Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
You suffered a life-altering injury and need answers. Our catastrophic injury lawyer in White Plains can explain your options under New York law.
Shulman & Hill helps injured people and families in White Plains and across Westchester County. Our team has recovered over $1 billion in compensation for our clients. Our White Plains personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case. New York, We Got You.
Common Causes Of Catastrophic Injuries In White Plains
When we investigate a case, we look at what happened, who had a duty to act safely, and where that duty failed. In White Plains, catastrophic injuries often arise from:
- High-speed car, truck, or bus crashes on I‑287, the Bronx River Parkway, and local roads
- Falls from height and struck-by incidents at construction and renovation sites
- Unsafe property conditions at apartments, offices, and retail locations
What Counts As A Catastrophic Injury Under New York Law
New York does not use a single statute that defines “catastrophic injury” for all claims, but the concept appears across multiple areas of law. In practice, courts and insurers treat injuries as catastrophic when they cause permanent impairment or long-term disability.
Examples include paraplegia or quadriplegia, moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with cognitive deficits, third-degree burns with significant scarring, loss of limb, or loss of vision or hearing. A catastrophic injury lawyer in White Plains connects these medical findings to legal damages.
Proving Liability After a Catastrophic Accident
To prove fault, you must have strong evidence. In New York, you can recover even if you share some blame because the state follows pure comparative negligence, but your percentage of fault may reduce your recovery.
We build your case by identifying every responsible party and every insurance policy that may apply. In a truck collision, that may include the driver, the carrier, a maintenance contractor, or a shipper who loaded the cargo.
Evidence We Gather In White Plains Cases
We secure police reports, 911 audio, vehicle data, dashcam or surveillance video, and photos from the scene. We work with treating doctors and independent specialists to document diagnosis, prognosis, and future care.
When needed, we retain experts in accident reconstruction, human factors, life care planning, and vocational economics. Their analyses support liability, causation, and the value of your losses.
Damages Our Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in White Plains Can Pursue For Life-Changing Injuries
A catastrophic injury attorney in White Plains seeks both economic and non-economic damages. Economic losses include medical bills, rehab, home health aides, mobility devices, and lost wages.
We also address lost earning capacity when you cannot return to your prior job or any job. Non-economic damages account for pain, mental anguish, loss of independence, and the effect on your daily life.
In the most severe cases, we work with a life care planner to project decades of needs. That plan can include surgeries, medications, assistive tech, transportation, and in-home modifications.
Time Limits And Filing Deadlines In Westchester County
New York’s statute of limitations for negligence is generally three years from the date of injury. Wrongful death actions are generally two years from the date of death.
Claims against a city, county, or public authority carry shorter timelines. A Notice of Claim often must be served within 90 days, and suit may have to be filed within one year and 90 days.
Workers’ compensation has separate notice and filing rules, including prompt notice to your employer and C‑3 filing deadlines. Since deadlines vary and exceptions occur, early legal help is important.
Workers’ Compensation And Third-Party Claims After A Serious Injury
If you were hurt on the job in White Plains, workers’ compensation can cover medical care and a portion of lost wages. You do not have to prove employer fault to access those benefits.
However, workers’ compensation does not pay for pain and suffering. If a third party, such as a subcontractor, property owner, driver, or equipment manufacturer, contributed to your injury, our catastrophic injury lawyers in White Plains may pursue a separate personal injury claim.
We manage both tracks to avoid conflicts and protect your net recovery. We also handle liens and offsets so that settlement funds are allocated correctly.
Dealing With Insurers After Catastrophic Injuries
Insurers move quickly after a catastrophic event. Adjusters may request recorded statements, broad medical authorizations, or early settlements that do not reflect your long-term needs.
You can protect your claim by reporting the incident promptly, seeking medical care, and keeping follow-up appointments. Refer insurer calls to us so you do not say something that gets used to limit your recovery.
We present a clear damage package when your medical picture stabilizes or when expert projections are ready. If the carrier refuses a fair number, we prepare your case for court in Westchester County.
Why Choose Our White Plains Catastrophic Injury Law Firm
We focus our work on serious injury claims in New York and bring local insight to White Plains cases. That includes familiarity with Westchester courts, local defendants, and the experts who can strengthen your case. Our team has over 200 years of combined experience handling catastrophic injury cases.
Our approach is thorough and practical. We gather the right evidence, consult the right specialists, and move your claim on a timeline that balances speed with the need to capture future losses.
You will know where your case stands. We keep you informed, explain options, and seek your input on major decisions such as settlement versus trial.
Speak With A White Plains Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
If a catastrophic injury has altered your life, legal action can fund the medical care and support you need. We are ready to review the fault, evaluate the damages, and map out the next steps.
Contact Shulman & Hill to schedule a free consultation with a White Plains catastrophic injury attorney. We will listen, assess your options, and start building a plan to pursue full compensation.