Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Cleveland, OH

Catastrophic Personal Injury Lawyer Cleveland OH

If the negligence of another person resulted in you sustaining a life-altering or catastrophic injury, you may be eligible for compensation. A Cleveland, Ohio catastrophic injury lawyer at Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. can help. Contact us without delay to learn more.

Catastrophic injuries are typically unexpected, and the individual’s life is changed forever. They may also be saddled with a lifetime of medical bills, pain, and a reduction in their quality of life. When the accident was not their fault, this may add insult to injury. We can help right that wrong. Each Cleveland, OH catastrophic injury lawyer from our firm is an aggressive defender of victims’ rights, including the right to compensation for their damages.

Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Cleveland, OH

What are examples of catastrophic injuries?

A catastrophic injury is one that is so serious that it leaves the victim with long-term or permanent damage. Such an injury may prevent them from returning to work or performing even basic tasks, and cause them chronic, daily pain. Catastrophic injuries will very often affect not just the victim, but their family members as well who can no longer rely on the victim’s income to survive. Modifications to the home may be necessary to accommodate wheelchair access and other needs resulting from the injury. 

For these reasons, it’s important to turn to a seasoned Cleveland, OH catastrophic injury lawyer to learn what help is available to you. Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. will often take cases on a retainer basis, which means that no payment to our lawyer is required until after they are able to negotiate a settlement or win an award through litigation. We also offer a free consultation to review cases in order to determine if we might be a good match for representation.

Common examples of catastrophic injuries that may qualify for compensation from the at-fault party include the following:

  • The loss of a limb (arm, leg, foot, hand, etc.)
  • A spinal injury
  • A brain injury
  • Severe bruising, cut, or burn
  • Damage to an internal organ
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Bone fractures and breaks

Catastrophic Brain Injuries

Every year, thousands of people will suffer a brain injury. Many will heal and fully recover; however, some will be permanently affected. When this is the case, it may be considered a catastrophic brain injury. 

As a catastrophic injury lawyer Cleveland, OH resident’s trust, we would tell anyone to take a head injury seriously. The brain is extremely delicate. When damaged, it can be difficult to treat and repair. A catastrophic brain injury is a type of severe brain injury. Usually these are caused by a penetrating wound or significant blow to the head. Many are life threatening. When another party caused this injury, a Cleveland, OH catastrophic injury lawyer should be sought. Call  Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. now. 

Types of Catastrophic Brain Injuries

Concussion

Concussions are the most common brain injury, and most people do not view them as being catastrophic. Generally, they are not. That being said, the extent of a concussion is not fully understood by the medical profession. It is possible for it to take several years for a person to fully recover from a concussion. Due to this potential, a severe concussion could be considered catastrophic. 

Contusion

A contusion refers to bleeding or bruising on the brain. In serious cases, surgery may be required. This type of injury tends to involve long term treatment requirements and can cause cognitive impairments. 

Coup-contrecoup 

This is an injury that involves contusions on both sides of the head. In order for this injury to happen, the brain suffers an impact so hard that it moves and hits the opposite side of the head. These injuries are commonly seen in high impact auto accidents and violent assaults. As a catastrophic injury lawyer in Cleveland, OH, we have successfully recovered compensation for victims who suffered a coup-contrecoup. 

Diffuse Axonal 

When the brain is shaken violently, it can result in a diffuse axonal injury. These injuries are common in car accidents, and shaken baby syndrome. When the skull moves, the brain does not move at the same speed. This causes tears in the brain and nerve tissue. When torn,  the damage to the brain can be widespread. In some cases, the victim may be put into a coma, or could lose their life. 

Penetration Injuries

When the brain has been penetrated with an object, bullet, or knife, structural and internal damages can occur. Not only might the brain be injured by the penetration, but it can also be affected by bone fragments and debris. 

Cleveland Catastrophic Injury Law Infographic

Types of Catastrophic Brain Injuries Infographic

Other Types of Catastrophic Brain Injuries

In addition to the brain being injured from the above, it can also be injured because of environmental circumstances. As a catastrophic injury lawyer Cleveland, Ohio has to offer, we know of cases involving:

Anoxic Brain Injury

These catastrophic injuries are sustained when there is not enough oxygen supplied to the brain. This can occur because of a stroke, tumor, disease, or external factor like near-drowning or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Hypoxic Brain Injury

Similar to an anoxic brain injury, but the difference is that the brain receives a small amount of oxygen. 

If you suffered a brain injury, and it has caused innumerable losses, a catastrophic injury lawyer in Cleveland, OH would like to listen to your case. Call  Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. now. 

What kind of damages can be recovered after a catastrophic injury?

If someone sustains a catastrophic injury because of someone else’s negligence or carelessness, all of their injury-related damages may be eligible for compensation from the at-fault party. The victim’s lawyer may first opt to submit an injury claim to the at-fault party’s insurance company. If the insurance carrier refuses to offer a fair settlement, the victim and their lawyer may decide to elevate the claim to a civil lawsuit. 

Damages that may be compensable include physical as well as non-physical damages. The following are common examples, not all of which may be applicable depending on the circumstances, and others may be included in a claim but not listed below:

  • Medical treatment for the catastrophic injury: that which was provided from the time of the injury until the claim, and into the future as may be anticipated by the victim’s physicians.
  • The income that the victim has not been able to earn, and will likely not be able to earn from the present time until such time as they would likely have retired.
  • Physical pain that the victim has suffered, and will suffer into the future.
  • Emotional and psychological pain that the victim has suffered, and will suffer into the future.
  • The loss of enjoyment and quality of life due to the injury. 

Learn how a catastrophic injury lawyer Cleveland, OH clients recommend can make a difference in your life—call Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. today.

When You Should Contact a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Cleveland, OH

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with a brain injury, or any other catastrophic injury, you may wonder if you should hire a Cleveland, Ohio catastrophic injury lawyer. Perhaps the doctor doesn’t know the full extent of the injury yet, so you feel you should wait. Maybe you just got done with your final appointment and feel it’s too late. There’s a statute of limitations that allows you a certain time period in which to file a claim, so the sooner you consult a catastrophic injury lawyer in Cleveland, OH, the better. 

Immediately Following Your Accident

If you remember to do so, you should contact your lawyer immediately following the accident, but not before you get medical attention. You might have evidence to collect so you can prove the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, and your catastrophic injury lawyer Cleveland, OH trusts can do that while you’re receiving medical attention. You might not know which doctor to see because of the restrictions set forth by your insurance company, and your lawyer can walk you through figuring that out.

You should also have a lawyer on hand immediately following your accident because you don’t know what the other party is going to do. What if they blame you for the accident? Your lawyer can help you fight that.

After Receiving Medical Care

If you’ve already received medical care and are well on the road to recovery, don’t think it’s too late to contact a catastrophic injury lawyer in Cleveland, Ohio. You may still be able to receive a settlement that will compensate you for medical expenses you already paid.

Before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out

Whether you contact your lawyer before or after you begin or finish medical treatment, it’s essential you at least get it done before the statute of limitations runs out. The time limit you have for which to file a lawsuit is different in each state, so you should learn what the statute is in your state before you run out of time.

There are some exceptions to the rule. For example, if your brain injury accompanied a coma, and you didn’t wake up for seven months, the statute of limitations wouldn’t begin until you woke up and were able to competently understand you were injured. Another example might be if your injury occurred in January, but you didn’t start to feel the effects or get diagnosed until December. The statute of limitations would begin in December when you discovered the injury.

Howard D. Mishkind, Esq. and David A. Kulwicki, Esq., principals in Mishkind Kulwicki Law, have devoted their legal careers to the representation of individuals who have suffered serious personal injury due to the fault of another.  Together, we have 60 plus years of experience in handling serious injury and wrongful death cases, resulting in over $200 Million in recoveries.  Given the unique nature of the cases that we handle, we are asked to represent clients throughout the State of Ohio and occasionally in courts located outside of Ohio.  We have tried over 100 jury trials and have represented clients in every major Ohio city and 27 different Ohio counties.  Our offices are located in Cleveland, Ohio, but we routinely travel throughout the State to meet clients and attend court appearances.  Mishkind Kulwicki Law is a statewide law practice.

Cleveland Catastrophic Injury Lawyer FAQs

Why should I consider a lawyer who is located in a different city? 

Like everything in our increasingly complex world, handling cases involving serious personal injury and wrongful death has gotten increasingly complicated over the years.  Recently, laws affecting legal liability, limits on tort damages and the availability of insurance coverage, among others, have changed.  Legal rights are routinely affected by changes in State and Federal law.  In addition, medicine is constantly changing, and catastrophic injury cases usually require a deep understanding of the underlying medical issues.   Likewise, trial strategy and negotiation techniques are constantly being refined.  In short, experience and dedication to this narrow area of the law is imperative for you to receive the best representation possible.  Just like with specialists in the field of medicine, lawyers who handle more challenging injury cases tend to be located in Ohio’s bigger cities.

Will I have to travel? 

We never make our clients travel to meet us.  We will travel to you if you live outside of the Cleveland area or if you are unable to travel.  Because we handle only catastrophic cases, we make it our business to get to where our clients need us.  Further, with cell phones, text messaging, and email in such common usage, our world has become small enough that we can communicate with our clients 7 days a week.

Are you familiar with our local court system?

The State of Ohio is made up of 88 different counties.  We have handled cases in 27 of those counties, including every major Ohio city.  Each county court is required to follow standardized State rules, which we apply almost daily.  In addition, counties publish Local Rules, with which we familiarize ourselves to comply with local judicial customs.  At times, we will hire a “local counsel” in a particular county to assist us in communicating with the local court, particularly on probate matters.  At times, we will file a lawsuit in a county that is more strategically favorable, even if the injury did not occur there and the client does not reside there.  For instance, as a general rule, jury verdicts tend to be more favorable in more populous counties than in rural counties.  So, your case might even fare better outside of your own county.  Whatever the situation, our client will not lose any strategic advantage by virtue of the fact that our office is located in Cleveland.

Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. Cleveland Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Cleveland Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Google Review

“Howard and his staff are the best! I was so thankful that I had them by my side. They are very professional and make you feel like family. Howard is one of the most efficient and experienced lawyers in Cleveland. He is very committed to helping his clients get the best possible settlement. Very trustworthy and highly recommended. Thank you for taking such good care of me and my family. We appreciate everything you have done for us. Many blessings to you and your staff.” – Wendy B.

Contacting a Cleveland, OH Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic brain injury, it’s a good idea to contact your attorney when you remember to do so. It can never be too early, and depending on your situation, you may have the statute of limitations extended. Contact Mishkind Kulwicki Law Co., L.P.A. today to learn more about catastrophic injury cases.

Client Review

“Howard and his staff provided excellent, efficient, timely, and succinct information in reviewing a matter for us. I personally think Howard is a trustworthy, genuine, kind and highly knowledgeable attorney. ”
Michelle D.
Client Review