Catastrophic Injury
Holding Companies Liable for Catastrophic Injuries
Suffering a catastrophic injury can be devastating and even life-altering. However, when another party’s recklessness or negligence is responsible for your injuries, this unfortunate event can seem all the more senseless. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury in a catastrophic accident such as a car or truck collision, industrial accident, fire, explosion, or an accident involving a defective product, you have the right to seek compensation from the at-fault party. For almost 40 years, the dedicated attorneys at Caddell & Chapman have taken on negligent companies, insurance carriers, and manufacturers of defective products. We are prepared to handle complex cases against major businesses and can leverage our experience and resources to secure a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Investigating Catastrophic Accidents in California and Across the Country
We approach cases involving catastrophic accidents with thoroughness and innovation. When we take on a case, we are fully prepared to take swift and aggressive action. During our decades of service, we have developed a strong reputation for consistently providing top-quality legal representation to injured victims and their families, securing substantial settlements and awards. The following cases are just a few examples of our work:
Caddell & Chapman recovered $30 million for the families of 14 maquiladora workers who were killed and/or injured in a tragic bus accident near Brownsville, Texas. A school bus was being used to transport workers from Mexico to a clothing manufacturing plant when the bus swerved to avoid a collision. The brakes failed, the bus turned over in a drainage ditch, and the maquiladora workers drowned. The bus was in poor condition and had not been properly maintained by the company. All the victims came from one village in Mexico, about 20 miles south of Brownsville. Two former Texas Supreme Court Justices and four law firms represented the victims’ employer. Our firm successfully fought efforts to have the suit dismissed on forum non-conveniens grounds, including three unsuccessful mandamus efforts at the Texas Supreme Court. Ultimately, the case settled for $30 million two weeks into trial.
In Las Vegas, Nevada, Caddell & Chapman handled a trucking negligence case arising from a multi-fatality accident on an interstate highway in rural Nevada. The firm represented the families of four Mexican nationals who died when their disabled vehicle was struck by a Rebel Oil commercial truck. The decedents had been involved in a prior head-on collision, and their vehicle was disabled in the travel lanes. Other drivers saw the initial accident and stopped to render aid. Before assistance could be provided, the Rebel Oil tractor-trailer, which was coming from the opposite direction, failed to see the car and crushed it at near highway speed. During its investigation, Caddell & Chapman learned that the tractor-trailer driver had a history of mental illness, criminal conduct, driving citations, and prior trucking incidents. In the heavily contested case, Caddell & Chapman had to have sanctions imposed against defense counsel three times, and on the eve of trial, the parties settled for a substantial recovery of approximately $5.1 million for the decedents’ families (total attorneys’ fees: $2,040,000; litigation expenses: $240,000).
Ready to Take on Even the Toughest of Cases
In addition to our successes against insurance companies and major corporations, Caddell & Chapman has demonstrated its willingness to work for the underdog by representing families in litigation against the government. In 2008, Caddell & Chapman obtained the largest tort claim recovery against the State of Nevada in its history. The lawsuit arose from a multiple fatality accident involving a Nevada Highway Patrol trooper near Las Vegas. In contrast to other lawyers who settled several of the wrongful death claims for the liability limits under Nevada law of $50,000 per claim, our firm developed a section 1983 claim against the state with unparalleled success. As noted by the Las Vegas Review Journal, the firm’s settlement was the largest ever made by the state to settle a lawsuit over a negligent action by an employee.
Injuries Resulting From Defective Consumer Products
There are several instances in which a defective product can ignite or explode, leading to catastrophic injuries. Our law firm has litigated cases involving burns caused by faulty car ignition switches, defective vehicle fuel systems, baby wipe warmers, stereos, and other electrical home appliances. No matter what product caused the accident, we will seek full compensation from the manufacturer or other responsible parties. Whether your case involves a reckless driver or a defective consumer product, you can trust that we have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
If you suffered a catastrophic injury due to another party’s negligence, the dedicated legal team at Caddell & Chapman is here to help. Call our office today at (713) 751-0400 to get started.
If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, we’re prepared to hold the at-fault party liable. We take on negligent companies, insurance carriers, and manufacturers of defective products to secure you the compensation you’re owed.
