A catastrophic injury doesn’t just impact your health—it changes your life. Whether it’s the result of a serious car crash, workplace accident, or fall, the long-term effects can be overwhelming.
Victims often face years of medical treatment, physical limitations, and financial stress. Families are left scrambling to support their loved ones while trying to make sense of the sudden chaos.
If this is what you're facing, you’re not alone. I’ve worked with many clients in Kansas City, Missouri, and throughout Missouri and Kansas, who’ve had their lives turned upside down by catastrophic injuries.
They didn’t ask for this—but now they’re left to deal with insurance companies that seem more focused on protecting their bottom line than doing what’s right.
As a catastrophic injury lawyer at The Tourigny Law Firm LLC, I help people like you stand up to the tactics used by insurance carriers and fight for the support you’re owed. Reach out to me today to discuss your options.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?
The term “catastrophic” refers to injuries that result in long-term or permanent disabilities. These aren't your typical cuts or bruises—they’re life-changing, often requiring ongoing care or assistance with everyday tasks.
Common types of catastrophic injuries include:
Spinal cord injuries that result in partial or full paralysis
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with long-term cognitive or physical effects
Severe burns requiring multiple surgeries or skin grafts
Loss of limbs or amputations
Organ damage that affects long-term health and bodily function
Blindness or loss of hearing
These types of injuries often affect not just the victim but their entire family. Daily life becomes more challenging, and the costs can add up quickly.
Why Insurance Companies Push Back on These Claims
Catastrophic injury claims come with a high price tag. Insurance companies know that paying out full compensation means a significant financial hit. That’s why they often take steps to minimize or reject your claim, even when it’s valid.
Tactics insurance companies often use include:
Downplaying the severity of injuries: They may argue that your condition isn’t as serious as your doctors claim.
Blaming the victim: Adjusters may try to shift blame, suggesting your own actions contributed to the injury.
Delaying the process: The longer they can stall, the more pressure you may feel to settle for less.
Offering lowball settlements: Insurers might present an offer that seems fair on the surface but falls far short of what you truly need.
Challenging medical treatments or costs: They often scrutinize the care you receive, claiming it’s excessive or unnecessary.
I’ve seen these tactics firsthand, and I know how damaging they can be. That’s why having a catastrophic injury lawyer on your side is so important.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Rights
When you’re dealing with a catastrophic injury, taking the right steps early can make a big difference in how your case plays out. While your main priority should be your health, there are also key actions that help strengthen your legal position.
Here are some steps I recommend to protect yourself:
Get immediate and thorough medical treatment: Keep all records and follow your provider’s advice.
Avoid talking to the insurance company without legal help: They can use your statements against you later.
Document everything: Save medical bills, doctor’s notes, photos of injuries, and any correspondence.
Track all expenses: Include lost wages, travel for medical care, and out-of-pocket costs related to your injury.
Consult with a catastrophic injury lawyer: Early legal guidance helps protect your rights and future recovery.
Taking control now helps you avoid being taken advantage of later. You shouldn’t be rushed into a settlement that won’t cover your lifelong needs.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Catastrophic injuries bring long-term consequences. That’s why it’s critical to pursue full compensation—not just for your immediate medical bills, but for everything the injury will cost you over a lifetime.
Compensation may cover the following areas:
Medical expenses: Including surgeries, rehab, medications, in-home care, and future treatments.
Lost income: Both your current wages and your potential future earnings.
Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional impact of your injuries.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If your injuries limit your ability to do things you once loved.
Home modifications and mobility equipment: Ramps, wheelchairs, and other adjustments to daily living.
Caregiver support: If you need help with bathing, cooking, or transportation.
Calculating the full value of your case takes careful planning. I work closely with medical and financial professionals to build strong cases that reflect the true cost of what you’ve been through.
How I Help Clients Fight Insurance Companies
You don’t have to go up against the insurance company alone. As a catastrophic injury lawyer, I handle the hard part so you can focus on your recovery. I take a hands-on approach to every case, offering personal attention from the very beginning.
Here’s how I work with clients:
Free consultations: I’ll listen to your story and give you honest advice about your legal options.
Thorough investigation: I gather all necessary evidence—from police reports to medical records—to build your case.
Aggressive negotiation: I deal directly with the insurance companies and push back against unfair tactics.
Honest communication: You’ll always know what’s happening in your case, and I’ll never leave you in the dark.
Trial readiness: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, I’m fully prepared to take your case to court.
Your recovery is my priority. You need someone who’s willing to stand up for your rights, not someone who backs down when things get tough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injury Claims
Clients often come to me with concerns, especially when they’re facing medical challenges and financial stress. Here are some of the questions I hear most often:
Common concerns I help address include:
How long do I have to file a claim? In Missouri, most injury claims must be filed within five years, according to the Missouri Revisor of Statutes. In Kansas, the limit is two years, according to the state legislature. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Will I be able to afford legal help? I work on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay anything unless I recover compensation for you.
What if the accident was partly my fault? You may still be eligible for compensation. Missouri follows a pure comparative fault rule, and Kansas uses modified comparative fault. I’ll explain how these rules apply to your case.
How long will my case take? That depends on how severe your injuries are and whether the insurance company is willing to negotiate in good faith. Some cases settle quickly; others may take time. I’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Don’t let confusion or doubt hold you back. If you have questions, I’m here to give you straight answers and clear advice.
Contact a Compassionate Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a life-changing injury, you need someone who'll fight for every dollar you’re owed. Insurance companies may try to limit your claim—but with the right help, you can stand your ground and demand what’s fair.
As an experienced personal injury lawyer, I help people in Kansas City, Missouri, and across Missouri and Kansas, take action after devastating accidents. I know how high the stakes are, and I take every case personally.
At The Tourigny Law Firm LLC, I’m ready to help you reclaim your future. You don’t have to face this alone. Reach out to me today to schedule your free consultation and start building your case.
