One serious accident can change everything. A crash, fall, or workplace incident can cause life-altering injuries, drive up medical costs, and leave your family uncertain about the future.
When medical costs rise and income is lost, the burden on families can be severe. Insurers often make early offers that don’t reflect the full extent of your losses. A Fort Worth catastrophic injury attorney who understands these challenges can protect your interests and guide you forward.
Stephens Law represents individuals and families facing the consequences of catastrophic injuries. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured, call (817) 420-7000 today for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
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Key Takeaways About Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Cases
- Catastrophic injuries permanently alter your physical abilities and financial stability, requiring comprehensive legal strategies that address both immediate medical needs and lifetime care costs.
- Texas law provides special exceptions that can extend filing deadlines for minors or individuals with diminished capacity, preserving their right to seek justice.
- Insurance companies often undervalue catastrophic injury claims, sometimes offering only a fraction of what the case is truly worth.
- Fort Worth juries have awarded multi-million dollar verdicts in catastrophic injury cases, particularly when attorneys demonstrate the full scope of future medical needs and lost opportunities.
- Contacting an attorney immediately helps secure crucial evidence from the scene, which you need to build a strong case and maximize your financial recovery.
How Stephens Law Fights for Catastrophic Injury Victims in Tarrant County
For more than 25 years, Jason Stephens has represented Fort Worth families in catastrophic injury cases, achieving strong results. As a dedicated Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney, he treats each case as a top priority, investing the time, resources, and personal attention that clients need during some of the hardest chapters of their lives.
Jason Stephens has decades of experience representing individuals and families in catastrophic injury cases, guiding clients through complex litigation and holding negligent parties accountable. While no two cases are alike, his approach is built on thorough preparation and dedicated advocacy.
Why Stephens Law Is the Right Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Fort Worth
Stephens Law isn’t a volume practice. Jason personally handles every catastrophic injury case, carefully reviewing medical records, consulting specialists, and creating life-care plans that address both immediate and long-term needs.
The firm works closely with respected Fort Worth medical centers to thoroughly document each client’s injuries. In addition, vocational experts, economists, and healthcare professionals are brought in to evaluate the true cost of a catastrophic injury. This includes future medical care, modified housing, specialized transportation, and other needs that impact quality of life.
Through this approach, Stephens Law has recovered more than $300 million for injured Texans. Many catastrophic injury settlements have reached seven figures, providing clients with the resources necessary to move forward with stability and security.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries Under Texas Law
Courts often treat catastrophic injuries as those causing permanent, life-changing damage to major body systems. These injuries typically prevent victims from returning to their prior employment and require ongoing medical care. While the same negligence standards apply as in other cases, a skilled personal injury lawyer can handle the complex evidence and long-term damage assessments that catastrophic injury claims demand.
Common Catastrophic Injuries Recognized in Texas Courts
The severity and permanence of your injury determines its catastrophic classification. Texas law acknowledges several injury types as inherently catastrophic based on their devastating impact on victims’ lives.
Common catastrophic injuries in Fort Worth include:
- Spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis or limited mobility
- Traumatic brain injuries affecting cognitive function and personality
- Severe burns covering more than 30% of the body
- Multiple limb amputations or crush injuries requiring amputation
Each injury type presents unique challenges for proving damages. Spinal injuries often require testimony from neurosurgeons.
Brain injury cases need neuropsychological evaluations documenting cognitive deficits. These medical opinions form the foundation of your legal claim. Catastrophic injury claims can result in larger recoveries due to extensive medical and long-term care costs.
Lifetime Costs of Catastrophic Injuries in Fort Worth and North Texas
Catastrophic injuries often lead to severe financial hardship. For example, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation reports that medical expenses for spinal cord injuries can exceed $1 million in the first year alone. Lifetime care costs reach into the millions, especially for younger victims who face decades of medical needs.
Long-Term Financial Consequences of Catastrophic Injuries
Fort Worth families can face massive out-of-pocket costs after a catastrophic injury. An air ambulance flight alone may cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Rehabilitation at specialized centers often runs into the hundreds of thousands. Full-time professional care can cost several thousand dollars per month. Costs for vehicle modifications, home adaptations, and lost earnings frequently climb into the hundreds of thousands or more over a lifetime.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries Across Fort Worth
Interstate 35W through downtown Fort Worth sees devastating crashes daily. The intersection of I-30 and I-820 ranks among Texas’s deadliest highway junctions. Commercial trucks jackknife on the elevated sections near Montgomery Street. These highways see some of the most severe crashes during rush hour and severe weather.
Transportation Accidents Leading to Life-Altering Injuries
Eighteen-wheelers remain among the most dangerous vehicles on Fort Worth roads, with fully loaded semis weighing up to 80,000 pounds. When these massive trucks collide with passenger vehicles, the force involved often results in catastrophic injuries.
Motorcyclists also face significant risks, particularly on highways such as 287 and Loop 820 or at intersections like Bryant Irvin and Southwest Boulevard. Collisions that occur when drivers turn across a rider’s path frequently cause traumatic brain injuries and other severe harm, even when protective gear is used. In such cases, consulting an experienced brain injury lawyer can help victims pursue the compensation they need for long-term recovery.
Fort Worth’s rapid growth has also contributed to an increase in construction-related accidents. Falls from scaffolding, crane failures, and trench cave-ins on both large downtown projects and expanding suburban developments have left many workers with permanent injuries and families facing lasting medical and financial challenges.
Building Your Catastrophic Injury Case with a Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney
When a catastrophic injury occurs, the strength of your case depends on how quickly evidence is preserved and documented. A Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney can take immediate action to secure proof, protect your rights, and prepare your case for success.
Preserving Evidence After a Catastrophic Accident
Accident scenes can change within hours, and important details may be lost forever. Stephens Law acts quickly to safeguard evidence, working with reconstruction experts and investigators to build a strong record of what happened.
The team often gathers evidence such as:
- Physical evidence including debris patterns, skid marks, and road conditions
- Vehicle computer data showing speed, braking, and steering inputs
- Medical records from first responders and emergency departments
- Employment records demonstrating income loss and career trajectory
Each category of evidence strengthens your claim and provides juries with clear proof rather than speculation. This thorough approach makes it difficult for insurance companies to challenge responsibility.
Calculating Damages with a Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Once evidence is secured, the next step is a complete calculation of damages. Stephens Law collaborates with financial and medical experts to capture both immediate and long-term costs.
The firm’s experts evaluate:
- Projected medical needs throughout the client’s lifetime
- Lost earnings calculated using Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Fort Worth
- Non-economic damages shown through day-in-the-life videos and family testimony
These evaluations reveal the full scope of losses. By presenting both economic and non-economic damages, Stephens Law demonstrates the long-lasting impact of catastrophic injuries on clients and their families.
Legal Protections Explained by a Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Texas law provides unique safeguards for those suffering catastrophic injuries. An experienced attorney can apply these rules to protect your ability to recover compensation.
Key legal protections include:
- Discovery Rule: Extends filing deadlines when injuries, such as brain trauma, show delayed symptoms
- Statute of Limitations Exceptions: Minors have until age 20 to file, while incapacitated adults may have extended deadlines until they regain capacity
- Statute of Repose: Allows up to 15 years for product liability cases involving defective devices, pharmaceuticals, or vehicle components
- Damage Caps: Punitive damages are normally limited, but cases of gross negligence may qualify for higher awards
These laws are complex, but they can provide significant opportunities for recovery when applied by a knowledgeable Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney. Stephens Law uses these protections strategically to fight for clients facing life-changing injuries.
Why Insurance Companies Fight Catastrophic Injury Claims
Catastrophic injury claims carry enormous value, which is why insurance companies use aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. A single catastrophic injury settlement can exceed hundreds of smaller claims combined.
Insurers often assign specialized teams to defend these cases, knowing the financial exposure is high. A Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney is often the only line of defense against these strategies.
Common Delay and Denial Tactics in Catastrophic Injury Claims
Insurance adjusters frequently question injury severity, suggesting temporary conditions instead of permanent disabilities. They require repeated examinations by doctors hired to minimize your injuries and future care needs.
Quick settlement offers usually represent only a fraction of your true damages. Adjusters also raise pre-existing condition arguments or send investigators to record daily activities, twisting brief efforts into claims of full recovery.
How a Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney Counters Insurance Company Strategies
Stephens Law responds with demand packages supported by medical records, expert testimony, and economic analyses. Jason Stephens’s reputation as a trial lawyer with eight-figure verdicts forces insurers to take cases seriously. Insurance companies recognize his trial record and know he is prepared to present compelling evidence in court.
Coordinating Medical Care and Legal Strategy in Catastrophic Injury Cases
Medical treatment plays a direct role in the value of a catastrophic injury claim. Stephens Law partners with leading Fort Worth providers, including Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation, to document injuries and future medical needs.
The firm often arranges treatment on liens, allowing clients to receive care without upfront costs. Consistent rehabilitation records and day-to-day documentation provide persuasive evidence for juries and strengthen settlement negotiations.
Timeline for Catastrophic Injury Settlements in Texas
Catastrophic injury cases take longer than standard personal injury claims because recovery and long-term prognosis must be clear. Initial investigations typically occur within weeks, while medical stabilization may take many months.
Expert evaluations and damage calculations follow, leading to settlement talks or trial preparation. Some catastrophic injury cases in Tarrant County resolve within a year, but complex disputes against corporate defendants may last several years.
Choosing the Right Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorney
The attorney you choose determines whether you receive fair compensation or accept a low settlement. Catastrophic injury cases require trial experience, financial resources, and direct client involvement.
Jason Stephens brings all three, with one of the largest verdicts in Texas history and multiple multi-million-dollar recoveries. He personally handles catastrophic injury cases instead of delegating them to layers of staff.
Key Questions to Ask a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Fort Worth
During a consultation, ask about past cases involving catastrophic injuries, including settlement amounts and trial verdicts. Inquire about their experience in Tarrant County courts, since local jury verdicts often differ from statewide averages.
Also, confirm they have access to trusted experts such as neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and economists who can support your claim. These answers reveal whether an attorney has the experience and resources necessary for a successful catastrophic injury settlement.
FAQs for Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Attorneys
What distinguishes a catastrophic injury from a standard personal injury in Texas law?
Catastrophic injuries cause permanent disability affecting major life activities and preventing return to previous employment. Texas courts recognize spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, multiple amputations, severe burns, and organ damage as catastrophic. These cases allow expanded damages including lifetime medical care, extensive home modifications, and full career earnings loss rather than temporary wage replacement.
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Fort Worth?
In Fort Worth, you generally have two years from the date of injury to file a catastrophic injury lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. Exceptions apply: minors can file until age 20, those with diminished capacity may get more time, and the discovery rule can extend deadlines if the injury appears later, such as with toxic exposure or defective medical devices.
What compensation might be available for catastrophic injuries beyond medical bills?
Catastrophic injury compensation extends far beyond medical expenses. Victims may recover lost earnings throughout their expected career, diminished earning capacity, home and vehicle modifications, professional caregiving costs, and vocational rehabilitation. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of consortium for spouses.
Will my catastrophic injury case definitely go to trial?
Most catastrophic injury cases settle without trial once insurers recognize the claim’s value. However, preparing for trial often drives better settlements. Insurance companies offer more when facing attorneys with proven trial success. Stephens Law prepares every case for trial while remaining open to fair settlement negotiations benefiting clients.
What if the at-fault party has minimal insurance coverage?
Catastrophic injuries often exceed standard insurance limits, requiring creative recovery strategies. Stephens Law pursues multiple liable parties including employers, property owners, and product manufacturers.
They investigate umbrella policies, commercial coverage, and personal assets. Underinsured motorist coverage and bad faith claims against insurers provide additional recovery sources.
What is the first thing I should do if my loved one suffers a catastrophic injury?
After seeking immediate medical attention, your next priority is to preserve any available evidence. Do not speak with insurance adjusters or sign any documents without first consulting an attorney.
An insurer’s primary goal is to minimize its payout, and will use your words against you. Contacting a lawyer quickly allows them to manage insurance communications and begin an independent investigation while evidence is still fresh.
How is a catastrophic injury claim different from a workers’ compensation claim?
Workers’ compensation provides no-fault benefits for medical bills and a portion of lost wages but does not cover damages for pain, suffering, or the full scope of your financial losses.
A catastrophic injury lawsuit, also known as a third-party claim, allows you to seek full compensation from a negligent party who is not your employer. This could be a careless driver, a property owner, or the manufacturer of faulty equipment. You can often pursue both types of claims simultaneously.
How much does it cost to hire a catastrophic injury attorney?
Most catastrophic injury attorneys, including Stephens Law, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees. The attorney’s fee is a percentage of the total compensation recovered on your behalf. If you do not win your case, you owe no attorney fees. This arrangement allows you to access skilled legal representation without any financial risk.
Contact a Fort Worth Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
Catastrophic injuries can change the course of your life in an instant, affecting your independence, career, and daily routines. These hardships do not have to define your future.
With the support of an experienced attorney, you can seek accountability and obtain the financial resources you need to rebuild. In Fort Worth, juries recognize the lasting impact of catastrophic injuries and deliver meaningful verdicts when presented with strong, persuasive evidence.
Attorney Jason Stephens has guided hundreds of Fort Worth families through the challenges of life-altering injuries. His proven record in catastrophic injury cases brings hope to situations that once seemed hopeless.
One call can be the first step toward financial security and justice. Contact Stephens Law today at (817) 420-7000 for your free catastrophic injury consultation.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Fort Worth, TX
Stephens Law Personal Injury | Wrongful Death | Truck Accidents – Fort Worth Office
1300 S University Dr #300
Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
Phone:
(817) 420 7000
Open 24 hours
