Seek Compensation After A Catastrophic Injury
Last updated on May 20, 2026
Catastrophic personal injury is that general area of law that deals with compensating people who have suffered injury and damages due to the negligence of another. These types of injuries can require long-term care, cause permanent pain and disability, and greatly reduce your quality of life. When someone else is responsible for your catastrophic personal injury, they should also be the one who pays for the cost of it.
We at HURST BOLEKY LLC know how difficult it can be to recover from these injuries, and we do everything in our power to bring you the best possible outcome in your case. We have more than two decades of experience in winning these cases, and we know how to properly value the current and future costs of an injury for maximizing your compensation. A catastrophic injury is more severe than a personal injury, but what is the difference?
Know What You Are Up Against
Catastrophic personal injury law also encompasses those cases that ultimately result in the wrongful death of an individual. Catastrophic personal injury law can focus on such areas as transportation (for example, aviation, railroad or automobile), maintenance of property (premises liability), medical care and treatment, other professional services, construction negligence and product liability, among others. In personal injury cases, the law holds that where a person suffers injury because an individual or corporation has failed to act with reasonable care or within the standard of care, that negligent individual or corporation must answer to the injured person in money damages.
HURST BOLEKY LLC maintains and applies strict standards in evaluating potential personal injury cases. Potential cases must have both substantial injury and actionable negligence under the law. Whenever necessary, HURST BOLEKY LLC consults highly qualified expert witnesses from institutions across the country and around the world to assist in the evaluation and prosecution of a personal injury claim. HURST BOLEKY LLC’s knowledge and understanding of the legal and medical issues are great assets in discovering relevant and important facts and, ultimately, presenting the case to a jury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries
When cases are this serious, people often have questions. See our FAQ below and contact us if you still have questions.
What is the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Illinois?
The general statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit in Illinois is two years from the accident. This is not much time, so it’s important to get started with a lawyer right away.
Note that there are exceptions to the two-year rule:
- If a minor is injured, they have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a claim.
- If a person who is mentally incapacitated is injured, they may have until their mental condition no longer disables them to file.
- The discovery rule can also push back the statute of limitations if you did not discover the injury right away.
- Medical malpractice claims usually must be filed within two years of realizing that you were injured.
It is important that you do not miss these deadlines because you most likely will not be able to recover damages if you do.
What types of damages can be recovered in a catastrophic injury case?
The types of damages you can recover in a catastrophic injury case include economic, noneconomic and punitive damages:
Economic:
- Medical bills, including medical equipment and medications
- Lost income and benefits
- Lost earning capacity
- Loss of household services
- Modifications to homes and vehicles
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Funeral and burial services
Noneconomic:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium/the loss of a loved one
In some cases, punitive damages are also awarded. These are possible in cases of egregious or intentional negligence, or if there was a blatant disregard for the safety of others. We will review your case to see if punitive damages may be a possibility.
What injuries are typically classified as catastrophic?
Catastrophic injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Burns
- Amputation
- Permanent disability
- Loss of vision or hearing
You may have another injury that is catastrophic. Just let us know.
Do I have a catastrophic injury case in Illinois if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, you have a catastrophic injury case in Illinois if the accident was partly your fault, if you were 50% or less at fault. If you have 51% or more of the fault, you cannot recover damages. This is Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law.
Begin Fighting For Your Future
A catastrophic injury comes with lifelong consequences for you and your loved ones. Physical therapy, medical equipment, multiple surgeries, and pain and suffering can all plague a victim for years. We believe the compensation a victim earns should reflect the severity of the injury suffered by the victim.
To consult with our office regarding a potential catastrophic personal injury claim, please call 312-346-6800 or complete and submit the contact form. We urge you to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all of your rights are protected.