Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events that leave victims with long-term or permanent disabilities, impacting their ability to work, care for themselves, and live independently. Recent data indicates that catastrophic injuries are the leading cause of death among New Yorkers aged 1 to 34 and rank among the top causes of death for other age groups.

Each year, nearly 8,000 people in New York lose their lives due to injuries. Catastrophic injuries remain one of the primary reasons for hospitalization across all age groups, with over 155,000 individuals requiring hospital care annually. Another 1.5 million New Yorkers sustain injuries severe enough to seek treatment in emergency departments.

In New York, individuals who suffer catastrophic injuries due to another party’s negligence have the right to seek compensation. Michael S. Lamonsoff, a top catastrophic injury lawyer in New York, is called “The Bull” by his clients because he never stops fighting for them. With deep experience in handling the gamut of catastrophic injury lawsuits, he has a proven track record of securing maximum compensation for victims. If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury, call now for a free consultation and let “The Bull” fight for you.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury is defined as an injury that results in permanent disability, long-term medical complications, or a significant loss of bodily function. Common types include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Can lead to cognitive impairment, loss of motor skills, and personality changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries – May cause paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of sensation.
Amputations – Loss of limbs significantly alters a victim’s quality of life and ability to work.
Severe Burn Injuries – Third-degree burns often require multiple surgeries and lead to permanent scarring and nerve damage.
Multiple Fractures – Complicated fractures can result in permanent mobility limitations.
Internal Organ Damage – Injuries to vital organs may lead to lifelong health complications.
Severe Eye Injuries – Can cause partial or total blindness, significantly impacting daily life.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can arise from various accidents, including:

Motor Vehicle Accidents – High-speed collisions, truck accidents, motorcycle crashes, and pedestrian accidents.
Workplace Accidents – Construction site falls, machinery malfunctions, and exposure to hazardous materials.
Medical Malpractice – Surgical errors, anesthesia mistakes, and birth injuries.
Slip and Fall Accidents – Occurring on unsafe premises due to negligence.
Defective Products – Faulty machinery, unsafe drugs, and auto defects.
Violent Crimes – Gunshot wounds, physical assaults, and other acts of violence.

Location Types Where Catastrophic Injuries Commonly Occur

Certain locations present a higher risk for catastrophic injuries, including:

Highways and Intersections – Locations with heavy traffic and high-speed limits.
Construction Sites – Often the scene of serious workplace injuries.
Nursing Homes – Elderly residents can suffer catastrophic falls and medical neglect.
Factories and Industrial Workplaces – Involve dangerous machinery and hazardous substances.
Public and Private Properties – Unsafe conditions in stores, parks, or rental properties can cause severe injuries.
Hospitals and Medical Clinics – Medical negligence can lead to irreversible damage.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Catastrophic Injuries?

Liability in catastrophic injury cases depends on the cause of the injury and the involved parties. Potentially liable parties include:

Negligent Drivers – In car, truck, and motorcycle accidents.
Employers and Contractors – For unsafe working conditions or lack of safety protocols.
Property Owners – If hazardous conditions cause serious injury.
Medical Professionals – For errors that result in lifelong health complications.
Product Manufacturers – If a defect leads to severe injuries.
Government Entities – For accidents caused by poorly maintained roads or public property.

Steps to Take If You or a Loved One Were Catastrophically Injured

Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Your health is the top priority; ensure all injuries are properly documented.
Report the Incident – Notify the relevant authorities (police, employer, property owner, etc.).
Gather Evidence – Take photos, obtain witness statements, and keep medical records.
Do Not Accept Quick Settlement Offers – Insurance companies may offer low settlements to close claims quickly.
Consult a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer – An attorney can guide you on the best legal options.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for Catastrophic Injury Cases

Catastrophic injury cases involve complex medical, legal, and financial issues, making it essential to have an experienced attorney. A skilled lawyer can:

Investigate Your Case Thoroughly – Collect evidence, analyze medical records, and consult with experts.
Identify All Liable Parties – Holding negligent individuals, corporations, or government entities accountable.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies – Ensuring fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care.
Take Your Case to Trial if Necessary – If a fair settlement isn’t reached, an experienced trial lawyer will advocate for maximum compensation.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, legal representation is critical to achieving financial stability for the future. Contact our experienced New York catastrophic injury lawyers to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Time limits apply, so act now to protect your rights.

Major Types of Accidents that May Cause Catastrophic Injuries in New York

Train Accidents

New York’s extensive railway system, including Amtrak, Metro-North, and LIRR, sees thousands of commuters daily. Derailments, high-speed collisions, and platform accidents can cause catastrophic injuries such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage, and amputations.

Subway Accidents

The NYC subway is one of the busiest transit systems in the world, but accidents frequently occur due to sudden stops, derailments, malfunctioning doors, and overcrowding. Victims may suffer severe injuries such as electrocution from third-rail contact, crush injuries from being caught between train cars, or falls onto tracks.

Building Collapses

Structural failures in residential and commercial buildings can result from poor maintenance, design flaws, or substandard construction materials. These incidents often lead to severe crush injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatalities, particularly for construction workers and residents.

Parking Structure Collapses

Many older or poorly maintained parking garages in New York pose risks of partial or complete collapse due to excessive weight, foundational weaknesses, or design errors. Such failures can cause traumatic injuries, including multiple fractures, internal organ damage, and long-term disabilities.

Plane Crash Accidents

Although rare, aviation accidents—whether involving commercial airlines, private jets, or helicopters—are among the most catastrophic. Survivors often suffer from severe burns, spinal injuries, and traumatic amputations due to high-impact crashes, fuel explosions, or emergency landings.

Why Choose Michael S. Lamonsoff, "The Bull," as Your Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Michael S. Lamonsoff is the founder and owner of The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC. Known as “The Bull” for his unyielding and forceful advocacy, he fights aggressively to recover the maximum compensation for his clients. As one of New York City’s top-rated catastrophic injury attorneys, he is licensed to practice in all New York State Courts and the Federal District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.

His outstanding legal skills and commitment to justice have earned him recognition from his peers, including induction into the Board of Directors of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and consistent selection as a Super Lawyer.

Member of:

Board of Directors of NY State Trial Lawyers Association
American Association for Justice
NY County Lawyers Association

Educated at:

University of Arizona
Benjamin N. Cordozo School of Law
Double post-masters degrees in psychology at Columbia University

Awards:

6X Super Lawyers Panel
Million Dollar and Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum

A Proven Track Record of Success

Through his aggressive litigation style, Michael S. Lamonsoff has built one of New York’s largest and most successful personal injury law firms. His firm focuses on representing victims of construction accidents, premises liability cases, motor vehicle accidents, and other catastrophic injuries caused by negligence. His fearless, results-driven approach has led to some of the largest settlements and verdicts in New York State.

Because of his numerous million- and multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, Mr. Lamonsoff is a member of the esteemed Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. His firm is frequently recognized in “VerdictSearch’s Top New York Verdicts,” highlighting its dominance in securing high-value compensation for clients. No case is too big or too small for The Bull and his team.

More Than Half A Billion In Verdicts & Settlements

These are some of the recent premises liability accident awards and verdicts won by Michael Lamonsoff “The Bull.”

See More Client Results

$37,000,000 Awarded to an elevator mechanic who was injured in a construction accident.

$16,000,000 Verdict against the New York City Department of Education for a young girl who was sexually abused by her teacher over a two-year period.

14,000,000 settlement at trial for injured worker

$12,157,000 To clients who were victims of a train derailment.

$12,000,000 Total compensation (which included the negotiation of the workers’ compensation lien) awarded to a construction worker who fell over 15 feet after falling through plywood that covered a hole at the worksite.

$11,750,000 Total compensation awarded to Fernando Bermudez, who spent 18 years in prison as a result of being wrongfully convicted for a murder he did not commit.

$11,000,000 $11,000,000 in total. $10,000,000.00 verdict plus an estimated pre-trial interest of approximately $1,000,000.00 to a victim of a bus accident

$9,000,000 Verdict against the City of New York for a pastor of a church, who was falsely arrested after being racially profiled.

$7,000,000 Awarded to a construction laborer who had sheets of metal fall on him at a construction site.

$1,245,000 Settlement for a pedestrian who fell down a staircase

$1,000,000 Settlement awarded to an injured pedestrian from a slip & fall accident.

$1,000,000 Settlement for injured motorist

$1,000,000 Settlement for man who fell from wheelchair

$1,000,000 Settlement for shop patron

$1,000,000 Awarded to a construction worker who while walking at a construction site tripped and fell over a pipe protruding from the ground.

$1,000,000 Awarded to pedestrian struck by truck

$1,000,000 Awarded to our client who while driving his car was sideswiped by another vehicle.

$1,000,000 Settlement awarded to a client before trial, who was rear-ended by a pick-up truck.

$1,000,000 Settlement awarded to a client before trial, who tripped over broken pavement in a crosswalk while crossing the street.

$1,000,000 Settlement for a fallen construction worker.

$1,000,000 Awarded to a union plasterer who was injured on the job when he was burned by a torch.

$1,000,000 Awarded to a construction worker who fell through a skylight in a warehouse.

$1,000,000 Settlement for a NYPD traffic officer whose vehicle was struck by a negligently operated forklift, causing serious injuries.

$1,000,000 Settlement for a man rear-ended at a stoplight.

$1,000,050 Verdict awarded to our client, a taxi driver rear-ended in an automobile accident

$1,000,050 Jury award to a driver of a vehicle that was rear-ended by an MTA bus.

$1,000,180 Awarded to the family of a one-year-old infant who fell and drowned in a full bucket placed to catch water leaking from a ceiling.

$1,245,000 Settlement for fall down staircase

$1,250,000 Settlement for injured motorist

$1,250,000 Settlement for victim of ceiling collapse in his Bronx apartment.

$1,250,000 Awarded to motorcyclist struck by a car.

$1,250,000 Awarded to a 35-year-old taxi cab driver whose vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle.

$1,275,000 Settlement awarded to pedestrian struck by Honda Civic.

$1,350,000 Settlement obtained for a 14-year-old high school freshman who was injured in a road rage pedestrian accident.

$1,375,000 Awarded to our client who was operating a bicycle in the bike lane when a short school bus drifted into his lane and struck him.

$1,400,000 Settlement for motorist struck by construction gate.

$1,450,000 Awarded to a construction laborer.

$1,495,000 Awarded to a passenger of a vehicle in which the driver lost control and struck a tree.

$1,500,000 Settlement awarded to a union construction worker who was injured when he was struck by concrete/slurry that fell out of the hose and the boom due to a failure of a coupling device.

$1,500,000 Settlement for victim of slip and fall

$1,500,000 Settlement awarded to our client, who was injured when she fell down an open cellar hatch door leading to a storage area.

$1,500,000 Recovered in a case involving a construction worker who was injured when he fell from an unsecured scaffold.

$1,500,000 Awarded to a former NYC police officer injured in the line of duty.

$1,600,000 Awarded to a woman who was a passenger in a vehicle rear-ended by an 18-wheeler.

$1,637,500 Verdict in Westchester County, the highest verdict in Westchester County to date this year.

$1,650,000 Awarded to a pedestrian who was injured when he was struck by a car.

$1,675,000 Awarded to the driver of a car that was struck by another car.

$1,700,000 Awarded to a worker who was performing exterminating services at a building when he stepped and fell into a sewage drain hole.

$1,750,000 Awarded to a construction worker who was injured when a beam impacted his left ankle.

$1,750,000 Awarded to a bicyclist who was injured when he was struck by a car.

$1,785,000 Settlement for a woman who was severely injured because of a mis-leveled elevator.

$1,800,000 Awarded to the passenger of a cab.

$1,950,000 Awarded to a laborer who was severely injured when a platform he was working on collapsed.

$2,000,000 Awarded to a victim of a ceiling collapse.

$2,000,000 Settlement for injured construction worker

$2,000,000 Awarded to a union carpenter injured on a construction site.

$2,000,000 Settlement obtained for a client sideswiped by Truck.

$2,000,000 Award obtained for a construction worker who was hit on his head by a falling object.

$2,000,000 Awarded to a construction worker laborer who was struck by an unsecure beam.

$2,000,000 Recovered for a sanitation worker who was hurt when a garbage truck crashed into his vehicle, causing serious injuries.

$2,000,000 Obtained for a woman who was injured when her vehicle was rear-ended by a box truck.

$2,000,000 Awarded to a construction worker who was injured when a trench collapsed.

$2,000,000 Recovered for a 14-year-old boy who was struck by a van while riding a bicycle.

$2,100,000 Settlement for a construction worker injured by heavy equipment.

$2,130,000 Settlement for twenty-eight year old rear-ended by dump truck.

$2,152,500 Settlement for passenger in vehicle crash.

$2,200,000 Awarded to a construction worker who was catastrophically injured when a trailer rolled back and crushed him against a jersey barrier.

$2,350,000 Awarded to a construction laborer who sustained serious injuries when he fell into an unprotected hole at a jobsite.

$2,400,000 Awarded to victims injured due to train derailment

$2,400,000 Settlement awarded to a construction worker injured.

$2,400,000 Settlement obtained for a motorist rear ended with his hazard lights on.

$2,400,000 Awarded to a construction carpenter who sustained serious injuries when struck by plywood falling from the floor above.

$2,500,000 Awarded to an electrician injured when he fell from an unsecured ladder

$2,500,000 Awarded to a sheet metal worker who was working at a construction site of a large commercial building

$2,500,000 Awarded to our client who was t–boned and injured in an automobile accident.

$2,500,000 Awarded in a case involving a union laborer who was injured when struck by improperly secured lumber.

$2,750,000 Awarded to a construction worker, when he stepped into an unsecured opening causing injuries to his knee and lower back.

$2,750,000 Awarded to our client who stopped his work SUV and was struck by another vehicle that backed into him.

$2,785,668 Verdict against a repossession company whose driver struck our client while she was trying to remove her personal possessions from her vehicle.

$2,800,000 Settlement awarded to our client who was injured when she was struck by a vehicle.

$2,800,000 Settlement for an iron worker who suffered a slip and fall on a construction site that caused significant lower back injuries.

$3,100,000 Awarded to a Car accident victim.

$3,100,000 Awarded to a union construction worker injured in a fall.

$3,200,000 Recovered in a case involving a construction worker who was injured when he was struck by falling construction material.

$3,500,000 Awarded to an injured construction worker after he tripped and fell over a plumbing pipe that was covered and obscured by snow at a construction site.

$3,500,000 Awarded to motorist struck by box truck.

$3,710,000 Awarded to the victims of the 2012 Empire State Building shootings, innocent bystanders struck by stray bullets from NYC Police Officers.

$3,750,000 Awarded to a construction worker who was injured when the ceiling at a construction site he was working at collapsed, sending debris down onto him.

$4,000,000 Settlement at trial for injured pedestrian

$4,000,000 Settlement at trial for injured worker

$4,000,000 Awarded to a construction laborer

$4,000,000 For family members of victims of the fatal American Flight 587 airline disaster.

$4,010,000 Awarded to bystanders injured by police gunfire in the notorious Empire State Building shooting.

$4,100,000 Settlement in a case involving a construction worker who was injured when he tripped over a loose beam.

$4,500,000 Settlement awarded to our client, a construction worker who was injured when a beam fell on his hand.

$4,602,312 Total verdict awarded $4,602,312 to our client who was rear ended by the defendant’s vehicle

$4,750,000 Awarded to a construction worker who was injured when a concrete slab fell and struck him, causing multiple injuries.

$5,000,000 Awarded to a construction laborer injured on a construction site when debris fell him.

$5,000,000 Settlement awarded to a woman tripped and fell and broke her foot which later required a partial amputation.

$5,500,000 Verdict awarded to a construction worker who was injured when a wood bracing collapsed while he was exiting a ditch.

$5,750,000 Awarded to a laborer injured when he fell at a construction site.

$6,500,000 Settlement awarded to a union construction worker who fell from an unsecured ladder.

What Sets Michael S. Lamonsoff Apart?

While many attorneys focus on quick settlements, Mr. Lamonsoff prepares every case as if it will go to trial. He refuses to let insurance companies control the process or dictate unfair compensation to injured victims.

Insurance companies prefer to avoid trials because they want to control the process and minimize payouts to injury victims. The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff disrupts that strategy by aggressively preparing every case for trial. This approach pressures insurers to offer fair compensation rather than risk facing a jury.

Juries are composed of everyday people who can empathize with the suffering of injury victims, making insurance companies increasingly inclined to settle as trial approaches. To maximize results for clients, Michael S. Lamonsoff has built a top team of attorneys, paralegals, and industry experts who are determined to hold insurers and defendants accountable.

Recognized by Clients and the Legal Industry

Michael S. Lamonsoff is consistently one of the highest-rated attorneys on premier online lawyer review sites, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of his clients. His reputation as New York’s leading catastrophic injury lawyer is built on a foundation of aggressive advocacy, courtroom skills, and record-setting results.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t settle for less. Call The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff, PLLC today and let “The Bull” fight for the highest compensation for you.

FAQs on Catastrophic Injury Claims in New York

Can a pre-existing condition impact my catastrophic injury claim in New York?

Yes. Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were caused by a pre-existing condition rather than the accident. However, under New York law, if an accident exacerbates or aggravates a pre-existing condition, you are still entitled to compensation. Medical records and expert testimony can help prove how the incident worsened your health condition.

Are punitive damages available in catastrophic injury cases in New York?

Punitive damages are not awarded in every case but may be available if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless, malicious, or grossly negligent. For example, if a company knowingly ignored safety regulations leading to a building collapse, a court may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior.

Can I file a lawsuit if my catastrophic injury was caused by a government agency?

Yes, but filing a claim against a government entity in New York requires following strict procedures. You typically must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident. Failure to meet this deadline may bar your right to sue. Cases against government agencies also have different legal standards and shorter statutes of limitations.

What happens if my catastrophic injury prevents me from testifying or handling my case?

If you are unable to participate in your case due to a severe brain injury, paralysis, or coma, a legal guardian, family member, or court-appointed representative can file the claim on your behalf. In some cases, a conservatorship may be necessary to manage legal and financial decisions related to your case.

Can a landlord be held liable for catastrophic injuries caused by a building collapse or fire?

Yes. If a landlord failed to maintain the property, ignored known hazards, or violated New York City building codes, they could be held responsible for injuries resulting from structural failures, fires, or other safety violations. Landlords have a legal duty to ensure that their buildings are structurally sound and safe for tenants and visitors.

Can I sue for future medical expenses and long-term care if I suffered a catastrophic injury?

Yes. In New York, catastrophic injury claims can include compensation for future medical care, rehabilitation, in-home nursing, and assistive devices such as prosthetics or wheelchairs. Economic experts are often used to calculate these long-term costs and ensure victims receive fair compensation.

What if my catastrophic injury was caused by a defective product?

You may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. If a design flaw, manufacturing defect, or failure to warn about risks led to your injury—such as a defective car airbag failing to deploy properly—you could hold multiple parties accountable. These cases often require engineering experts to analyze the product’s defects.

How does New York’s “Grave Injury” rule affect catastrophic injury claims involving workplace accidents?

Under New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law Section 11, an employer can only be sued for a workplace injury if it qualifies as a grave injury—such as total blindness, amputation, or severe brain damage. Otherwise, employees are generally limited to workers’ compensation claims unless a third party such as a subcontractor or equipment manufacturer contributed to the injury.

Can family members recover damages in a catastrophic injury case if the victim is permanently incapacitated?

Yes. Family members may seek compensation for loss of consortium, which refers to loss of companionship and support, and economic damages if they must become caregivers for a catastrophically injured loved one. If the victim cannot pursue the case themselves, a guardian or personal representative can file on their behalf.

Does New York have any special rules for traumatic brain injury lawsuits?

New York does not have separate statutes specifically for traumatic brain injury claims, but courts recognize that brain injuries often have delayed symptoms and long-term consequences. As a result, courts may allow expert testimony from neurologists, neuropsychologists, and cognitive specialists to establish the full impact of the injury, even if some effects are not immediately apparent.

How can social media affect my catastrophic injury claim?

Insurance companies and defense attorneys often monitor social media accounts for evidence to discredit your claim. Even a seemingly innocent post—such as a picture of you attending a family event—could be used to argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. It’s best to limit social media use during your case.