Catastrophic injuries change lives in an instant. Whether caused by a serious car crash, a fall from height, or another devastating event, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming—physically, financially, and emotionally.

If you or a loved one has suffered a life-altering injury, it’s important to understand that you have legal options. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. helps catastrophic injury victims throughout Hackensack and the surrounding areas seek the compensation they need to rebuild their futures.

Call (201) 292-8182 today to speak with a Hackensack catastrophic injury lawyer and learn more about how we can assist you and your family during this critical time.

Why Catastrophic Injury Victims Choose Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C.

Recovering from a catastrophic injury requires more than basic legal representation. It demands a team that understands the high stakes involved—medical bills, lost earning potential, and a future that may never look the same.

Clients throughout Hackensack turn to Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. because:

We have extensive experience with serious, life-altering injury claims
We prepare every case carefully, with the support of respected medical and financial experts
We prioritize personal service and ongoing communication—you are never just another case file
We do not charge legal fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf

When everything feels uncertain, you deserve a legal team that is steady, prepared, and fully committed to your case.

We Understand the Full Impact of Catastrophic Injuries

A catastrophic injury affects every part of life—not just for the victim, but for the entire family. In addition to the immediate medical crisis, there may be a long road of surgeries, rehabilitation, home care, and emotional recovery ahead.

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we take the time to understand the full impact these injuries have on our clients’ lives. We work to ensure that any claim for compensation reflects the real costs—physical, emotional, and financial—both now and in the years to come.

You shouldn’t have to worry about fighting insurance companies while managing a major life transition. Our firm is here to stand up for you and your future.

Local Knowledge. Powerful Advocacy. Focused on Your Recovery.

When you’re facing life after a catastrophic injury, having the right legal support matters. Based in Hackensack and deeply familiar with New Jersey courts and insurance practices, Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. combines local insight with powerful advocacy.

Our approach is hands-on and client-centered:

We investigate thoroughly
We consult respected experts
We build cases designed to support both immediate needs and long-term recovery

From the first meeting to the final resolution, we focus on protecting your best interests every step of the way.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that permanently impacts a person’s ability to live independently or work as they did before. These injuries often require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and support for the rest of the victim’s life.

Examples of catastrophic injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
Amputations or loss of limbs
Severe burns resulting in disfigurement or permanent disability
Multiple fractures with long-term impairment
Organ damage and internal injuries requiring ongoing care

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we understand how devastating these injuries can be—and how important it is to secure the resources necessary to support long-term recovery and quality of life.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can occur in a variety of ways, often when another party’s negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing is involved.

Some of the most common causes include:

Motor vehicle accidents, including car, truck, and motorcycle crashes
Falls from heights, such as ladder falls, scaffolding collapses, or balcony failures
Workplace accidents, especially on construction sites or in industrial settings
Pedestrian and bicycle accidents, where unprotected victims suffer high-force impacts
Defective products, including unsafe machinery, vehicles, or consumer goods

Whatever the cause, Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. investigates thoroughly to identify responsible parties and build strong cases for our clients.

The Long-Term Costs of a Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries are not just medical emergencies—they are life-changing events that carry long-term financial consequences.

The costs may include:

Ongoing medical care, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
Home modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, specialized bathrooms, and medical equipment
Permanent loss of income or significant reduction in earning potential
Need for caregivers, whether professional aides or family members providing around-the-clock support
Psychological counseling to address emotional trauma, depression, or anxiety

When pursuing compensation, it’s critical to account for all future needs—not just current expenses. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. works with life care planners, economists, and medical experts to accurately project long-term costs and advocate for comprehensive financial recovery.

Types of Compensation a Hackensack Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Help You Pursue

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to seek compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

Medical expenses, both current and anticipated future costs
Lost wages and diminished future earning ability
Pain and suffering, accounting for physical and emotional trauma
Loss of enjoyment of life, including the ability to participate in hobbies, relationships, and daily activities
Permanent disability and disfigurement
Assistive devices and home modifications to accommodate new physical needs

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are committed to seeking full compensation that reflects not only what has been lost today, but what will be needed for years to come.

The Importance of Building a Strong Catastrophic Injury Case

Catastrophic injury cases require detailed preparation and a comprehensive approach to evidence and damages. Insurance companies often resist paying large settlements—and they are more aggressive when the stakes are high.

Building a strong case involves:

Thorough investigations to determine all liable parties
Detailed medical records and expert opinions
Life care plans that project future needs and costs
Vocational evaluations that show the impact on work and income potential
Clear, compelling presentations of how the injury has changed the victim’s life

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we leave no stone unturned in preparing catastrophic injury claims. Our goal is to build cases that insurance companies and defense teams take seriously from the outset.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Catastrophic Injury

The steps you take immediately after a catastrophic injury can have a lasting impact on your recovery and your legal options.

Here’s what to do:

Seek emergency medical care and follow all treatment recommendations.
Document the incident by gathering witness information, photos, and reports if possible.
Keep all records, including medical bills, prescriptions, and therapy notes.
Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters until you consult a lawyer.
Contact an attorney experienced with catastrophic injury claims to protect your rights and begin building your case.

Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. can step in early to manage communications, preserve critical evidence, and make sure you stay focused on recovery rather than legal battles.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Catastrophic Injury Claims

When a case involves severe, life-changing injuries, expert testimony becomes a key part of building a strong claim. Experts help explain complicated issues to insurance companies, judges, and juries—and help prove the full scope of damages.

Types of experts commonly involved include:

Medical specialists, who can explain the diagnosis, prognosis, and future medical needs
Vocational experts, who evaluate how the injury affects the victim’s ability to work
Life care planners, who detail the cost of lifelong medical and personal care
Economic experts, who calculate future lost wages and financial losses
Accident reconstructionists, when the cause of injury is disputed

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we work with a network of respected professionals who help us present clear, convincing evidence on behalf of our clients.

How Insurance Companies Handle Catastrophic Injury Claims

Catastrophic injury cases often involve very large potential payouts—which means insurance companies will work hard to limit their liability.

Common insurance tactics include:

Disputing the severity of the injury, especially when future costs are high
Blaming the victim, trying to shift fault to reduce compensation
Dragging out the case, hoping financial pressure forces a lower settlement
Offering early settlements that don’t reflect the true value of future care needs

Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. is experienced in handling the tactics insurance companies use. We prepare every case thoroughly from day one so that we are ready to counter these strategies and advocate strongly for our clients.

Filing a Catastrophic Injury Claim in New Jersey

In New Jersey, personal injury claims—including those involving catastrophic injuries—must generally be filed within two years of the date of the accident.

However, if the injury was caused by a government entity (such as a municipal accident or public transportation incident), additional steps must be taken.

Typically, notice of claim usually must be filed within 90 days of the incident.

Missing these deadlines can permanently bar you from recovering damages. Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. ensures that all filing requirements are met and that no opportunity for recovery is lost.

Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death Claims

Sadly, some catastrophic injuries prove fatal, either immediately or after prolonged medical struggles. In these cases, surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under New Jersey law.

A wrongful death claim may allow recovery for:

Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses incurred before death
Loss of financial support the deceased would have provided
Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support

Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C. provides compassionate, experienced legal support to families navigating wrongful death claims, ensuring that they have strong advocates during one of the most difficult times imaginable.

How Early Legal Action Protects Catastrophic Injury Victims

Starting the legal process early after a catastrophic injury can make a critical difference in the strength and outcome of your case.

Early action allows your attorney to:

Preserve critical evidence, including accident reports, photos, and surveillance footage
Interview witnesses while their memories are still fresh
Secure expert evaluations needed to document the full extent of injuries
Prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of early confusion to push lowball settlements

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we believe in immediate, thorough action to protect our clients’ rights from the very beginning.

Protecting the Rights of Families After a Catastrophic Injury

Catastrophic injuries don’t just affect the person who was hurt—they affect entire families. Spouses, children, and parents often become caregivers overnight, facing emotional strain, financial stress, and life changes they never expected.

New Jersey law recognizes the impact injuries have on families. In certain cases, family members may be able to recover damages for:

Loss of companionship and support
Loss of household services
Emotional distress associated with caring for a severely injured loved one

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we are committed to protecting not just the injury victim’s rights, but also the rights of the family members who are deeply affected.

You Deserve a Legal Team That Fights for Your Future

After a catastrophic injury, you deserve more than just sympathy—you deserve real advocacy, real preparation, and real commitment to your future. When everything feels uncertain, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference.

At Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C., we take that responsibility seriously. We fight for the full compensation our clients need to rebuild their lives, covering not just immediate expenses, but the lifelong challenges ahead. Every case we take is prepared thoroughly, pursued strategically, and handled with the personal care that catastrophic injury victims and their families deserve.

You don’t have to face this journey alone. Let us stand with you and fight for the support you need to move forward.

Call a Hackensack Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Hackensack or anywhere in Bergen County, don’t wait to seek legal guidance. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing the evidence and resources needed to build a strong claim.

Call (201) 292-8182 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Hackensack catastrophic injury lawyer at Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi, P.C..