Why Choose Us Over Other Catastrophic Injury Attorneys in Western Massachusetts?
When the stakes are high, you need an experienced advocate to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. These cases require intensive investigation, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of medical and legal issues.
Here's why injured clients across Western Massachusetts choose Al Goodman:
- Over 30 years of experience handling complex personal injury and medical malpractice cases
- Recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
- AV Preeminent® rating by Martindale-Hubbell for professional skill and ethics
- Millions recovered in verdicts and settlements for seriously injured clients
- Strong relationships with medical and forensic experts
- Individualized attention; we don’t treat you like a case number
- Free consultations and no fees unless we win your case
Have You Suffered from a Life-Changing Injury?
These cases demand serious legal action. Call to learn more today: (413) 736-1616.
Why You Should See an Experienced Springfield MA Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Right Away
In catastrophic injury cases, time is critical. Evidence can disappear, surveillance footage can be erased, and memories can fade. Insurance companies may act quickly to limit their liability. They might try to offer you a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
By contacting Better Call Al right away, you put an experienced Springfield catastrophic injury attorney on your side who can:
- Preserve crucial evidence
- Secure expert medical evaluations
- Determine the long-term impact of your injuries
- Protect you from insurance company tactics
- Begin to build a case that reflects the true cost of your loss
Do You Have a Legitimate Case?
You may have a valid catastrophic injury claim if:
- Another party’s negligence or reckless conduct caused your injury
- You suffered serious, long-term harm
- You face permanent disability or require ongoing medical care
Our firm represents clients who have suffered various types of devastating injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries, including paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and hypoxic brain injury
- Cauda equina syndrome
- Severe burns, including third-degree burns or Stage 4 pressure sores
- Amputation and limb loss
- Eye injuries
- Hearing loss
- Multiple fractures
- Permanent disfigurement
- Organ damage, including ruptured kidneys, spleen, liver, or bowels
What’s the Legal Process for a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
At Better Call Al, we handle every step of your case so you can focus on your recovery:
- Free Consultation – We review the facts, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
- Investigation – We collect medical records, witness statements, expert opinions, and any available evidence.
- Filing the Lawsuit – We prepare and file your claim in court against the responsible party or parties.
- Discovery – Both sides exchange evidence and conduct depositions to build their cases.
- Settlement Negotiations – We fight for a full, fair settlement that accounts for your past and future losses.
- Trial (if necessary) – If the other side refuses to settle, we are fully prepared to take your case to court.
Types of Compensation Available
Catastrophic injuries often lead to long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. A successful claim can recover compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Ongoing therapy and rehabilitation
- In-home health care and assistive devices
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Home modifications and vehicle accessibility
- Lifelong medication or care needs
We Don’t Back Down From Big Cases
If your injury changed everything, Better Call Al today: (413) 736-1616
What Causes Catastrophic Injuries?
There are many causes of catastrophic injuries. At Better Call Al, we handle a wide range of accident and negligence cases.
Vehicle Accidents
These high-impact crashes often lead to spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, or permanent disability. We investigate driver negligence, defective vehicles, and roadway hazards to build your case.
- Car accidents
- Passenger/pedestrian accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Truck accidents
- Bus or train collisions
- Plane or helicopter crashes
- Boating accidents
- Bicycle and ATV injuries
Medical Mistakes and Misdiagnosis
We handle complex medical malpractice claims involving doctors, nurses, hospitals, and specialists who failed to meet the standard of care.
- Failure to diagnose stroke, brain aneurysm, or temporal arteritis
- Birth injuries leading to cerebral palsy or permanent brain damage
- Treatment errors that cause infection, sepsis, or further harm
- Surgical malpractice, including nerve damage or organ rupture
Environmental and Chemical Exposure
Toxic exposure can lead to brain injury, developmental delays, or lifelong cognitive impairment.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty appliances or poor ventilation
- Lead paint poisoning in older homes or rental units
Sports and Recreational Injuries
In these cases, liability may rest with schools, coaches, trainers, or property owners who failed to provide a safe environment or appropriate medical care.
- Severe head trauma, spinal cord damage, or paralysis from impact sports or unsafe facilities
- Failure to diagnose and treat concussions or internal injuries in athletes
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law generally gives you three years from the date of the injury, or from the date you discovered the injury, to file a personal injury or medical malpractice claim.
However, catastrophic injury cases can involve complex timelines, especially when:
- The injury involves a delayed medical diagnosis (such as a missed brain aneurysm or stroke)
- The injury is to a minor
- The injury was not immediately apparent (as with carbon monoxide poisoning or lead paint exposure)
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Very responsive, professional, knowledgeable and on top of everything - Natasha Rodriguez
I absolutely never leave reviews, but attorney Goodman has truly super exceeded my expectations throughout the whole entire process. Unfortunately, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident where I was rear ended. Attorney Goodman came through as a referral from my friend who said he was amazing and she definitely wasn’t lying. Attorney Goodman fought with the insurance companies when they tried to deny me and/or give me less for my lost wages, he continued to fight for the settlement that I received that exceeded my expectations. He was very responsive, professional, knowledgeable and on top of everything. Definitely the type of attorney that you want by your side. Thank you, attorney Goodman I’ll be forever grateful!
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Al - Kiley Perrone
Having Al working on my case has been an absolute pleasure! He is always willing to educate, advise, and clarify the process, and is available via text or email through all hours of the day. His hard work earned me a settlement big enough to buy my first home! And he listens and cares about his clients. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Al while going through a very stressful and painful time. If you're ever injured, better call Al!
Case Results
$1,200,000 Settlement – Failure to Diagnose Stroke in ER Patient
A male patient presented to the emergency room with classic signs of a stroke: facial drooping on one side, slurred speech, headaches, and difficulty speaking and recalling words. Despite these concerning symptoms, the attending ER physician dismissed the possibility of a stroke, attributing the condition to the patient’s relatively young age. No neurological testing or stroke protocol was initiated, and no appropriate medications were administered.
By the following day, the patient’s condition had worsened. He was taken to a different hospital, where a stroke was properly diagnosed. Tragically, the delay in diagnosis and treatment resulted in permanent neurological deficits, including lasting weakness that left him unable to return to work.
Al Goodman initiated legal action with a formal notice to the hospital, followed by a lawsuit after the statutory waiting period. After depositions were completed, the insurance carrier proposed non-binding mediation. The case ultimately resolved with a $1.2 million settlement, structured to ensure long-term financial security for the injured client.
$7,000,000 Settlement – Botched Bariatric Surgery Results in Severe Digestive Injury
Al Goodman served as a strategic advisor and litigation consultant in a complex medical malpractice case involving a severely botched bariatric weight-loss surgery. The patient underwent a gastric banding procedure that was catastrophically misperformed. The surgeon incorrectly reconnected her lower intestine in reverse, causing bile to flow upward and out of her mouth.
Working closely with expert physicians and the patient’s corrective surgeon, Al Goodman helped develop compelling demonstrative evidence, including medical illustrations, procedural charts, and an explanatory video that highlighted the proper and improper surgical techniques. Central to the case’s impact was a powerful “Day in the Life” video, which vividly depicted the client’s daily challenges, suffering, and the long-term toll on her quality of life.
Al Goodman’s legal insight and presentation strategy played a pivotal role in securing a $7 million settlement during mediation. The woman’s husband and three minor children were also named as plaintiffs and received significant compensation for loss of consortium, recognizing the profound impact this injury had on their family.
Speak With an Experienced Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Western Massachusetts
If you or a loved one suffered a catastrophic injury, your family may require lifelong care, home modifications, and other expensive remedies. At Better Call Al, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial burdens you’re facing. Our legal team invests the time and resources to fight for the full value of your claim.
Call (413) 736-1616 today a free, no-pressure consultation.
Let us help you take the first step toward justice, stability, and a more secure future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a catastrophic injury under Massachusetts law?
A catastrophic injury is one that causes permanent or long-term disability, disfigurement, or life-altering consequences. Examples include spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputation, severe burns, and organ damage.
Do I really need a lawyer for a Springfield catastrophic injury claim?
Yes. These claims often involve extensive medical records, expert witnesses, and high financial stakes. Insurance companies will work aggressively to limit payouts. Having an experienced Springfield attorney like Al Goodman ensures you're protected and positioned for maximum compensation.
What types of accidents cause catastrophic injuries?
Catastrophic injuries can result from vehicle collisions (car, motorcycle, truck, pedestrian), medical malpractice (including misdiagnosis or surgical errors), birth injuries, falls, construction accidents, and exposure to toxic substances like carbon monoxide or lead paint.
What types of compensation can I recover?
You may be eligible for compensation for medical costs, future treatment, lost income, loss of earning potential, pain and suffering, emotional distress, home care, disability-related expenses, and modifications to your home or vehicle.
How long do I have to file a catastrophic injury claim in Massachusetts?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury or the date you discovered it. However, deadlines can vary, especially in cases involving delayed diagnoses or injuries to minors. Speak with an attorney promptly.
What if the injury was caused by a medical mistake?
Medical malpractice can absolutely lead to a catastrophic injury case. If you or a loved one suffered paralysis, hypoxic brain injury, amputation, or other serious harm due to treatment errors, Better Call Al can help you explore your legal options.
How do you prove a catastrophic injury case?
You need to show that someone else's negligence caused the injury and that the injury resulted in substantial, long-term harm. We work with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to calculate damages and build a strong case.
Will I have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Many catastrophic injury claims are resolved through negotiation or mediation. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, Al Goodman is prepared to take your case to trial.
Can I file a claim on behalf of a family member?
Yes. If your loved one is incapacitated or unable to act on their own due to a brain injury, coma, or other serious condition, you may be able to act as a legal representative or guardian to pursue justice on their behalf.
Meet Our Springfield MA Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Al Goodman
Al Goodman is a dedicated attorney with a strong reputation for delivering strategic, results-driven legal representation. With years of experience handling complex legal matters, Al is known for his thorough case preparation, clear communication, and commitment to protecting the rights and interests of his clients. He is proud to belong to a profession that allows him to stand up for people when they need it most.
Al's practice is rooted in a client-first philosophy. That means taking the time to understand each person’s unique situation and building a legal strategy tailored to their specific needs. A firm believer in preparation and persistence, Al works closely with experts, investigators, and support staff to ensure every detail is covered and every angle is considered. His goal is simple: to provide strong advocacy, honest advice, and results that make a real difference in his clients’ lives.
Book Your Free Consultation
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