Fairfax County Catastrophic Injury Attorneys Providing Legal Assistance After A Severe Accident

Last updated on April 25, 2025

Catastrophic injuries are devastating to families. Such injuries usually involve permanent disability and high medical bills. When dealing with a traumatic incident, you need an attorney with the compassion and experience necessary to achieve a favorable outcome. The attorneys at Sethi & Sledd, PLLC have 30+ combined years of experience helping clients who have suffered these kinds of devastating injuries and are especially familiar with the work required to succeed in these cases.

If you are dealing with a catastrophic injury, call 703-214-9671 to discuss the details with our team.

What Makes An Injury Catastrophic?

Any personal injury will be difficult for the victim and family to handle. Catastrophic injuries are put into their own category because they often result in permanent disability and greatly impact the victim’s quality of life. They typically involve damage to the brain or spinal cord.

The following are some examples of catastrophic injuries:

• Brain injury: Consequences can include long-term or permanent cognitive impairments, memory loss and difficulty with basic functions such as speech and mobility. Victims may struggle to maintain employment, relationships or independence, impacting their quality of life.
• Spine injury: These injuries can result in chronic pain, limited mobility or even permanent paralysis. They often require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation and assistive devices, profoundly affecting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities or maintain their previous lifestyle.
• Paralysis: This can severely limit a person’s independence and ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. Beyond physical challenges, it can lead to emotional distress, depression and financial strain due to the need for caregiving, home modifications and specialized equipment.
• Burn injury: These injuries result in severe pain, permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can affect both physical functionality and self-esteem. Victims may endure long recovery periods, multiple surgeries and social stigma, affecting their mental health and social interactions.
• Internal organ damage: Damage to internal organs can lead to life-threatening complications, prolonged recovery and permanent health issues.
• Amputations: This causes a loss of mobility, function and independence, often requiring the use of prosthetics or adaptive equipment.

These issues can result in enormous medical bills. Pursuing a lawsuit can not only hold those responsible accountable for their actions but can also result in compensation for medical costs and other burdens on your family’s shoulders.

What Are Common Types Of Accidents That Cause Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can stem from various accidents and incidents, including:

• Motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, commercial truck collisions and incidents involving pedestrians or cyclists
• Workplace accidents such as falls, equipment malfunctions or exposure to harmful substances
• Premises liability accidents, including slips and falls or injuries caused by unsafe property conditions
• Medical malpractice such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis or delayed treatment

These incidents typically disrupt entire families and lead to extensive medical treatment, severe financial strain, and lasting physical and emotional trauma.

Why Should You Take Immediate Action After An Accident?

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, acting quickly helps to protect your legal rights. In Virginia, the statute of limitation for taking action is two years, while in Washington, D.C., the statute of limitation is three years, commencing from the date of the collision.

Delaying action can jeopardize your right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Beyond legal deadlines, acting swiftly allows you to preserve vital evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements and medical records, essential for building a strong case. Working with a catastrophic injury attorney early on helps ensure your claim is handled efficiently.

Don’t Suffer Through This Time Alone – Get Help!

Nearly all of our cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis. We understand that this is a very difficult time and want to help by eliminating concerns over legal fees. We also offer free case evaluations so you have an opportunity to learn what lies ahead if you pursue legal action.

Speak with an attorney as soon as possible after your accident. The sooner a lawyer can start gathering evidence and information on your behalf, the better your chances of presenting a strong and compelling claim. Our firm is based in Reston, but we can assist clients in Washington, D.C., and throughout Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

To schedule a case evaluation with our Virginia and Washington, D.C., catastrophic injury lawyers, reach out to our firm at 703-214-9671.