Catastrophic and Serious Injury Lawyer for Providence, Cranston, and All of Rhode Island
When an injury means surgery, months out of work, or a brain injury that changes how you think and feel, everything about the claim gets bigger: the medical bills, the lost income, the future care, and the insurance company's resistance. These cases need early investigation, the right medical evidence, and a lawyer who prepares them for trial from the start. I handle serious injury cases across Rhode Island. You pay no attorney's fee unless we recover.
Serious injuries I handle
-
Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions
-
Broken bones and fractures, especially those that need surgery
-
Spine, neck, and back injuries, including herniated discs
-
Injuries that require surgery or long-term treatment
-
Scarring and disfigurement
Traumatic brain injuries
A brain injury doesn't require a skull fracture or a loss of consciousness. A concussion is a brain injury. Symptoms like headaches, memory problems, trouble concentrating, sensitivity to light and noise, and mood changes can show up days after the accident, and CT scans and MRIs are often normal. That's exactly why insurers dispute these claims.
Proving a brain injury takes more than ER records. It can take an evaluation by a neurologist, neuropsychological testing, and testimony from the people who know how you were before the accident. If you hit your head or felt "off" after a crash or fall, get evaluated and tell your doctor about every symptom, even the ones that seem minor.
Broken bones and fractures
No two fractures are alike. A clean break that heals in a cast is a very different case from a fracture that needs plates, screws, or rods, months of physical therapy, and possibly a second surgery. Some fractures lead to permanent stiffness or arthritis years later. Your claim has to account for that future care, not just the emergency room bill. Settling before you know whether you'll need more surgery is one of the most expensive mistakes an injured person can make.
Spine, neck, and back injuries
Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and nerve injuries can mean injections, surgery, and long-term limits on work and daily life. Insurers often blame these injuries on age or prior wear and tear. Under Rhode Island law, if an accident made a pre-existing condition worse, you can recover for that harm.
Why serious injury cases are different
-
The losses are larger and last longer. Future medical care, lost earning capacity, and permanent impairment often need to be proven with medical experts, life care planners, and economists.
-
Insurance coverage matters. Rhode Island's minimum auto liability coverage is $25,000 per person, often far below the value of a serious injury. I look for every available source: the at-fault driver's policy, umbrella policies, employer coverage if the driver was working, other responsible parties, and your own underinsured motorist coverage.
-
Liens have to be resolved. Health insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid may have a right to be repaid from your recovery. I handle those claims before the case closes.
-
Insurers fight harder. The bigger the claim, the more the insurance company invests in defending it. I prepare every serious injury case as if it's going to trial.
What to do after a serious injury
-
Follow your treatment plan and keep every appointment. Gaps in care are the first thing an insurer uses against you.
-
Keep a daily journal. Write down symptoms, pain levels, and what you can't do anymore. For brain injuries, ask a family member to note changes they see in you.
-
Preserve the evidence. Photos of your injuries over time, the vehicle, damaged clothing or equipment, and the names of witnesses.
-
Don't give a recorded statement to the other side's insurer.
-
Don't accept an early offer. It almost always comes before anyone knows the full extent of your injuries.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a serious injury case worth? It depends on the injury, the treatment, whether there's permanent impairment, your lost income now and in the future, how clearly the other side was at fault, and how much insurance is available. I won't quote a number before seeing your records, but I will give you a realistic range once we know the full picture.
The driver who hit me only has minimum insurance. Is that all I can get? Not necessarily. Your own underinsured motorist coverage, umbrella policies, and other responsible parties may add coverage. Bring every insurance policy you have to the consultation.
Can a family member call on behalf of someone who's hurt? Yes. When someone is hospitalized, a family member often makes the first call. I'll still need to speak with the injured person, or someone with legal authority to act for them, before taking the case.
I had back problems before the accident. Can I still bring a claim? Yes. If the accident made your condition worse, you can recover for that additional harm. Be upfront about your history. Your medical records will show it anyway, and honesty makes the claim stronger.
How long will a serious injury case take? Longer than a minor injury case, because the claim can't be valued until your doctors know your long-term prognosis. Many serious injury cases require filing suit. I'll keep you updated at each stage.
Talk to a serious injury lawyer today
The consultation is free. Call (401) 656-5555 or send a message. If your loved one is in the hospital, you can call for them.