When an accident leaves a person with a catastrophic injury, the effects reach far beyond the initial trauma. These are not minor injuries that heal in weeks or months. Instead, devastating injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or severe burns can change every part of a victim’s life.
In Texas, calculating the actual costs of these injuries is a crucial aspect of pursuing justice. Understanding these costs helps ensure that victims and their families receive the full compensation needed to move forward.
What Makes an Injury Catastrophic?
A catastrophic injury is defined not only by its severity but also by the lasting impact it has on a person’s life. These injuries often result in permanent disability, the inability to return to work, and the need for ongoing medical care. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, catastrophic injury claims involve damages that extend across decades, which makes accurate calculation essential. Courts and insurance companies consider the impact of the injury on independence, financial stability, and overall quality of life.
The Immediate Financial Burden
The first costs of a catastrophic injury are often the most overwhelming. Emergency medical care, surgeries, hospital stays, and rehabilitation quickly add up to tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Families may also face the sudden loss of income if the injured person is unable to work during recovery. These expenses often arrive before a claim is resolved, leaving families struggling to pay bills while coping with the emotional toll of the injury.
Long-Term Medical Care and Support Needs
Catastrophic injuries rarely end with hospital discharge. Many victims require long-term or even lifelong care. This can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, follow-up surgeries, and medications. Some people require assistive devices such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or home modifications like ramps and lifts. In more severe cases, victims may need in-home caregivers or placement in specialized facilities. The costs of these services over a lifetime can reach millions of dollars, making it essential to account for them in a legal claim.
Lost Income and Reduced Earning Capacity
The financial impact of a catastrophic injury often extends well beyond medical bills. Many victims are unable to return to the jobs they once held, while others may be forced to take lower-paying work because of physical limitations. For younger victims, the injury may prevent them from ever entering their chosen profession. Texas courts allow recovery for both lost wages and lost earning capacity, which calculates the income the victim would likely have earned over their lifetime had the injury not occurred. These calculations must take into account age, career trajectory, and inflation.
The Hidden Costs: Pain, Suffering, and Quality of Life
While medical bills and lost wages can be calculated with receipts and financial records, other damages are less obvious but equally important. Pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life are significant parts of catastrophic injury cases. These damages recognize the daily challenges victims face, such as chronic pain, depression, or the inability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Though harder to measure, these losses are a vital part of ensuring victims receive fair compensation.
Why Experienced Legal Representation Matters
Calculating the actual costs of a catastrophic injury is a complex process that requires the expertise of medical professionals, financial specialists, and legal professionals. Insurance companies often push for quick settlements that do not reflect the full value of a claim. An experienced Texas catastrophic injury attorney can gather the necessary evidence, consult with experts, and build a case that comprehensively addresses current and future damages. This approach helps protect victims from financial hardship years after the settlement is reached.
Contact Hollingsworth Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Texas, you deserve compensation that reflects the actual costs of your loss. The Houston personal injury attorneys at Hollingsworth Law Firm have the experience and resources to calculate every aspect of your claim and pursue the results you need.
Steve Hollingsworth is a seasoned trial attorney with extensive experience across Texas. After beginning his career as a felony prosecutor, Steve went on to represent major insurance companies before focusing on helping individuals injured in car, motorcycle, trucking accidents, and premises liability cases. Founder of his own firm, Steve is committed to providing personalized, client-focused legal representation to ensure justice for those he serves.
View Our Recent Cases
Confidential
Worker killed when he fell from height on a construction site.
CASE SETTLED
$1.3 MILLION
Man broadsided in an automobile accident when a lady ran a red light.
CASE SETTLED
$1.3 MILLION
Pedestrian was struck while walking by rideshare, suffered from multiple fractures.
CASE SETTLED
$882,500
Our client suffered severe arm injuries from a head on collision with a drunk driver.
CASE SETTLED
$715,000
Construction worker shattered his knee when he fell into an unmarked elevator shaft
JURY AWARDED $715,000
$500,000
Our client suffered from a gunshot to the abdomen caused by unsafe handling of firearms.
CASE SETTLED
$500,000
Our client and his family members were rear-ended by an 18-wheeler in Columbus, Texas.
CASE SETTLED
$450,000
Our client was struck by a commercial vehicle, causing severe damages to him and his car.
CASE SETTLED
$450,000
Our client was rear-ended by a negligent tow truck, causing injuries that necessitated a back surgery.
CASE SETTLED
$429,300
Workplace injury at grocery store, our client suffered from severe injuries from a fall.
CASE SETTLED
$360,000
Our client was struck on the driver’s side of the vehicle by a commercial truck, the negligent driver fled the scene after the accident.
CASE SETTLED
$350,000
Our client was rear-ended by another driver, causing damages to her neck, back, shoulders and leg.
CASE SETTLED
$304,341
Our client was rear ended by a negligent driver of a commercial vehicle.
CASE SETTLED
$300,000
Woman injured when a commercial truck sideswiped her.
CASE SETTLED
Confidential
Woman fell on wet floor at Wal-Mart and shattered knee cap.
CASE SETTLED
Confidential
Man injured when he was rear-ended by an oil field services truck.
CASE SETTLED
In Progress
Refinery worker received 3rd degree burns over approximately 30% of her body due to a flash fire at an oil refinery.
In Progress
Testimonials
Professional and Thorough
I used Steve Hollingsworth for a personal injury case following a car accident. He was very easy to work with and managed my expectations regarding costs, time commitment/duration, filing suit etc. Steve kept me informed during the process and always made sure I understand what everything meant. My case took about 18 months to resolve, ending in mediation after filing suit and he pushed hard to make sure my best interest was represented and to ensure that I had the best possible (and fair) outcome. I hope I never have a personal injury claim again but if I do, I would absolutely consult with Steve. He exceeded my expectations and made the process as painless as possible. I would high recommend him.
Jessie Former Client
Awesome Attorney
I was a client of Steve Hollingsworth. I was totally satisfied with his representation of me. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and always kept me updated on the status of my case. I am very happy with the settlement of the case and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for legal advice.
Rossana Former Client
Houston’s Best Consultation!
Steve was just great! Very easy to work with, communicates really well and most importantly sets realistic expectations. He is very straightforward and promptly responds to all your questions. I would definitely recommend Steve and would not hesitate to hire him in the future.
Anonymous Former Client
Very Accommodating and Caring
Steve and his assistant Kristina takes care of all my requests right away. Steve personally calls on issues and keeps me updated on the developments of the case. Got me a great settlement! Would highly recommend!
Mila G. Former Client
Rear End Case
Mr. Hollingsworth was an excellent lawyer in my case. He kept me up to date and informed through the whole process. He was always honest and fought hard in my case. He comes highly recommend.
Anonymous Former Client
Awesome!!!!!
I have no complaints; Steve did a very good job on explaining the details on everything that I was going through with my case. Steve got my case settled in no time, I will sure spread the word about Steve he is a very great lawyer.
Sara Former Client
Review
I liked how Steve explained everything, so I knew what I was getting in to. Steve got me what I deserved in no time. I would recommend him to anyone.
Andrew Former Client
Steven and I attended law school together and I have known him since 2000. He was stellar in representing a close friend with a personal injury matter. I have been very impressed with his communication, dedication and thoroughness in representation.
Pamela V. Attorney from Cypress, TX
Steve is the real deal! He is an extremely invaluable resource on all things Litigation for me as a younger attorney. He is not only great a securing the bigger verdicts, but actually cares about the clients and still sticks by his tried and true method of meeting, in person, with his clients to go over facts . overall, a solid attorney, with a wealth of knowledge!
Crystal H. Attorney from Houston, TX
I cannot recommend Steve highly enough. As an attorney, you do not often find yourself in the position of being a client. But because of someone’s negligence, my husband and I found ourselves in need of a personal injury attorney after my husband suffered catastrophic injuries. We were immediately referred to Steve, and we were so lucky we were. Steve is compassionate but also tenacious. We always felt that he had our best interest at heart and was fighting for us. We truly felt that he cared about our case. There was never a time that he was unavailable to talk to us, and always kept us well informed. He has the utmost integrity and also has a vast knowledge of the law. On top of that, his experience is top notch as he has worked on both the defense and plaintiff side. We knew Steve was always tirelessly fighting for us, and a year and a half after my husband was severely injured by a negligent driver, Steve got us a fantastic settlement. I recommend Steve without hesitation.
Madelyn L. Attorney from Houston, TX
Steve and I were colleagues, where we worked on complex personal injury and wrongful death cases. What I observed in the years we worked together is that Steve is not only extremely skillful in his profession, but he is a tireless student of the law, constantly working to perfect the art of practicing law. He genuinely cares about his clients and their cases and it shows. He has excellent work ethic. He is not only a terrific lawyer but also a great person. As a fellow member of the State Bar of Texas, I would recommend Steve to anyone needing a zealous advocate in a personal injury case.
Vivian E. Attorney from San Antonio, TX
After working with Steve for a couple of years, I found Steve to be an outstanding, aggressive and highly skilled lawyer in the courtroom. His confidence and knowledge of the courtroom and what it takes to succeed there, I believe will ensure his long term prosperity.
Robin T. Attorney from College Station, TX
I had the pleasure of working on a trial with Steven last August. His background as an ADA is clearly evident in the courtroom. Steven’s presentation of the evidence throughout trial is that of a seasoned attorney who has spent many hours in front of a jury. His opening/closings were excellent, as well as his strategic litigating throughout the trial. Steven is a consummate professional and a pleasure to work with, and watch in the courtroom.
James H. From Miami, FL
When I met Steve, I was a legal assistant at a Plaintiff’s firm and he was working as an attorney for AIG. We connected there and then. Steve is a likable guy and an outstanding trial lawyer. He is charismatic and jurors like him. He is a Plaintiff’s lawyer now and he has the right skill set to represent injured individuals: he is compassionate, honest, and sincere and will go the extra mile for his clients. I’ve known Steve for almost 8 years now and I’m excited to see his career evolve.
Alice L. Attorney in Houston, TX
About Hollingsworth Law Firm
Our aggressive personal injury trial attorneys at the Hollingsworth Law Firm are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you are the victim of an automobile accident, airplane accident, workplace injury or other catastrophic injury, you need legal advice from a personal injury attorney with proven results you can trust. Our dedicated legal team is proud to represent clients across the state of Texas. WE WILL START FIGHTING FOR YOUR RIGHTS TODAY!
Why Houston’s Industrial Workforce Faces Higher Risks of Serious Injury
Comments:
Houston is home to one of the largest industrial sectors in the country, with industries ranging from oil and gas to chemical plants, shipping, and large-scale construction. These industries fuel…
Premises Liability in Texas: How Laws Differ Between Private, Public, and Government Property
Comments:
Premises liability laws in Texas hold property owners responsible when unsafe conditions cause injuries. These cases can involve anything from slips and falls in grocery stores to accidents on government…
Offshore Accidents vs. Onshore Oilfield Accidents: Key Legal Differences
Comments:
Texas has long been at the center of the energy industry, and with that comes significant risks for the workers who power it. From offshore oil rigs in the Gulf…