Lubbock Catastrophic Injury Lawyer
When a serious injury happens, the damage goes beyond broken bones and hospital bills. I know how heavy your burden is. You’re worried that you’ll never be able to work again, your medical bills are piling up faster than you can count, and your family is having a hard time adjusting to this new reality.
I’m James Perrin, the founder of Perrin Law Injury & Accident Lawyer. I’ve been there for West Texas families through their hardest times, when they had to deal with insurance companies and businesses that tried to outlast and outspend them.
I only work on catastrophic cases because these injuries demand more than routine legal work. I have the medical experts, economists, and resources you need to prove your lifetime of damages—whether you’ve been paralyzed in a truck crash on I-27, severely burned in an oilfield explosion, or suffered a traumatic brain injury in a construction accident or motorcycle accident. Insurance companies know that I get every case ready for court, not just quick settlements. That’s why they take my clients’ claims seriously.
You shouldn’t have to choose between getting better and protecting your rights. That’s why I meet clients wherever they are—whether in the hospital, at a rehab center, or at home. You can focus on recovery while I take care of everything else about your case, and you won’t pay a dime unless we win. The road ahead is hard, but you don’t have to go it alone. I’ll be your dedicated personal injury lawyer—committed to protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
Contact me today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Suffered a Catastrophic Accident in Lubbock? Get the Help You Need
An accident can destroy everything you’ve worked for in a matter of seconds. I know that you’re facing overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about the future. As your Lubbock catastrophic injury lawyer, I handle every detail of your case so you can focus on healing.
I’ve dedicated my practice to helping seriously injured people across Texas— including those who have tragically lost loved ones in wrongful death accidents. My strategy is simple: prepare every case for trial to maximize your recovery. You pay nothing unless I win, and I’ll meet you at the hospital or your home for our consultation.
Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you when you’re at your most vulnerable. Call me today for help.
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is a permanent injury that changes your life and makes it hard for you to live normally. This means that you can’t go back to work, need medical care for the rest of your life, or need help with everyday tasks.
These injuries are not like most accidents because they leave you permanently disabled or disfigured. A broken arm heals in a few months, but catastrophic injuries make life difficult for the rest of your life and need expensive, specialized care.
The effects go beyond just you. Your whole family suffers emotionally and financially when you can’t care for them or provide for them like you used to.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries I Handle
I help people in West Texas who have been hurt the worst. My company works with doctors, life care planners, and economists to keep track of every part of your harm. These are the most common serious injuries I see:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A sudden blow or jolt to the head can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). This changes how you think, remember, and deal with your feelings. A lot of people who have had a TBI have trouble with memory loss, personality changes, and focusing.
Cognitive therapy, speech therapy, and occupational rehabilitation can take years to help someone get better. Some victims will need care around the clock for the rest of their lives.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
When your spine is hurt, it cuts off communication between your brain and body. This is called a spinal cord injury. Paraplegia affects your legs and lower body, while quadriplegia affects all four limbs.
Because of these injuries, you need to make your home wheelchair-accessible, get special vehicles, and hire personal care aides. Costs for physical therapy and medical equipment last for decades.
Severe Burn Injuries
Third- and fourth-degree burns destroy skin, muscle, and sometimes bone. People who are hurt have to deal with a lot of pain and a high risk of getting an infection. Recovery includes many skin graft surgeries and a long time of rehabilitation.
Burn injuries can leave permanent scars and disfigurements that make it hard to work and keep your relationships going. Psychological counseling is necessary to deal with these changes.
Limb Loss and Amputation
If you lose an arm or leg, everything about how you move through the world changes. Prosthetic devices can help you regain some function, but they cost a lot and need to be replaced often.
If you can’t go back to your old job, you may need occupational therapy to learn new ways to do everyday tasks and possibly job retraining.
Crush Injuries and Broken Bones
When a lot of force hurts bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, it’s called a crush injury. These happen a lot in truck accidents or accidents at work. Most of the time, victims need more than one surgery, and many of them end up with long-term pain.
Compartment syndrome is a serious problem that can happen when swelling cuts off blood flow and may need to be treated with emergency amputation.
Organ Damage and Internal Injuries
After an accident, you might not always be able to see internal injuries right away. Damage to your liver, kidneys, or other organs can lead to problems that could kill you days or weeks later.
Some victims need organ transplants or dialysis for the rest of their lives. Some people get long-term illnesses that need expensive drugs and regular checkups.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Lubbock
West Texas has its own special risks that can lead to serious injuries. There are a lot of big trucks on our highways, and the oil industry makes workplaces dangerous. I’ve worked on cases that involved:
- Accidents on the highway:
- Driving on I-27 during dust storms, where conditions can be dangerous for trucks
- Accidents on Loop 289
- Head-on crashes with commercial vehicles on US-84
- Accidents at work:
- Explosions in oilfields in the Permian Basin
- Equipment that breaks down at drilling sites
- Incidents of exposure to chemicals
- Products that don’t work:
- Car parts that fail and cause crashes
- Problems with medical devices
- Equipment failures at work
- Dangerous Premises:
- Falls at construction sites
- Attacks because of poor security
- Poorly maintained properties
A lot of these accidents happen because people cut corners on safety or broke the rules to save money.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Catastrophic Injury Case?
In many cases, more than one person is to blame for a terrible accident. I look into every possible way to get you money for your injuries. You can get damages in Texas as long as you are not more than 51% at fault.
People who might be sued include:
- Negligent drivers: speeding, texting, or drunk driving
- Trucking companies: for hiring drivers who aren’t qualified or making them work unsafe hours
- Manufacturers: when your injury is caused by a faulty product
- Property owners: who don’t keep their premises safe
- Employers: especially companies that don’t subscribe to workers’ comp
The most important thing is to show how much each party was to blame. This tells you how much money you can get from each defendant.
To pay less, insurance companies will try to put the blame on you. That’s why you need an experienced catastrophic injury lawyer in Lubbock to protect your rights from the start.
What Compensation Can You Recover For a Catastrophic Injury?
If you have a catastrophic injury, you need compensation that will cover all of your needs for the rest of your life. These cases are different from minor injuries because they require figuring out decades of future medical care, lost wages, and daily help.
I work with professionals to get a full picture of what you’ve lost. This is what we fight to get back:
Plans for Medical Care, Rehabilitation, and Life Care
Your medical bills start with emergency care and last for the rest of your life. This includes surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment like wheelchairs or prosthetics.
Life care planners write up detailed reports that show you exactly what kind of care you will need and how much it will cost. Insurance companies and juries need these expert opinions to prove your future medical costs.
Some victims need nursing care at home or to be placed in special facilities. Over your lifetime, these costs can easily add up to millions of dollars.
Household Services and Lost Wages
We figure out how much money you would have made until retirement if you couldn’t work. This includes your pay, benefits, bonuses, and any raises you would have gotten.
We also want to be paid for household tasks you can no longer do. You need to find a way to pay for cooking, cleaning, yard work, and taking care of kids.
Vocational experts can help you figure out if you can learn new skills for a different job or if you can’t work at all.
Pain in the Body, Mental Pain, and Loss of Pleasure
These non-economic damages compensate for the suffering that money can’t measure. After a catastrophic injury, it’s common to have chronic pain, depression, and anxiety.
You may no longer enjoy hobbies, sports, and activities that once gave your life meaning. Some victims lose intimacy with their spouses.
Juries know that no amount of money can bring back what you’ve lost, but fair compensation can help your family deal with the loss.
Punitive Damages in Cases of Gross Negligence
If someone acted very carelessly, we may ask for punitive damages to punish them and stop them from doing it again. Some examples include drunk driving, ignoring safety rules, or knowingly using broken equipment.
These damages are different from the money you get for your injuries and can add significant value to your case.
How I Prove Catastrophic Damages
Building a winning catastrophic injury case requires immediate action and extensive resources. I start investigating your case the moment you hire me, using a network of trusted experts and cutting-edge technology.
- Evidence preservation: I send spoliation letters within days to prevent defendants from destroying crucial evidence like truck black box data, surveillance footage, or maintenance records.
- Expert witnesses: Life care planners document your future medical needs, economists calculate lost earnings, and accident reconstruction specialists prove how the crash happened.
- Day-in-the-life videos: These powerful presentations show juries your daily struggles and how the injury affects your family. They’re often the difference between adequate and exceptional settlements.
- Medical documentation: I work with your doctors to ensure your records clearly show the connection between the accident and your injuries. This prevents insurance companies from claiming your problems existed before the crash.
Evidence Type | Purpose | Timeline |
Accident scene photos | Show dangerous conditions | Within 24 hours |
Medical records | Document injury severity | Ongoing |
Expert testimony | Quantify future needs | Pre-trial preparation |
Witness statements | Establish fault | First few days |
Texas Laws That Impact Catastrophic Injury Cases
Texas has specific laws that can help or hurt your case. Understanding these rules is crucial for protecting your rights and maximizing your recovery.
- Statute of limitations: You have two years from your injury date to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to compensation forever. Some exceptions exist for minors or when injuries aren’t immediately discovered.
- Proportionate responsibility: Texas compares everyone’s fault in causing the accident. You can still recover damages if you’re less than 51% to blame, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
- Damage caps: Most catastrophic injury cases don’t have limits on compensation. However, medical malpractice cases cap non-economic damages at specific amounts that change annually.
Don’t wait to contact me. Evidence disappears quickly, and witnesses forget important details. The sooner I start working on your case, the stronger it becomes.
Work Injuries, Nonsubscriber Employers, and Third-Party Claims
Workplace catastrophic injuries involve complex legal issues that affect your compensation options. Many Texas employers are “nonsubscriptions,” meaning they don’t carry workers’ compensation insurance.
If your nonsubscriber employer was negligent, you can sue them directly for full damages including pain and suffering. This often results in much larger recoveries than workers’ comp claims.
Even with workers’ compensation coverage, you may have third-party claims against:
- Equipment manufacturers whose products malfunctioned
- Other drivers who caused crashes while you were working
- Contractors who created dangerous conditions at your job site
I evaluate all possible claims to maximize your recovery. Sometimes multiple lawsuits are necessary to get full compensation for catastrophic injuries.
What To Do After a Catastrophic Injury
The steps you take immediately after a severe accident can make or break your case. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get emergency medical care at UMC or Covenant Health’s trauma centers
- Document everything with photos if possible and witness contact information
- Avoid giving statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation
- Contact an experienced lawyer immediately to preserve evidence
Don’t sign anything or accept settlement offers before talking to me. Insurance companies often pressure victims into accepting inadequate compensation while they’re still in shock from the accident.
Keep detailed records of all medical appointments, expenses, and how your injuries affect daily life. This documentation becomes crucial evidence in your case.
Will My Catastrophic Injury Case Go To Trial?
Most catastrophic injury cases in Texas settle before they ever reach a courtroom. However, because the financial stakes are so high, insurance companies and corporations often refuse to pay what your case is truly worth until they’re convinced you’re ready to fight in court.
I prepare every case from day one as if it will go to trial. This means gathering the right experts, preserving key evidence, and building a timeline that shows exactly how the accident happened and what your future needs will cost. When insurers see that level of preparation, they know they can’t get away with lowball offers, and many cases settle for far more as a result.
If your case does go to trial, you’ll never be alone in the process. I’ll walk you through what to expect, keep you updated on every development, and fight relentlessly to present your story to a jury. My goal is simple: to put as much pressure as possible on the other side so you receive the full and fair compensation you deserve—whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom.
How Much Does a Lubbock Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Cost?
You don’t pay anything upfront to hire me. I handle catastrophic injury cases on contingency, which means my fee comes from the compensation I recover for you. No recovery means no fee.
I also advance all case costs including expert witness fees, court filing costs, and investigation expenses. This allows you to access top-tier legal representation without financial risk.
My contingency fee percentage varies based on case complexity and whether we settle or go to trial. I’ll explain all costs clearly during our initial consultation so you understand exactly what to expect.
Why Choose Perrin Law for your Catastrophic Injury Case?
Large firms often pass catastrophic injury cases to inexperienced associates. I personally handle your case from start to finish, giving you direct access to my decades of trial experience.
- Personal attention: I limit my caseload so each client receives the focus their case deserves. You’ll have my direct phone number and regular updates on your case progress.
- Trial experience: Insurance companies know I’m not afraid to take cases to court. This reputation helps me negotiate better settlements because they know I’ll fight for full value at trial.
- Resources and network: My firm has the financial strength to hire the best experts and take on major corporations. I’ve built relationships with top medical specialists and economists over 20 years of practice.
- Proven results: I’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for catastrophic injury victims. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, my track record speaks to my commitment and ability.
Get the Legal Help You Need Today
Catastrophic injuries change everything in an instant. You’re facing a lifetime of medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty about your family’s future. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
I’m here to provide the aggressive representation and compassionate guidance you need during this difficult time. Every day you wait, crucial evidence disappears and your case becomes harder to prove.
Call me now for a free consultation. I’ll come to you at the hospital, your home, or wherever is most convenient. Together, we’ll build a case that secures your family’s financial future and holds the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Catastrophic Injury FAQ
How Long Will My Catastrophic Injury Case Take to Resolve?
Catastrophic injury cases don’t resolve quickly because of how much is at stake. Before we can even begin negotiating, we have to fully understand the long-term impact of your injuries. That often means waiting until your doctors know whether your condition has stabilized, what kind of ongoing treatment you’ll need, and how your injuries will affect your ability to work. On top of that, these cases usually involve multiple experts—such as medical specialists, life care planners, and sometimes accident reconstructionists—whose testimony strengthens your case. Insurance companies tend to fight harder in high-value cases, which can add to the timeline. While some cases may settle in a year, others can take two years or longer if a trial is necessary.
Can I Still File a Lawsuit if the Accident Was Partially My Fault?
Yes. In Texas, the law follows a system called “modified comparative negligence.” This means you can still pursue compensation as long as you are found less than 51% at fault. Your final recovery will simply be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if your damages total $500,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, you would still recover $400,000. Many clients assume they have no case because they believe they made a mistake on the job or contributed in some way. In reality, most accidents involve more than one cause, and it’s often possible to hold third parties—like contractors, property owners, or equipment manufacturers—accountable for the majority of the fault.
What If I Can’t Afford the Medical Treatment I Need While My Case Is Pending?
This is one of the biggest concerns for injured workers and their families, and understandably so. The good news is that lack of funds doesn’t have to keep you from getting the treatment you need. I regularly work with medical providers in Texas who agree to treat patients on a “lien basis.” This means they provide care now—whether it’s surgery, physical therapy, or ongoing specialist visits—and then wait to get paid out of the settlement or verdict once your case is resolved. You won’t owe them anything upfront, and this allows you to focus on your recovery without the added stress of wondering how to afford treatment.
Will My Family Receive Compensation for How My Injury Affects Them?
Yes. In Texas, the law recognizes that a catastrophic injury doesn’t only affect the victim—it affects the entire family. Your spouse may have a legal claim for “loss of consortium,” which compensates for the loss of companionship, intimacy, and the support you provided before the injury. Children may also be impacted if your injuries prevent you from caring for them or being present in the same way you once were. These claims are separate from your own medical and financial damages, but they can add significant value to your case. Including these damages ensures that the legal system acknowledges the full impact the injury has had on your household—not just the person who was physically hurt.