A catastrophic injury is any severe injury that causes permanent harm or immediate disability. If you have suffered a catastrophic injury due to the actions or inactions of another person, then you need to bring a claim against them in search of both compensation and a sense of justice.
Maring Williams Law Office assists clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries in all types of accidents, like car accidents and truck accidents. We know that you are going through enough as things are now, so we do all we can to manage all facets of your claim on your behalf. Our law firm has been the trusted name in North Dakota ever since we opened our doors in 1991.
Dial 1-701-224-0430 to speak to our Bismarck catastrophic injury lawyers about your claim.
What are some of the most common catastrophic injuries in personal injury claims?
When an injury is permanent, a one-time settlement must last a lifetime. You cannot go back to the insurance company five or ten years later to ask for more money because your condition worsened or medical costs rose. This is why our Bismarck legal team utilizes a Life Care Plan.
A Life Care Plan is a comprehensive, dynamic document that outlines all future medical and non-medical needs for an individual who has suffered a catastrophic injury. It is not a “guess”—it is a data-driven roadmap created by certified medical and vocational experts.
In North Dakota, the burden of proof is on the injured party to show exactly what their future damages will be. A Life Care Plan provides a clear, defensible breakdown of:
Our Strategy: By presenting a professionally developed Life Care Plan, we make it much harder for insurance adjusters to “lowball” your claim. We show them—and a jury, if necessary—exactly what it will cost to maintain your quality of life and dignity.
As mentioned, living with a catastrophic injury can be difficult and exhausting in more ways than one. Everyday tasks that most people take for granted can become uphill challenges for people with a catastrophic injury. For example, getting dressed or bathing oneself might be an impossibility for someone with paralysis.
The emotional pain and suffering that often follows a catastrophic injury can also cause significant damage. Going outside, being in public, and so forth can all become difficult due to newly onset or worsened anxiety and depression.
When we work on a catastrophic injury claim for a client, we are careful to consider all available damages. Past, current, and future damages must all be calculated in order to pursue the correct amount of compensation. Economic damages, like medical bills, and noneconomic damages, like pain and suffering, will be considered.
Insurance company representatives grit their teeth when they receive a claim that mentions a catastrophic injury. They know that the damages owed to the claimant will be higher than the typical claim, which may prompt them to deny it without a proper investigation. Do not let their disregard for your claim go unchecked.
Come to Maring Williams Law Office in Bismarck for all the legal help you need when taking on a difficult or stubborn insurance company. We are here to fight on your behalf in and out of court, while also helping you feel confident and comfortable as your claim progresses. Our law firm is famous throughout North Dakota for combining real results with genuine compassion.
In North Dakota, a catastrophic injury is generally defined as one that results in permanent, life-altering consequences. This includes traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, loss of limbs, or severe burns that cause permanent disfigurement. Unlike standard personal injury claims, these cases require calculating lifetime costs for medical care and lost earning capacity.
Under N.D. Cent. Code § 28-01-16, the general statute of limitations for personal injury in North Dakota is six years. However, if the injury involves medical malpractice or a wrongful death, the deadline is typically shortened to two years. Because catastrophic injuries often involve complex evidence and expert testimony, it is vital to begin the legal process as soon as possible to preserve critical evidence.
Because North Dakota is a “no-fault” insurance state, you must typically rely on your own PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage first. However, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the negligent party if your medical expenses exceed $2,500 or if you suffer a “serious injury.” Catastrophic injuries—such as those causing permanent disability or disfigurement—clearly meet this legal threshold, allowing you to pursue full compensation for pain and suffering.
Yes. North Dakota follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can recover compensation as long as your percentage of fault is 50% or less. If you are found to be 20% at fault for an accident on the Liberty Memorial Bridge, for example, your total recovery would be reduced by 20%. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery.
In a catastrophic injury claim, we pursue both economic and non-economic damages. This includes:
Dial 1-701-224-0430 to connect with our Bismarck catastrophic injury lawyers today.
