After getting into a car accident I called Barbara and it was the best decision I ever made. She is amazing! I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer to represent me. She got me the best settlement to pay back my medi...
The fight with insurance companies is just as hard as fighting for your life after an accident. As long as you dont give up on yourself Barbara will fight for you. The staff at Kidwell and Gallagher were great as well. I...
These two are specialists in two related fields, personal injury and workmen’s comp. Both they and their staff were VERY responsive to me and my questions, and handled my case with patience and competence. I would,...
I feel like kidwell & Gallagher went above and beyond for me. Craig himself and his staff are so nice and helpful. I would highly recommend this law office for your workmans comp/injury needs. You will not be disappo...
The best place to go if you need good hometown lawyers. They are very informative and kept us updated on what was going to happen through out our case.
Was the best experience, we told them the problem and they took over everything, was such a relief. Always there to answer any questions and help is fast is possible.
I was at my job mountain crew changes there in the basement of kidwell and Gallagher
They weren’t able to help with my case, but they directed me to someone who could.
Catastrophic injuries change lives in an instant. For victims and their families, the path forward is often marked by long-term medical care, financial strain, and uncertainty about the future. Securing fair catastrophic injury compensation is essential to protect recovery and stability. At Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawyer Reno, we provide guidance rooted in Nevada law and decades of advocacy for seriously injured clients.
Catastrophic injuries refer to permanent or severe harm, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, or multiple fractures. These conditions often require a lifetime of treatment and rehabilitation, while also preventing victims from resuming their regular work or daily activities.
The consequences extend into physical recovery, affecting emotional health and household stability. Families often face sudden role reversals, caregiving responsibilities, and long-term financial pressure.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that traumatic brain injuries alone, in 2020, result in more than 586 hospitalizations and 190 deaths every day in the United States, highlighting how common and costly these injuries can be for victims and their families.
Types of Compensation Available for Catastrophic Injury Victims in Nevada
In Nevada, financial recovery for catastrophic injury claims may involve two categories of damages. Economic damages reimburse measurable losses such as hospital bills, long-term care costs, missed income, and reduced earning capacity. Non-economic damages address intangible harm like pain, disfigurement, and loss of companionship.
Although limits apply in medical malpractice suits, Nevada does not cap most non-economic claims. Courts may also grant punitive damages in cases of reckless or intentional misconduct. Depending on the circumstances, compensation may be awarded in a single payment or structured installments.
The financial impact of catastrophic injuries is staggering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that the total economic cost of U.S. motor vehicle crashes in 2019 reached $340 billion, reflecting the lifetime medical and productivity costs of 36,500 fatalities and 4.5 million nonfatal injuries. The most serious injuries, including catastrophic harm, represent a large portion of these nationwide costs, underscoring how profoundly such claims affect both victims and the broader economy.
Key Legal Considerations for Catastrophic Injury Cases in Nevada
Victims considering a claim must be aware of Nevada’s statute of limitations. Most personal injury cases, including catastrophic injury claims, must be filed within two years of the incident under NRS 11.190. Waiting too long can bar recovery entirely.
Equally important is proving liability. Nevada applies a modified comparative negligence rule under NRS 41.141. This means that if an injured person is found more than 50 percent responsible for the accident, they cannot recover damages. If their share of fault is 50 percent or less, their recovery is reduced in proportion to their level of responsibility.
To establish liability, Nevada law requires showing negligence, as specified in NRS 41.130, involving a duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and damages. A strong claim requires proof. Medical records, accident reports, witness accounts, and professional testimony all help show the immediate and long-term impact of the injury. This evidence supports the claim and helps secure compensation that reflects ongoing treatment needs, reduced earning power, and other lasting consequences.
Pursuing catastrophic injury claims in Nevada needs careful planning and a client-centered approach. Our Reno team approaches each case with a structured process designed to maximize compensation and provide clarity during a difficult time:
We also recognize that catastrophic injuries affect every part of life. Our firm connects families with local rehabilitation services and financial resources, ensuring clients receive both legal guidance and practical support.
Going through a catastrophic injury is never easy, but you do not have to handle it alone. Kidwell & Gallagher Injury Lawyers | Personal Injury Lawyer Reno stands by your side, providing the legal strength and personal support you need.
We work tirelessly to secure catastrophic injury compensation that accounts for medical care, lost income, and long-term needs you deserve. Call (775) 323-2667 today to schedule your free consultation and take back control of your future.
Craig W. Kidwell is the managing partner of Kidwell & Gallagher, Ltd., and exclusively represents injured workers in Nevada. Mr. Kidwell has been practicing workers’ compensation law in Nevada since 1999 and has acted as lead counsel on over 2,000 contested workers’ compensation claims. Mr. Kidwell represents injured workers in Nevada through all stages of Nevada’s complex worker’s compensation system. Craig regularly appears in all levels of Nevada’s administrative workers’ compensation system and has represented injured workers in Nevada’s districts and Supreme Court.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Managing Partner, Craig W. Kidwell who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
