Pennsylvania Serious Injury Lawyers

Your Guide to Catastrophic Injury Claims in Pennsylvania

Catastrophic injuries are some of the most complex and high-stakes personal injury cases in Pennsylvania. They demand detailed medical documentation, strategic legal planning, and aggressive advocacy to secure fair compensation. At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, our Pennsylvania catastrophic injury attorneys guide clients through every stage of the process—investigating liability, coordinating medical care, and pursuing all available sources of recovery.

With deep roots in Harrisburg, Lancaster, York, Carlisle, Hanover, and Schuylkill County, our serious injury lawyers understand the unique legal, medical, and insurance challenges that come with life-changing injuries. Our goal is simple: give you the resources to rebuild your life after a catastrophic accident.

Catastrophic Injury Attorneys for Central Pennsylvania

Some accidents change everything—ending careers, limiting mobility, and permanently altering your ability to support yourself. The physical toll is only part of the burden; many survivors face emotional trauma, mental health struggles, and years of lost opportunities.

Medical and legal professionals call these "catastrophic injuries" or "serious injuries." Whatever the term, the meaning is the same: an injury that permanently changes your life. Treatment costs alone can reach six or seven figures. Add in lost wages and reduced earning capacity, and the long-term financial impact can be devastating.

The Pennsylvania catastrophic injury lawyers at Handler, Henning & Rosenberg have represented injured clients since 1922, recovering medical costs, lost income, and other damages. We regularly handle workers' compensation, Social Security disability, and complex insurance claims—maximizing every possible source of relief.

If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering injury, call (888) 498-3023 now for a free consultation with a catastrophic injury attorney in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Laws & Deadlines That Affect Catastrophic Injury Claims

Commonwealth law (42 Pa. C.S.A. § 5524) generally gives you two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim. Exceptions may apply if the victim is a minor or the injury was discovered later.

Pennsylvania also follows a modified comparative negligence rule: your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, and if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. Because insurers often try to shift blame, having an experienced Pennsylvania catastrophic injury attorney is critical to preserving your rights.

At Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC, we investigate accidents thoroughly, gather strong liability evidence, and file claims within all applicable deadlines to protect your recovery.

Signs You Need a Pennsylvania Serious Injury Attorney

High-stakes cases require experienced legal help. You should contact a Pennsylvania serious injury lawyer if:

1. Your Injuries Are Permanent

Catastrophic injuries often cause paralysis, chronic pain, nerve damage, or permanent loss of function. They can make physical work impossible and create massive healthcare costs. A skilled attorney calculates lifetime medical needs, lost earning potential, and the value of ongoing care—ensuring your settlement or verdict covers the decades ahead.

2. The Accident Involves Multiple Parties

Accidents like trucking crashes and construction site incidents often involve several defendants, each with its own insurer and legal team. A catastrophic injury lawyer coordinates investigations, manages competing claims, and pursues each liable party for maximum recovery.

3. The Insurance Company Isn't Playing Fair

Insurers may delay, deny, or offer far less than your claim is worth. Your attorney handles all communication, challenges unfair tactics, and uses medical records, expert testimony, and legal precedent to demand fair compensation.

What to Expect in a Pennsylvania Catastrophic Injury Case

Most claims begin with investigation, evidence gathering, and negotiation. If settlement isn't possible, your case may proceed in the Court of Common Pleas in your county—such as Dauphin, York, Lancaster, or Schuylkill. Litigation involves discovery, depositions, pre-trial conferences, and, if necessary, trial before a judge or jury.

With over 100 years of experience, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC knows the local courts, opposing counsel, and judges. This familiarity, combined with our trial record, often motivates insurers to resolve claims fairly before trial.

What Injuries Qualify as "Catastrophic" Under Pennsylvania Law?

While there's no strict checklist, catastrophic injuries typically involve permanent loss of mobility or cognitive function. Examples include:

• Amputation
• Brain injuries
• Burn injuries
• Complex regional pain syndrome
• Electrocution
• Neck and back injuries
• Orthopedic injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Spinal cord injuries

These injuries often require ongoing therapy, home modifications, or long-term nursing care. We work with leading medical providers—including Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center—to ensure all future needs are accounted for in your claim.

Seeking a Serious Injury Settlement in Pennsylvania

Pursuing a settlement in a Pennsylvania catastrophic injury case can be a lengthy process, involving several critical stages that require careful documentation and a strong advocate to help you navigate the system. Understanding each phase allows injury victims and their families to anticipate what lies ahead and to make informed decisions throughout the journey.

Step 1: Get the Best Possible Medical Care

We connect clients with top specialists statewide and, if needed, help arrange medical liens so treatment can proceed without immediate payment.

Step 2: Calculate and Negotiate Your Claim

We collect medical records, wage statements, expert opinions, and accident reports to create a strong demand package. Settlement offers are reviewed with you to ensure they meet your long-term needs.

Step 3: Litigate if Necessary

If insurers won't pay fairly, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial—leveraging our century-long track record in Pennsylvania courts.

Causes of Catastrophic Injuries & Liability

Catastrophic injuries can happen in a matter of seconds but may result in lifelong consequences. These injuries often occur due to accidents at work, on another's property, at home, or on the road. In many cases, catastrophic injuries are caused by someone else’s negligence or misconduct—such as a drunk driver who strikes a pedestrian or an employer failing to enforce safety protocols.

Catastrophic injuries may stem from:

• Car, truck, or motorcycle accidents
• Pedestrian or bicycle accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Construction accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Nursing home abuse
• Defective products

Liability often hinges on proving negligence—showing someone failed to meet a legal duty of care. We identify every at-fault party, from employers to manufacturers, and pursue them under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence rules to maximize your recovery.

Determining Liability in Pennsylvania Catastrophic Injury Cases

Figuring out who's responsible for a catastrophic injury often means looking at every possible at-fault party. Under Pennsylvania's comparative negligence law, your compensation is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you—so it's critical to have strong evidence showing who is truly to blame.

Our team investigates every angle, whether the liable party is an employer in Harrisburg, a manufacturer in Lancaster, or a property owner in York. We gather records, interview witnesses, and work with experts to build a clear picture of what happened.

Knowing Pennsylvania's safety laws, building codes, and industry standards is just as important—especially in construction accidents and premises liability cases. We use this knowledge, along with input from trusted professionals, to make sure no responsible party is overlooked. This thorough approach helps us give clients across Central Pennsylvania the best chance at full and fair compensation.

How Much Is My Pennsylvania Catastrophic Injury Case Worth?

Damages can include:

• Past and future medical costs
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• In some cases, punitive damages

Only a thorough review of your injuries, financial losses, and case facts can reveal your claim's true value. Our Pennsylvania catastrophic injury attorneys ensure nothing is overlooked.

Contact a Pennsylvania Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

This may be your only chance to secure the financial resources you'll need for the rest of your life. Since 1922, Handler, Henning & Rosenberg has recovered tens of millions for clients across Central Pennsylvania.

Call (888) 498-3023 or contact us online for a free case review. We have offices in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Carlisle, and Schuylkill County.