, including obtaining police reports, medical records, and witness statements.

Attorneys may also work with expert witnesses, such as medical specialists, accident reconstructionists, and life care planners, to assess the severity of injuries and long-term impact.

Once sufficient evidence is gathered, the attorney drafts a formal complaint outlining the liable party’s responsibility and the damages sought. This is filed in court, officially starting the legal process. The attorney then handles negotiations with the insurance company or prepares the case for trial if a settlement cannot be reached.

Compensation Awarded in Catastrophic Injury Claims

A Rockford catastrophic injury attorney can help them seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, including:

• Medical costs;
• Lost wages and future earnings;
• Home and vehicle modifications;
• Long-term care;
• Pain and suffering;
• Mental anguish;
• Loss of enjoyment of life.

Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims in Illinois

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the accident date (735 ILCS 5/13-202). If the injury resulted in a wrongful death, the victim’s family typically has two years from the date of death to file a claim (740 ILCS 180/2).

Why You Need Experienced Rockford Personal Injury Attorneys

Handling a personal injury case alone can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with an insurance company that tries to minimize payouts. An experienced Rockford personal injury lawyer can negotiate settlements, gather critical evidence, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Attorneys work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and financial specialists to prove liability and the full impact of your injuries. They can take your case to trial if a fair settlement isn’t offered. Legal representation ensures that victims receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma, allowing them to focus on recovery.

Consult a Rockford Catastrophic Injury Attorney Near You!

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you need a legal team that will fight for your rights. At Rosenfield Injury Lawyers, we understand these injuries’ emotional and financial toll and will work tirelessly to hold the negligent party accountable.

We offer a free initial consultation and work on a contingency fee, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Call us at (888) 424–5757 or fill out our contact form to discuss your case today.

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“I used the services of Jonathan Rosenfeld and his staff for a very serious case. Mr Rosenfeld was extremely attentive and answered all my questions as they came up. In the end, he was able to get a very favorable settlement with the insurance company. I do not think I could have gotten this much money without this firm helping. They were very reliable and trustworthy. I would recommend them to anyone looking for help with a personal or auto injury in Chicago.”

— carine mininni

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All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.