Minneapolis Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Helping the Seriously Injured in Minneapolis

Catastrophic injuries can profoundly alter your life, leaving you to grapple with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and financial stress. At Butwinick Injury Law, we understand the challenges you may be facing and are here to provide legal guidance and unwavering support. Should you trust your case with us, you can expect to work directly with a catastrophic injury attorney who is attentive, compassionate, and committed to recovering the compensation you need to overcome the financial hurdles of your situation.

When you are coping with a life-changing injury, it can be difficult to know where to start or whom to trust. We take the time to listen to your story, explain how Minnesota personal injury law applies to your situation, and outline clear options so you can make informed choices. From gathering medical documentation to communicating with insurers, we handle the legal details while you focus on treatment and day-to-day recovery. Because we deliberately limit the number of cases we accept, we are able to give catastrophic and serious injury cases the focused attention they require.

If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury, contact Butwinick Injury Law for a free consultation. Our Minneapolis catastrophic injury attorney represents clients statewide.

Understanding Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries typically have a lasting and significant impact on a person’s life. They often require extensive medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation, and generally alter how a person goes about their day-to-day life. 

Common types of catastrophic injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Life-altering injuries that can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and emotional changes.
• Spinal cord injuries: These frequently result in partial or complete paralysis, radically changing a person’s physical capabilities and independence.
• Severe burns: Third- or fourth-degree burns can cause permanent scarring, loss of sensation, and severe infections.
• Amputations: Losing a limb impacts physical mobility and can take an emotional and psychological toll on victims.
• Multiple fractures or crush injuries: Complex fractures may require repeated surgeries and prolonged recovery. They may also lead to chronic pain or loss of bodily functions.
• Organ damage: Internal injuries can necessitate an organ transplant or require permanent medical care.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Minneapolis

Catastrophic injuries can happen in an instant, often because someone failed to act with reasonable care. In a busy city like Minneapolis, from icy sidewalks in winter to heavy traffic on I-94 and I-35W, serious harm can result from a wide range of dangerous situations. 

At Butwinick Injury Law, we regularly represent clients whose life-altering injuries may stem from the following causes:

• Auto Collisions: High-speed crashes on Minneapolis highways, distracted driving in downtown traffic, rideshare accidents, and commercial truck collisions can all lead to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or multiple fractures.
• Workplace Accidents and Construction Incidents: Falls from heights, heavy machinery malfunctions, unsafe scaffolding, electrical accidents, and inadequate safety protocols on construction sites or industrial properties can result in permanent disability.
• Defective Products: Faulty vehicle components, unsafe medical devices, defective household appliances, and poorly designed consumer products may cause severe burns, amputations, or other life-changing injuries.
• Unsafe Property Conditions (Premises Liability): Icy parking lots, poorly maintained stairwells, wet floors in retail stores, inadequate lighting, and uneven sidewalks can lead to devastating falls or head trauma.
• Violent Acts and Negligent Security: Assaults, shootings, or other criminal acts may result in catastrophic injuries, particularly when property owners fail to provide reasonable security in areas with known risks.

No matter how an injury occurs, the consequences can affect every aspect of your life, from medical care and mobility to employment and family stability. A Minneapolis catastrophic injury case requires careful investigation to identify all responsible parties and pursue compensation that reflects the full scope of the harm suffered.

Available Damages in Minneapolis Catastrophic Injury Cases

Catastrophic injuries often bring lasting physical, financial, and emotional consequences. In Minneapolis and throughout Minnesota, the law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages when another party’s negligence caused the harm.

At Butwinick Injury Law, our goal is to seek compensation that reflects the full scope of your losses, not just the immediate bills. We want our clients to move forward without the added burden of financial instability that can follow a life-changing injury. Across all practice areas, we have recovered over $10 million for injured clients.

Below are details about the differences between economic and non-economic damages and which ones may be available in your case. 

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover financial losses that result from a catastrophic injury. 

These may include:

• Comprehensive coverage for current and future medical care, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatments
• Expenses related to physical therapy, occupational therapy, or specialized equipment, such as wheelchairs or prosthetics
• Income lost due to time away from work during recovery
• Future income loss if an injury affects your ability to return to your previous job or career
• Costs associated with necessary adjustments to make your home and transportation accessible

Non-Economic Damages

While economic damages are quantifiable costs, non-economic damages cover intangible losses. 

These may include:

• Physical pain and discomfort endured as a result of your injury
• Anxiety, depression, or trauma stemming from an accident
• The diminished ability to enjoy activities, hobbies, or experiences that once brought joy
• The impact an injury has on relationships with a spouse and family

How a Catastrophic Injury Case Works in Minnesota

After a catastrophic injury in Minnesota, the legal process usually begins with an investigation into how the event happened and who may be legally responsible. Medical care and stabilization come first, but once your condition allows, it is important to document the scene, gather witness information, and preserve any physical or digital evidence. Insurance companies for the at-fault party often get involved quickly, which can feel overwhelming when you are already dealing with serious medical issues.

Once we have the key facts, we can evaluate whether your claim should be brought through an insurance negotiation, a lawsuit in a county such as Hennepin County District Court, or both. Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of the injuries, the number of parties involved, and how willing insurers are to discuss fair resolution. Throughout this process, we stay in close contact with you, explain each stage in clear terms, and help you weigh the pros and cons of settlement versus continuing toward trial so you can make decisions that align with your goals.

Commonly Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries

What Are Some Common Causes Of Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can arise from various incidents, including motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, and construction accidents. Additionally, medical malpractice, product liability, and assault can all lead to severe, life-altering injuries. These incidents are often the result of someone else's negligence, which is a key factor in pursuing a legal claim.

How Is Compensation Determined In A Catastrophic Injury Case?

Compensation in a catastrophic injury case is determined by several factors, including the severity of the injury, the cost of medical treatment and long-term care, lost wages, and the impact on your quality of life. Damages may cover both economic losses, such as medical bills and lost income, and non-economic losses, like pain and suffering. An attorney can help you calculate the full scope of your damages to ensure you seek the maximum compensation possible.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Filing A Claim In Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the statute of limitations for many personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, there are exceptions that may extend or shorten this deadline. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the legal time frame. Missing this deadline could result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

What Kind Of Medical Documentation Do I Need For A Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Thorough medical documentation is essential for a catastrophic injury claim. This includes all medical records, doctors' notes, diagnostic test results, hospital bills, and any documentation related to physical therapy or long-term care. A strong claim requires evidence that clearly links your injury to the incident and demonstrates the long-term impact on your life.

How Can A Minneapolis Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A catastrophic injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal complexities of your case while you focus on recovery. They can conduct a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. An attorney can also help you understand your legal options and represent you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached.