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Catastrophic Injury • COLORADO

Colorado Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Fierce Advocacy for Life-Altering Injuries, Grounded in Compassion

Catastrophic injuries can change every aspect of a person’s life. They often impact health, independence, family roles, and financial stability. At Debbie Taussig Law, we represent individuals and families throughout Boulder, the Denver Metro area, and across Colorado who have suffered serious, life-altering injuries caused by negligence. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care.

With more than two decades of experience handling complex personal injury claims, founding attorney Debbie Taussig has built a reputation for careful preparation, strategic advocacy, and a commitment to achieving meaningful results for clients facing catastrophic harm. Our women-led team helps clients understand their rights and the legal options available under Colorado law, guiding them through every stage of the process while holding negligent parties accountable and pursuing the compensation needed for recovery and long-term care.

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Call 303-442-0176
Debbie Taussig

20+

YEARS OF PERSONAL INJURY LITIGATION EXPERIENCE

KNOW THE LAW

Understanding Catastrophic Injury Claims in Colorado

Explore five key areas of catastrophic injury law, organized below. Select a tab to read the full section and switch between topics without losing your place on the page.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury causes severe and long-term impairment, significantly affecting a person’s ability to function and perform daily activities. These injuries often lead to permanent disability and require ongoing medical, physical, and emotional support.

Types of catastrophic injuries we handle include:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Severe burn injuries and extensive skin damage
  • Loss of limbs and amputations
  • Crush injuries to organs and bones
  • Loss of cognitive function, memory, or executive functioning
  • Loss of vision or hearing
  • Severe orthopedic trauma and multiple fractures
  • Permanent neurological damage or prolonged coma

These serious injuries can have lasting consequences for both the injured person and their family, including the need for lifelong care, specialized equipment, and substantial financial resources.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries may arise from a wide range of negligent conduct or hazardous conditions, including:
  • Motor vehicle collisions
  • Commercial Trucking collisions
  • Workplace and construction site accidents
  • Severe Slip and fall accidents
  • Defective or dangerous products
  • Medical malpractice and surgical errors
  • Chemical, electrical, or thermal burns
  • Bus, train, or other mass transit accidents
  • Sports equipment failure or recreational negligence
These cases often involve disputed liability, multiple responsible parties, or insurance coverage disputes, requiring careful legal analysis.

The Long-Term Impact of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries often require ongoing care and can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life, from financial stability to family dynamics and long-term independence.
  • Lifelong medical care and rehabilitation: Ongoing treatment, therapy, and specialized care may be required for years or permanently.
  • Loss of earning capacity: Injuries may limit or prevent a return to work, affecting long-term financial security.
  • Emotional and family impact: Serious injuries can strain relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and overall quality of life.
  • Permanent disability and loss of independence: Daily activities may require assistance or adaptive support.
  • Home and lifestyle modifications: Changes such as wheelchair accessibility or specialized equipment may be necessary.

Who is Entitled to a Catastrophic Injury Settlement?

Individuals eligible to pursue compensation may include:
  1. The person who directly suffered the catastrophic injury
  2. Immediate family members who incurred financial or caregiving burdens as a result
  3. Guardians or legal representatives acting on behalf of minors or incapacitated individuals
  4. Spouses or partners who experience loss of consortium
  5. Employers or others are entitled to subrogation claims for medical benefits provided
Depending on the circumstances, settlements may account for both the injured person’s losses and the broader impact on family and household members.

Understanding Catastrophic Injury Claims Under Colorado Law

Proving Negligence

To pursue compensation in a catastrophic injury case, Colorado law generally requires proof that another party acted negligently. This includes showing that:

  • The responsible party owed a duty of care to the injured person
  • That duty was breached through careless, reckless, or wrongful conduct
  • The breach directly caused the catastrophic injury
  • The injury resulted in compensable losses

Statute of Limitations

Colorado law sets time limits for filing injury lawsuits. Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of injury. Claims involving motor vehicle accidents generally allow three years from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline can bar a claim, so it is essential to consult an attorney promptly.

Insurance Considerations

Catastrophic injury claims often involve multiple sources of insurance coverage:

  • Liability insurance: Primary coverage from the at-fault party
  • UM/UIM coverage: May apply if the at-fault party is uninsured or underinsured

Identifying all available coverage is critical to pursuing full compensation.

Modified Comparative Fault

Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning you may still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. Any recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, making it important to establish liability and limit disputed responsibility wherever possible.

Recoverable Damages

Victims and families of catastrophic injuries may be entitled to economic and non-economic damages under Colorado law, including:

Economic Damages

  • Medical expenses and hospital bills
  • Rehabilitation and long-term care costs
  • Lost wages during recovery
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Assistive devices, home modifications, and ongoing support needs

Non-Economic Damages

  • Physical Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
These damages require careful documentation to reflect both current and long-term impacts and to pursue compensation that accounts for the extent of the injury.
WHY DEBBIE TAUSSIG LAW

Why Clients Choose Debbie Taussig Law for Catastrophic Injury Cases

Catastrophic injury cases require careful preparation, a thorough understanding of long-term damages, and a legal strategy built around each client’s unique circumstances. Debbie Taussig Law helps individuals and families navigate complex claims with focused attention, experienced advocacy, and a commitment to protecting their future.

Decades of Experience

20+ years handling complex catastrophic injury claims

Catastrophic Injury Focus

Representation centered on serious, life-altering injuries

Selective Caseload

Focused attention and time dedicated to every case

Trial-Ready Approach

Cases prepared for litigation from the outset

Colorado-Wide Representation

Serving clients across Boulder, Denver Metro, and statewide

Client-Centered Strategy

Legal approach built around each client’s circumstances

TRACK RECORD

Notable Catastrophic Injury Case Results

We have secured meaningful recoveries for individuals and families facing life-altering injuries. While every case is unique, our results reflect a commitment to maximizing compensation for long-term care and stability.
VIEW FULL CASE RESULTS

$6 Million

Settlement for a man who became a quadriplegic from a rollover car accident.

$600,000

Policy limits settlement for a woman with permanent injuries and significant insurance coverage issues

$484,000

Verdict for a woman who suffered a permanent back injury in a motorcycle/car crash.

$330,000

Settlement against a negligent driver and insurer for a woman with a permanent back injury.

$250,000

Policy limits settlement for a woman who sustained permanent debilitating migraines from a car crash.

$250,000

Policy limits settlement for a man who sustained permanent debilitating migraines from a car crash.

MEET THE TEAM

Meet the Debbie Taussig Law Team

Debbie Taussig Law is Boulder’s only women-owned and women-led personal injury firm. Our team works collaboratively on catastrophic injury cases, providing structured legal guidance and consistent communication throughout the life of a claim. We maintain a selective caseload to ensure each matter receives focused preparation and thoughtful guidance at every stage of a case. Our approach emphasizes careful case preparation, clear communication, and steady advocacy to every matter, ensuring clients feel supported, informed, and confident throughout the legal process.
Learn More About Our Team
COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that results in long-term or permanent impairment and significantly limits daily functioning, independence, and quality of life.
Most personal injury claims must be filed within two years. Motor vehicle-related claims generally allow three years from the date of the accident.
Negligence is proven by establishing a duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and resulting damages, supported by evidence such as medical records, police reports, and expert testimony.
Recoverable damages may include medical expenses, long-term care costs, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, pain and suffering, and permanent disability-related losses.
You may still recover compensation if you are less than 50% at fault, but your percentage of fault will reduce your recovery.
Coverage depends on the policies and limits involved, and may include liability and UM/UIM insurance where applicable.
Some cases resolve through settlement, but complex claims are often prepared for trial to ensure proper valuation and leverage in negotiations.
Compensation may still be available through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, depending on the policy and circumstances
GET IN TOUCH

Injured in a Catastrophic Accident in Colorado?

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be facing difficult medical, financial, and emotional challenges. You do not have to navigate this alone. Speaking with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and pursue compensation that supports your long-term recovery.


Call 303-442-0176 or fill out the form to request a complimentary consultation. Our team is here to guide you with care, clarity, and steady advocacy at every step.

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