Meet Our Catastrophic Events Attorneys

A catastrophe is a particularly destructive event that occurs suddenly and causes significant damage or loss. Some organizations have specific definitions of what constitutes a catastrophe. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the federal agency responsible for leading national responses to disasters, defines a catastrophic incident as “any natural or manmade incident, including terrorism, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the population, infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, and/or government functions.”

FEMA is primarily concerned with catastrophes that affect infrastructure, government, and populations on a large scale, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and terror attacks that use chemical or biological agents. However, catastrophes often occur on much smaller and more localized scales. While such events may not garner national headlines or require federal intervention, they can be extremely disruptive to the lives of those involved.

Unlike major natural disasters, which are relatively rare, catastrophes are quite common. School bus crashes, helicopter crashes, falling construction debris, shootings, and other catastrophic incidents occur so often that we may be desensitized to them—until they happen to us or somebody we care about.

Catastrophic events are large-scale disasters that can cause devastating harm to people, property, and the environment. Whether caused by nature, human error, or negligence, these events can lead to life-altering injuries, permanent disabilities, or even loss of life. Common types of these disasters include:

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters are some of the most unpredictable and destructive events. While no one can control nature, the aftermath often reveals issues like poor planning, negligent construction, or ignored safety warnings.

• Hurricanes: These massive tropical storms bring intense wind, rain, and storm surges, often flooding entire neighborhoods. Hurricane Katrina (2005) devastated New Orleans, leading to widespread loss of life and exposing infrastructure failures.
• Tornadoes: Characterized by high-speed winds and rapidly changing paths, tornadoes can rip through communities in minutes. The EF5 tornado in Joplin, Missouri (2011) killed 158 people and destroyed thousands of structures.
• Earthquakes: The sudden shaking of the earth can cause buildings, bridges, and roads to collapse. The 2010 Haiti earthquake resulted in over 200,000 deaths, with entire cities reduced to rubble.
• Floods: Whether caused by heavy rainfall, dam failure, or rapid snowmelt, floods can destroy homes and contaminate drinking water. The 2013 Central Europe floods led to mass evacuations and billions in damages.
• Wildfires: These fast-moving blazes can be sparked by lightning, human negligence, or even downed power lines. The Camp Fire in California (2018) became the state’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire, killing 85 people.
  
   

Infrastructure Failures

When structures fail due to poor maintenance, design flaws, or construction negligence, the consequences can be catastrophic.

• Bridge Collapses: Faulty engineering or a lack of inspections can cause a bridge to fall unexpectedly. The I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis (2007) killed 13 people during rush hour.
• Building Collapses: Inadequate construction, aging materials, or ignored structural warnings can cause entire buildings to give way. The Surfside condo collapse in Florida (2021) resulted in 98 deaths.
• Parking Garage Failures: Though often overlooked, parking structures are vulnerable to structural stress and overloading. The 2023 New York City parking garage collapse led to multiple injuries and fatalities.
  
   

Transportation Crashes

Modern transportation systems are vast and complex, and when something goes wrong, whether through mechanical failure or human error, the results can be deadly.

• Train Derailments: Derailments can be caused by track failure, operator error, or speed. The Amtrak train derailment in Washington State (2017) killed three people and injured dozens.
• Airplane and Helicopter Crashes: Aviation disasters often involve high fatalities and require thorough investigations. The Kobe Bryant helicopter crash (2020) tragically claimed nine lives.
• Major Highway Pileups: Fog, rain, ice, or distracted driving can lead to multi-vehicle collisions. The Texas I-35 pileup (2021) involved over 130 vehicles and resulted in six deaths.
  
   

Industrial Accidents

Factories, refineries, and oil rigs operate with hazardous materials and equipment. When safety procedures are ignored or equipment fails, the consequences can be catastrophic.

• Factory Explosions: Poor handling of flammable materials or machinery malfunctions can lead to deadly blasts. The West Fertilizer Plant explosion in Texas (2013) killed 15 and leveled nearby buildings.
• Chemical Spills: Toxic leaks can endanger workers, residents, and the environment. The East Palestine train derailment and chemical spill (2023) caused evacuations and long-term health concerns.
• Oil Rig Disasters: Offshore drilling comes with inherent risks. The Deepwater Horizon explosion (2010) resulted in 11 deaths and one of the worst environmental disasters in U.S. history.
  
   

Mass Violence

These man-made tragedies leave lasting trauma and often spark national conversations about safety, mental health, and security.

• Shootings: Mass shootings have become alarmingly common in public spaces such as schools, offices, and events. The Parkland school shooting (2018) killed 17 students and staff.
• Terror Attacks: Coordinated acts of violence meant to cause mass harm. The 9/11 attacks remain one of the deadliest terrorist acts in U.S. history.
• Bombings: Explosive devices can cause massive destruction in seconds. The Boston Marathon bombing (2013) killed three and injured over 260 others.
  
   

Falling Objects or Debris

Often linked to construction zones or faulty infrastructure, these incidents can happen without warning and cause serious injury or death.

• Construction Accidents: Unsecured tools, scaffolding failures, or collapsing materials can strike workers or pedestrians. Crane collapses during major city developments have injured countless individuals.
• Crane Collapses: These towering machines can fall due to high winds, mechanical failure, or human error. A crane collapse in New York City (2016) crushed nearby vehicles and killed a pedestrian.
• Falling Balconies: Poor construction or overload can cause balconies to detach. In Berkeley, California (2015), a balcony collapse killed six college students and injured several others.

When tragedy strikes on a large scale, whether it’s a bridge collapse, a train derailment, or a deadly fire, many people are quick to call it an "accident." But the truth is, many catastrophic events are preventable. 

Here are some of the most common, and often preventable, causes of catastrophic events:

Negligent Maintenance of Infrastructure

Bridges, roads, parking garages, dams, and buildings all require ongoing inspections and upkeep to remain safe. When governments, property owners, or corporations fail to maintain infrastructure, the results can be devastating.

Deferred maintenance on bridges can lead to structural failures and sudden collapse, and aging pipelines or electrical systems that go unrepaired can spark fires or explosions.

In many cases, warning signs, like visible cracks, rust, or past inspection failures, are ignored until it's too late.

Human Error in Transportation Systems

Planes, trains, and commercial trucks operate within complex systems where a single mistake can result in mass casualties.

Operator fatigue or distraction, especially in trucking and rail industries, can cause catastrophic collisions. Failure to follow safety protocols or miscommunication between controllers and operators can also lead to disasters.

With proper training, oversight, and technology safeguards, many transportation-related tragedies could be avoided.

Insufficient Disaster Preparedness by Businesses or Governments

While natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires can’t be stopped, the level of damage they cause often depends on how well communities are prepared.

Lack of evacuation plans, early warning systems, or storm-resistant infrastructure can turn a manageable crisis into a mass casualty event. Additionally, failure to secure hazardous materials during a natural disaster can lead to secondary disasters like chemical spills or fires.

Unsafe Construction Practices

From high-rise buildings to residential homes, construction that fails to meet safety standards is a ticking time bomb.

Substandard materials, shortcuts during building, or ignoring building codes can lead to collapses and falling debris. Improper installation of heavy equipment like cranes or balconies can also result in sudden structural failures.

Developers and contractors have a legal and ethical responsibility to build safely and follow regulations, but all too often, cost-cutting takes precedence over safety.

Corporate Negligence and Cost-Cutting

In many industries, catastrophic events stem from profit-driven decisions that put lives at risk.

Failing to invest in safety systems or proper employee training to cut costs and ignoring known risks to avoid liability or delays in production are common ways that cheap businesses put others at risk.

Cutting corners might save money in the short term, but it can cost lives in the long run.

Lax Government Oversight

Regulations are in place to protect the public, but when agencies fail to enforce them, or look the other way, disasters can follow.

Infrequent inspections, weak penalties, and industry lobbying can result in unsafe conditions being allowed to persist.

Experiencing a catastrophic event can be overwhelming and disorienting. In those moments, it can be difficult to know what steps to take next. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in the aftermath of a catastrophic event:

1. Prioritize Safety First

Your health and safety are the most important. Get to a safe location as quickly as possible, and check for injuries on yourself and others nearby. Call 911 immediately if emergency medical help is needed.

Avoid unstable structures, downed power lines, or leaking gas. If you're in a disaster area, follow all evacuation orders and emergency instructions from local authorities.

 

2. Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get checked out by a medical professional. Some injuries, especially head, neck, or internal injuries, might not be immediately obvious.

Getting prompt care also creates a medical record, which can be vital for any legal or insurance claims later.

 

3. Document the Scene (If Safe to Do So)

If you’re physically able and it’s safe, start gathering evidence.

Take photos or videos of the scene, including damage, injuries, and contributing factors (structural damage, road conditions, or fallen objects), and write down or record your recollection of what happened while details are still fresh.

If possible, get names and contact info of any witnesses nearby. This documentation can be essential in determining liability and supporting your claim.

4. Report the Incident

Notify the proper authorities and agencies. File a police report or official incident report if one hasn’t already been taken. If the event involved a business, property, or workplace, notify the site manager or HR department. For natural disasters or infrastructure failures, contact your local emergency management office or utility providers.

 

5. Contact Your Insurance Company

To begin the recovery process, file a claim with your homeowners, renters, health, auto, or life insurance, whichever is relevant to the incident. Document all communication with insurers and keep copies of your claim numbers, adjuster info, and submitted documents.

Remember, insurance companies may try to minimize your payout. You don’t have to accept their first offer, especially without legal guidance.

6. Keep a Record of Expenses and Losses

Start building a paper trail and save receipts for medical care, temporary lodging, vehicle rentals, or repairs. Keep track of lost income or work days.

 

7. Contact Morgan & Morgan

If the catastrophic event was caused by negligence, unsafe conditions, or corporate or government oversight failures, you may be entitled to compensation.

Don’t sign anything from an insurer, company, or responsible party until you speak with a lawyer. A personal injury or catastrophic event attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help determine who is liable for your accident, what damages can be claimed, and how much compensation you deserve.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have the resources, experience, and dedication to take on major corporations, government entities, and insurance companies—and win. We never settle for less than you deserve.

For survivors of catastrophic events, the physical and emotional injuries can be life-altering and, in some cases, permanent. 

Here are some of the most common injuries associated with catastrophic events:

Severe Burns

Burn injuries are especially common in situations involving explosions, fires, or chemical spills, such as those seen in:

• Industrial accidents
• Oil rig disasters
• Plane or train crashes
• Residential or commercial building fires

Burns can range from first-degree to life-threatening third-degree injuries, often requiring intensive care, skin grafts, long-term rehabilitation, and reconstructive surgery. Burn victims may also experience lasting physical and emotional scars, chronic pain, and restricted mobility.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A violent blow to the head—common in building collapses, vehicle collisions, or falling debris—can cause a traumatic brain injury. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

Common causes of TBIs in catastrophic events include:

• Falling objects during construction accidents
• Impact injuries during car or train crashes
• Shrapnel from explosions or structural failures

Symptoms may include memory loss, confusion, seizures, speech issues, personality changes, and long-term cognitive impairment. In the most severe cases, TBIs can lead to permanent disability or require lifelong care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

In high-impact accidents, such as vehicle pileups, building collapses, or crane failures, spinal cord damage is a frequent and often devastating result.

Spinal injuries may cause partial or full paralysis, chronic pain, or loss of sensation and motor function. Many victims require wheelchairs, physical therapy, home modifications, and ongoing medical support for the rest of their lives.

These injuries not only affect physical ability but also have profound emotional, financial, and psychological consequences.

Fractures and Crush Injuries

Victims caught under rubble, pinned during collisions, or hit by heavy objects may suffer:

• Compound fractures
• Broken ribs, legs, arms, or hips
• Crush injuries that damage muscles, nerves, and organs

Severe fractures can require surgical intervention, the installation of metal rods or pins, and lengthy periods of immobility and rehabilitation.

Internal Injuries and Organ Damage

These are often not visible immediately but can be life-threatening without prompt treatment.

Blunt force trauma from impact or debris may damage internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, or spleen. Internal bleeding may go undetected without proper medical evaluation and imaging.

Such injuries are commonly seen in high-speed transportation accidents and structural collapses.

Amputations

Some catastrophic events, such as those involving industrial machinery, large vehicle accidents, or explosions, may result in traumatic or surgical amputations of limbs.

Amputation can bring lifelong challenges in mobility, self-care, employment, and mental health. Prosthetics and rehabilitation are costly, and emotional support is essential for recovery.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Not all injuries are visible. Survivors of catastrophic events often suffer from serious psychological effects, including:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression and anxiety
• Survivor’s guilt
• Sleep disorders and flashbacks

Mental health support is crucial after trauma, and emotional injuries are just as real as physical ones. Psychological damage can affect your relationships, your ability to work, and your overall quality of life.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, catastrophic events result in fatalities, leaving families to face unimaginable loss and long-term hardship. Surviving spouses, children, and parents may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim, including:

• Funeral expenses
• Lost income and benefits
• Emotional suffering and loss of companionship

Morgan & Morgan fights for families seeking justice after a preventable tragedy claims a loved one’s life.

When disaster strikes, victims often turn to their insurance companies for help. After all, that’s what insurance is for, right? Unfortunately, the reality is often much more complicated. At Morgan & Morgan, we’ve seen firsthand how policyholders can be blindsided not just by the event itself, but by the frustrating and unfair tactics insurance companies use to avoid paying out full and fair claims.

Here are some of the most common insurance issues that arise after catastrophic events, and what you can do to protect your rights.

Claim Denials or Delays

One of the most painful scenarios occurs when an insurance company flat-out denies a claim that should be covered. Common reasons for denial include:

• Alleging the policy doesn’t cover the type of damage reported
• Claiming the loss falls under an exclusion (such as “act of God” clauses)
• Accusing the policyholder of filing late or providing insufficient documentation
• Denying based on technicalities in policy language

In the aftermath of a catastrophic event, these delays or denials can be devastating, especially when you need immediate help for medical bills, home repairs, or lost income.

Underpayment of Claims

Even when claims are approved, insurance companies may offer settlements that are far below what the damages actually cost to fix or recover from. Examples include:

• Lowball estimates for home or property repair
• Inadequate compensation for injuries, rehabilitation, or medical treatment
• Undervaluation of personal property, business interruption losses, or emotional trauma

Victims may feel pressured to accept these offers out of desperation, not realizing they’re entitled to more.

Disputes Over Liability or Coverage Limits

Following major accidents or events involving multiple parties, such as highway pileups, building collapses, or industrial explosions, insurers may dispute:

• Who is at fault, and therefore who should pay
• How much coverage exists, especially if multiple policies overlap
• Whether damage exceeds policy limits, leaving victims with uncovered losses

These disputes can drag on for months or even years, often while victims are suffering financially, emotionally, and physically.

Bad Faith Insurance Practices

In some cases, insurance companies act in bad faith, which means they knowingly delay, deny, or underpay a legitimate claim. Examples include:

• Ignoring or refusing to investigate a claim
• Misrepresenting the terms of your policy
• Threatening cancellation or increased premiums if you file
• Failing to communicate or respond to your claim in a timely manner

If your insurer is acting in bad faith, you may have grounds for a lawsuit seeking damages beyond the value of your initial claim.

Understanding liability for catastrophic event accidents is important for securing justice and compensation for your injuries, losses, or the wrongful death of a loved one.

Below are some of the most common parties that can be held legally responsible.

Government Entities for Infrastructure Failures

Local, state, or federal governments are often responsible for maintaining infrastructure such as:

• Bridges
• Roads and highways
• Public buildings
• Dams and levees

When these structures collapse or fail due to poor maintenance, outdated design, or ignored safety warnings, the government agency in charge may be held liable. However, suing a government entity requires navigating complex procedures and strict deadlines, often under what’s known as "sovereign immunity" laws. 

Corporations for Industrial Accidents

Many catastrophic events are the result of negligence within industrial or corporate settings. Companies can be held liable when their failure to follow safety protocols, maintain equipment, or train employees leads to:

• Factory explosions
• Oil refinery or rig disasters
• Hazardous chemical spills
• Large-scale fires or building collapses

In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, such as equipment manufacturers, subcontractors, or third-party safety inspectors.

Transportation Companies for Major Crashes

Transportation providers, including airlines, freight companies, and public transit authorities, may be held liable for catastrophic crashes involving:

• Trains
• Planes
• Buses
• Commercial trucks

When crashes are caused by human error, equipment failure, poor maintenance, or lack of oversight, these companies may be held accountable for the harm done.

Event Organizers for Inadequate Security or Emergency Planning

When people gather at large public events, such as concerts, sporting events, festivals, the organizers have a duty to ensure the safety of attendees. Someone may be seriously injured or killed due to:

• Inadequate crowd control
• Poor evacuation planning
• Insufficient medical response
• Lack of trained security personnel

And in these cases, the event organizers or venue owners may be found liable for negligence.

Property Owners and Construction Companies

In urban environments, catastrophic incidents can occur when buildings, cranes, balconies, or other structures collapse. The responsible parties may include:

• Property owners or landlords
• Construction companies or contractors
• Engineering or architectural firms
• Equipment manufacturers
  
   

Product Manufacturers

When equipment, vehicles, or systems fail due to a manufacturing or design defect and that failure leads to a catastrophic event, product liability law may come into play. Manufacturers and designers can be held accountable for producing unsafe products.

When dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of people are harmed by the same negligent action or hazardous condition, individual lawsuits may not be enough to address the full scope of the damage.

That’s where class action and mass tort lawsuits come in.

At Morgan & Morgan, we have decades of experience fighting for victims through large-scale litigation. These types of lawsuits are powerful tools that can hold major corporations, manufacturers, or institutions accountable and help victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.

When Should a Class Action or Mass Tort Be Pursued?

Class action or mass tort lawsuits are often pursued in catastrophic events that share the following characteristics:

• Multiple victims harmed by the same cause or incident
• A single defendant or group of defendants responsible for the damages
• Common legal or factual issues, such as the same type of injury, product, or exposure
• Systemic negligence or misconduct affecting a broad group (workers, residents, consumers)

These legal pathways are especially appropriate in cases like:

• Industrial accidents, such as refinery explosions, chemical plant leaks, or oil spills
• Environmental disasters, including groundwater contamination or toxic air exposure
• Mass shootings or acts of mass violence at schools, concerts, or public venues
• Product failures, such as defective medical devices, unsafe drugs, or dangerous consumer goods
• Transportation disasters, including train derailments or airplane crashes involving many passengers
  
   

What’s the Difference Between a Class Action and a Mass Tort?

While both legal options involve large groups of people harmed by the same event or issue, they differ in how the cases are handled:

Class Action

• All plaintiffs are represented as a single group, or “class.”
• One or a few individuals (class representatives) sue on behalf of everyone affected.
• Compensation is typically divided among all class members.
• Best suited when victims suffered very similar harm.
  
   

Mass Tort

• Each plaintiff files an individual case, but the cases are grouped together for efficiency.
• Allows for personalized evidence, injuries, and compensation.
• Best suited when injuries vary in severity or type across victims.

Why Pursue These Types of Lawsuits?

Strength in Numbers

Going up against a large corporation or government entity alone can be daunting. When victims join forces in a class action or mass tort, they gain collective power and the ability to take on deep-pocketed defendants.

Shared Resources

Litigation can be expensive. Class actions and mass torts allow victims to share the cost of expert witnesses, legal research, depositions, and trial preparation.

Efficiency in the Courts

These lawsuits reduce the strain on courts by consolidating similar cases, avoiding repetitive trials, and speeding up the legal process.

Fairer Settlements

When defendants know they’re facing claims from hundreds or thousands of victims, they’re often more likely to offer meaningful settlements or face serious trial risk.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be able to recover several types of damages. These typically fall into three categories: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.

Economic Damages

These are tangible, measurable losses you’ve suffered because of the incident. They include:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital stays, emergency surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, medical devices, in-home care, and future treatment costs related to your injuries.
• Lost Income & Earning Capacity: Compensation for the time you’ve missed from work, plus income you may lose in the future if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or working at all.
• Property Damage: If your home, vehicle, or personal belongings were damaged or destroyed during the event (e.g., in a building collapse, explosion, or flood), you may be reimbursed for repair or replacement.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: If you lost a loved one in the event, you may be entitled to recover the costs of their funeral and final arrangements.
  
   

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for the emotional and psychological impact of what you’ve endured.

• Pain and Suffering: The physical pain and discomfort resulting from your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, insomnia, grief, and other mental health struggles caused by the trauma of the event.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If you can no longer participate in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed, this may be considered in your compensation.
• Loss of Consortium: If your relationship with a spouse or family member has been harmed due to injuries or death, you may be eligible for compensation for that loss.
  
   

Punitive Damages

In cases where the responsible party’s behavior was especially reckless, intentional, or malicious, punitive damages may be awarded. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and deter others from similar conduct.

Examples of conduct that may lead to punitive damages include:

• A company knowingly hiding safety risks in a product
• A business failing to follow hazardous material protocols
• A government agency ignoring major structural problems in infrastructure
  
   

Compensation for Psychological Trauma

Many victims of catastrophic events suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other long-term mental health issues. You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Therapy and psychiatric treatment
• Medication costs
• Lost productivity due to mental illness
• Reduced quality of life from chronic psychological harm
  
   

Wrongful Death Compensation

If a family member was killed in a catastrophic event, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. Survivors can seek compensation for:

• Lost financial support from the deceased
• Emotional suffering and loss of companionship
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of future inheritance or benefits

Can you sue the government? In many cases, yes, but special rules apply.

Most government agencies are protected by what’s known as sovereign immunity, which limits their liability in lawsuits. However, both the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and state-specific laws allow citizens to sue government entities in certain situations, especially if gross negligence or failure to act led to serious harm.

When Is the Government Liable?

A government agency may be held responsible for a catastrophic event if:

• Negligent Infrastructure Maintenance: Bridges, highways, dams, and levees that are known to be in poor condition but are ignored or inadequately repaired.
• Failure to Enforce Building Codes or Safety Regulations: If the government was aware of code violations and failed to take action, they could be held liable if a collapse or fire occurs.
• Inadequate Emergency Preparedness or Response: Insufficient evacuation plans, delayed public warnings, or underfunded emergency services can turn a manageable situation into a deadly disaster.
• Environmental Mismanagement: Poor land use planning, negligent waste management, or failure to mitigate known hazards (like wildfire zones) can also create government liability.

The amount of time you have to file a claim, known as the statute of limitations, varies by state and the specifics of your case. However, some exceptions may apply, such as in cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t discovered right away.

It's important to file your claim as soon as possible to preserve your legal rights. Failing to file within the statute of limitations could result in your case being dismissed, meaning you may lose the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries.

Since deadlines can vary by state and situation, it's best to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident to understand the specific timeline for your case. An attorney can help ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Yes, in many cases, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault for a catastrophic event. How much you can recover depends on the specific laws in your state and the degree of your responsibility. These types of cases fall under the legal concept of comparative negligence.

Comparative negligence is a legal doctrine that allocates fault among all parties involved in an accident, including the victim. If you’re found to share some level of blame for the incident, your total compensation may be reduced but not eliminated.

There are two main types of comparative negligence:

1. Pure Comparative Negligence

With pure comparative negligence, you can recover damages even if you were 99% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re awarded $1 million in damages but were 40% at fault, you’d still receive $600,000.

States that follow this model include California and New York.

2. Modified Comparative Negligence

With modified comparative negligence, you can recover damages only if your share of fault is less than 50% or 51%, depending on the state. If you’re found to be more at fault than the other party, you may be barred from recovery.

States that follow this rule include Texas, Florida, Georgia, and Colorado (among others), with variations in fault thresholds.

If you’ve been injured in a catastrophic event and believe you may have played a role in the outcome, don’t assume you have no case. You still may be entitled to significant compensation.

A personal injury claim is any legal case brought by someone who suffers harm due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. These claims cover a wide range of incidents, including:

• Car accidents
• Slip and falls
• Dog bites
• Workplace injuries
• Medical malpractice

Injuries in personal injury cases can vary in severity, from minor sprains and fractures to more serious conditions. Many victims make a full recovery over time, and the compensation sought usually covers short-term medical bills, lost wages, and temporary pain and suffering.

A catastrophic event claim, on the other hand, involves incidents that result in permanent, disabling, or fatal injuries and often affect many people at once. These cases stem from large-scale events or extreme negligence, such as:

• Industrial explosions
• Airplane or train crashes
• Mass shootings or terror attacks
• Collapsing bridges or buildings
• Natural disasters worsened by human error

Injuries in catastrophic cases typically include:

• Spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Severe burns and disfigurement
• Amputations
• Psychological trauma (e.g., PTSD)

These cases demand compensation not just for immediate medical needs but for a lifetime of care, lost income, diminished quality of life, and emotional suffering.

To build a strong case, solid, multi-layered evidence can make the difference. At Morgan & Morgan, our attorneys have decades of experience gathering and leveraging the right evidence to hold negligent parties accountable.

Types of evidence commonly used to prove liability can include:

Incident Reports and Official Investigations

Police reports, fire department logs, or government safety board findings (e.g., NTSB, OSHA, or FEMA) often contain early documentation of what happened. These reports can help establish when, where, and how the incident occurred and sometimes include preliminary findings of fault.

 

Eyewitness Testimony

Statements from victims, bystanders, employees, or first responders can offer critical insights into what led up to the incident. Consistent eyewitness accounts help establish sequence of events, warning signs, or prior unsafe conditions.

 

Expert Analysis

Engineers, safety inspectors, or industry experts may be brought in to analyze failed infrastructure, defective products, or safety violations. Their evaluations can uncover design flaws, code violations, or non-compliance with industry standards.

 

Surveillance and Video Footage

Security cameras, traffic cams, drones, or even smartphone videos can visually capture the disaster as it unfolds. This kind of footage can be powerful in disputing false narratives or proving real-time negligence.

 

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Documents showing delayed repairs, ignored inspection warnings, or failure to maintain safety systems are often key in infrastructure or workplace disasters. These records reveal whether a company or government agency was aware of risks but chose not to act.

 

Internal Communications and Company Records

Emails, memos, and text messages between employees or supervisors can prove prior knowledge of a hazard or willful negligence. In mass tort or corporate negligence cases, discovery of internal documents can turn the tide in court.

 

Photos and Physical Evidence from the Scene

Debris patterns, structural damage, defective equipment, or unsafe conditions at the site help reconstruct what went wrong. These are often preserved by forensic teams or through early legal intervention.

 

Medical Records and Injury Documentation

For injury-related claims, detailed medical records link the victim’s suffering directly to the event. These records are used to validate the extent of harm and establish causation.

At Morgan & Morgan, our team of experienced attorneys has successfully represented countless clients in similar situations, securing millions in compensation. As the largest personal injury law firm in the country with over 1,000 lawyers nationwide, we have the resources, knowledge, and dedication to fight for your rights. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Morgan & Morgan believes justice should be accessible to all, so our motto is the Fee Is Free™—you only pay if we win.

Don’t bear the burden of your injuries on your own because of someone else’s negligence. Contact Morgan & Morgan today for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal options.

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