Somerset Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Two Board-Certified Civil Trial Attorneys. More Than 40 Seven-Figure Recoveries.

 { Sub:BusinessName } has represented seriously injured people and their families across New Jersey since 1974. In that time, we’ve secured hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements, including more than 40 recoveries between $1 million and $10 million in catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters. For Somerset residents facing life-altering injuries, we offer free consultations and handle every case on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you.

What sets our firm apart in serious injury litigation is straightforward: both Robert G. Goodman and Gregory G. Goodman are certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys, a distinction held by fewer than 2% of New Jersey lawyers. We also bring more than 100 years of combined experience representing injury victims across New Jersey, including Somerset County. When the stakes are high and the other side is fighting back, those credentials carry real weight.

Call (732) 709-4400 to schedule your free consultation today.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury ?

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or significant impairment. Unlike injuries that heal with time and treatment, catastrophic injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and lifelong support.

In many cases, these injuries prevent victims from returning to work or performing daily activities independently. The financial and emotional toll can be overwhelming, not just for the injured person, but for their entire family.

Courts and insurance companies consider injuries “catastrophic” when they result in:

• Permanent disability
• Loss of a limb
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Long-term medical complications
• Inability to maintain gainful employment

If you or a loved one has suffered this kind of harm, our catastrophic injury attorneys at Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Common Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

Catastrophic injuries can arise from many types of accidents, including car crashes, workplace incidents, falls, and construction accidents. Some of the most common include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A severe blow to the head can result in traumatic brain injury, leading to memory loss, personality changes, impaired motor function, and cognitive difficulties.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord may cause partial or complete paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.

Severe Burns

Third- or fourth-degree burns can cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, and long-term physical limitations.

Amputations

The loss of a limb often requires prosthetics, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle adjustments.

Multiple Fractures or Crush Injuries

Serious orthopedic injuries may require multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy.

These injuries frequently require medical treatment and lifelong care plans. We work closely with medical experts and life care planners to accurately calculate the full extent of your damages.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Somerset 

Catastrophic injuries often result from preventable accidents caused by negligence. Some common causes include:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Commercial truck collisions
• Motorcycle accidents
• Construction site accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Defective products
• Medical negligence

Regardless of how your injury occurred, we can thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence, and identify all responsible parties. We have decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases arising from motor vehicle accidents, truck wrecks, workplace incidents, premises liability, and other negligence, and we know how to build claims that hold up under pressure.

The Long-Term Impact of a Catastrophic Injury

The consequences of a catastrophic injury extend far beyond the initial hospital stay. Victims often face challenges across multiple areas of life that persist for years or decades.

Ongoing Medical Expenses

Long-term care may include surgeries, physical therapy, occupational therapy, home health aides, and specialized equipment.

Lost Earning Capacity

If you can’t return to your previous occupation, or can’t work at all, you may lose years or decades of income.

Emotional and Psychological Trauma

Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder are common after life-altering injuries.

Home and Vehicle Modifications

Wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and modified vehicles may become necessary.

Strain on Family Relationships

Family members often become caregivers, dramatically altering household dynamics.

Because these effects are long-lasting, your claim must account for future expenses, not just current losses. We work to make sure it does.

Proving Liability in a New Jersey Catastrophic Injury Claim

To recover compensation in New Jersey, you must prove that another party’s negligence caused your injuries. This generally involves establishing four elements: a duty of care owed by the responsible party, a breach of that duty through negligent or reckless action, direct causation of the injury, and measurable damages resulting from that breach.

Catastrophic injury claims often require extensive evidence, including:

• Accident reports
• Medical records
• Expert testimony
• Surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Financial and employment records

Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize payouts in high-value cases and often engage their own medical experts early to dispute the severity of injuries. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, which can position you for the strongest possible outcome whether through settlement or litigation. When insurers or corporate defendants refuse to act fairly, we’re willing to take your case all the way to a jury. Having two attorneys certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys leading your case is a meaningful advantage when that moment arrives.

Compensation Available in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In cases involving particularly reckless conduct, punitive damages may also be available under New Jersey law. New Jersey doesn’t cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases ; juries determine that value.

 We understand that no amount of money can undo what happened. But financial compensation can provide stability, access to quality medical care, and security for the future. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions address what Somerset injury victims most commonly ask when evaluating their options after a life-altering accident.

How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in New Jersey ?

In most cases, New Jersey’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident. Certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How Much Is My Catastrophic Injury Case Worth ?

 Case value depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and long-term care needs .

Will My Case Go to Trial ?

Many catastrophic injury cases settle outside of court. If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, though, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial.

What If I Was Partially at Fault ?

New Jersey follows a modified comparative negligence rule , which means you may still recover compensation if found less than 51% at fault . Your recovery would be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Catastrophic Injury Attorney ?

 We handle catastrophic injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we secure compensation for you.

Why Choose Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. for Your Somerset Catastrophic Injury Case

After a devastating injury, choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Our attorneys focus on people whose lives have been turned upside down by severe injuries. We understand that you’re not just managing a claim ; you’re trying to protect your health, your family, and your future.

A Track Record of Serious Results

 We’ve obtained hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients, including more than 40 recoveries in the $1 million to $10 million range in catastrophic injury and wrongful death matters, in cases filed across New Jersey including at the Somerset County Courthouse in Somerville. These results reflect our ability to prepare cases carefully, present the full impact of an injury, and pursue the compensation available under the law.

Credentials That Matter in High-Stakes Cases

Robert G. Goodman and Gregory G. Goodman are each certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Civil Trial Attorneys, a credential held by fewer than 2% of New Jersey lawyers. Robert Goodman also holds Martindale-Hubbell’s AV Preeminent rating and has been selected for New Jersey Super Lawyers multiple years. Our attorneys have also earned recognition from The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 in New Jersey.

Direct Attorney Involvement From Start to Finish

When you work with us, experienced attorneys handle your case from start to finish. We don’t pass your future to staff members or paralegals. Our lawyers stay directly involved, keep you informed about important developments, and give you honest advice at every step. If negotiations don’t produce what we believe is a fair outcome, we’re prepared to present your case to a jury.

If you’re looking for a catastrophic injury attorney in Somerset residents can rely on for attentive, trial-ready representation, we’re ready to speak with you and your family.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Somerset, NJ or the surrounding area, call (732) 709-4400 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. There are no upfront fees, and you owe nothing unless we recover for you.