Columbus Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Columbus Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

Life can change in an instant. A catastrophic injury, whether caused by a truck crash, defective product, or another act of negligence, can leave a person permanently disabled and a family overwhelmed with medical costs, lifestyle changes, and emotional strain. These aren’t ordinary injury cases. They often require long-term care, home modifications, and years of rehabilitation.

At Butler Prather LLP, we understand what’s at stake. We don’t see your case as just another file. We see your life, your challenges, and your right to justice. When you need a legal team that is both compassionate and relentless, we’re here to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Us Over Other Catastrophic Injury Lawyers in Columbus?

We know you have options when choosing legal representation. Here's why Butler Prather LLP stands apart:

• Proven Success in High-Stakes Cases: Our team has secured ten verdicts over $100 million and served as lead counsel in class actions that led to over $349 million recovered for our clients.
• National Reach with Georgia Roots: We’re based in Columbus and Savannah but have successfully represented clients in over 30 states.
• Dedication to Justice, Not Volume: We don’t take every case. We focus on building powerful, in-depth legal strategies tailored to each client.
• Recognized Leadership: Partner James Butler was honored in the Atlanta Bar Association’s Legends of the Bar Series for his exceptional courtroom advocacy.
• Relentless Preparation: We investigate every angle, hire the right professionals, and prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, because many of ours do.
• True Compassion: We listen. We respect your story. And we fight like it’s our own.

Have You Suffered a Life-Changing Injury?

We’ve secured some of the largest verdicts in U.S. history. Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.

Do You Have a Legitimate Case?

To pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you must prove:

• Another party was negligent or acted wrongfully
• That conduct directly caused your injuries
• Your injury led to substantial, documented losses

Catastrophic injury cases arise from a variety of causes, but what they have in common is the severity and permanence of the injury. This may include injuries that cause:

• Permanent disability
• Long-term or in-home medical care
• Loss of a limb
• Paralysis
• Traumatic brain injury
• Disfigurement
• Substantial loss of income or earning potential

What Types of Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries?

Accidents that cause catastrophic injuries are usually sudden and unexpected. A patient suffering from a catastrophic injury cannot resume the day-to-day activities they enjoyed before the accident. These injuries require various types of medical and personal assistance.

Accidents that cause catastrophic injuries include:

• Tractor-trailer accidents
• Car accidents
• Products liability accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Premises liability accidents
• Workplace accidents
• Slip and fall accidents

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Most catastrophic injuries are caused by reckless or negligent behavior. Examples include an intoxicated driver who runs a red light and crashes into a family on their way home from visiting relatives, a landlord who refuses to replace the expired fire alarm batteries or a large corporation that fails to adequately test a product before releasing it on the market.

Butler Prather LLP has won significant lawsuits against major automakers who manufactured unsafe cars, including the Ford Super Duty with a defective roof that crushed passengers and Chrysler Jeep rear gas tanks that caused deadly fires.

Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are caused by a severe blow or jolt to the head. These injuries may result from falls, automobile crashes, sports injuries, explosions, or physical assaults. Long-term effects of TBI include memory loss, seizures, fatigue, and paralysis.
• Amputation is the loss of a body part, such as a hand, arm, leg, foot, finger, or toe, caused by an injury that severs the body part or seriously damages nerves, tendons, and blood vessels. Long-term effects of amputation include infection, depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD, and pain.
• Paralysis is when you are not able to move parts of your body due to a spinal cord injury. Long-term effects of paralysis include loss of motor control, loss of sensation, loss of bladder and bowel control, impaired breathing, infections, and loss of mobility.
• Severe burns are caused by automobile collisions, building fires, industrial accidents, and exposure to hazardous chemicals. Long-term effects include cardiovascular damage, loss of bone and muscle mass, chronic pain, increased mortality, difficulty breathing, gastrointestinal disease, destruction of the skin, depression, and anxiety.
• Whiplash is when a sudden force, such as an automobile collision, causes the head to be thrown forward and backward, straining the victim’s neck and damaging bone, ligaments, nerves, and muscles. Whiplash is caused by rear-end collisions, sports injuries, physical assault, and falls. Effects of whiplash include chronic pain in the neck and shoulders, ringing in the ears, dizziness, blurred vision, sleep deprivation, and physical debilitation.
• Loss of hearing is caused by loud noises, skull fractures, whiplash, head trauma, airbag deployment, and a perforated eardrum. Effects of hearing loss include difficulty communicating with others, isolation, depression, and frustration.
• Nerve damage is caused by electrical injuries, automobile crashes, gunshot wounds, lacerations, and physical trauma. Effects of nerve damage include muscle weakness, atrophy, paralysis, loss of motor control, severe pain, numbness, burning sensations, and the inability to hold and manipulate objects.
• Loss of vision is caused by automobile crashes, workplace accidents, defective product accidents, and exposure to dangerous chemicals. Blindness seriously impairs the victim’s quality of life by limiting personal mobility and independence. It may result in falls, depression, anxiety, and loss of independence.

Columbus, GA, is a wonderful place to live, offering several enjoyable activities, such as walking along the Chattahoochee River Walk, whitewater rafting, and visiting our local museums. Unfortunately, a catastrophic injury severely limits the victim’s ability to enjoy an active lifestyle.

The Road to Recovery Starts with the Right Legal Team

You only get one shot at justice. Make it count. Call Butler Prather LLP at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.

What's the Legal Process for a Catastrophic Injury Case?

Legal proceedings for catastrophic injuries involve multiple steps. Here’s a general roadmap of what to expect when you work with Butler Prather LLP:

Consultation and Case Evaluation

We begin with a free consultation to understand your situation and determine if you have a case worth pursuing. This is also your opportunity to ask us questions and get clarity.

Investigation

Our team collects evidence, interviews witnesses, reviews accident reports, and works with industry experts to understand what happened and who is responsible.

Filing a Claim

We file the formal claim against the negligent party or parties. This could be an individual, corporation, product manufacturer, or property owner.

Negotiations

Many cases enter settlement talks. We leverage our reputation and detailed case preparation to demand full compensation. If they don’t offer what’s fair, we go to trial.

Litigation and Trial

Should the case go to court, we handle all phases of litigation, including motions, depositions, jury selection, and trial presentations. Our legal team is known for being courtroom-ready, and we don’t back down.

Resolution

If successful, you may recover compensation for medical expenses, future care, lost income, pain and suffering, and other long-term losses.

How Your Catastrophic Injury Attorney Can Help

Catastrophic injury cases are not straightforward. They often involve extensive damages, require expert testimony, and face significant pushback from insurers and corporations looking to minimize payouts. At Butler Prather LLP, we help by:

• Investigating the Cause: Whether it was a defective product, a vehicle rollover, or a commercial truck accident, we get to the root cause of what happened.
• Documenting Damages: We work with economists, life care planners, and medical professionals to document the long-term impact of your injury, physically, financially, and emotionally.
• Negotiating with Power: Our trial reputation often means insurers are more willing to negotiate seriously. When they don’t, we’re ready to bring your case before a jury.
• Taking the Pressure Off You: You focus on healing and adapting; we handle the rest, from filing paperwork and negotiating claims to preparing for trial.

Damages Available in a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

Catastrophic injuries cause tremendous hardship for victims and their families, generating astronomical medical bills and other expenses. A Columbus personal injury claim for catastrophic injuries includes the following types of damages:

• Current and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• In-home healthcare assistance
• Surgeries
• Wheelchair ramps for your home
• Emotional distress
• Medical specialists
• Special aids and devices
• Travel and transportation cost
• Reduced earning capacity
• Occupational therapy
• Wrongful death

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Georgia?

In Georgia, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, including catastrophic injuries (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33). However, some exceptions may apply:

• If the injured person is a minor: The clock may not start until they turn 18.
• If the claim involves a government entity: A notice must often be filed within just 6 to 12 months.
• If the injury was not immediately discoverable: In rare cases, the time limit could be extended.

It’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Even waiting a few months could mean missing critical deadlines or losing access to important evidence.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

A very satisfied client! - Roy Burns (5-Star Google Review)

My wife was involved in a terrible wreck, hit by a large truck that ran a RED LIGHT! One of my brothers told me about this law firm, Butler Prather LLP! After praying to God to help my wife recover from this wreck, the second best thing was calling Butler Prather LLP. This firm operates as a highly professional organization, competent and extremely loyal to its clients. When you are assigned an attorney to work your case, you also meet a team of professionals. And they all come to work for you; my wife and I called it "Total Coverage," from start to finish, your team is hard at work to win your case for you! A very satisfied client!

We recommend him highly - Anonymous (5-Star FindLaw Review)

Mr. Butler represented my wife and me in a very professional (and successful) manner. Even after the successful settlement, his firm stayed with us to ensure that we were properly advised on the best use of our assets. His experience, professionalism, and honesty were much appreciated. We recommend him highly.

Speak With a Trusted Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Columbus

For over three decades, our Columbus catastrophic injury lawyers at Butler Prather LLP have been committed to helping those injured by the negligent actions of others. We’ve helped thousands of people get the resources they need to get essential medical treatment and care for their loved ones after an accident.

Our team of dedicated Georgia catastrophic personal injury attorneys will stand by your side and fight for the justice you deserve. Call (706) 322-1990 to learn more today.

Catastrophic Injury FAQs

What qualifies as a catastrophic injury?

A catastrophic injury is one that results in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or life-altering impairment. Examples include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, paralysis, amputation, and severe burns. These injuries often require long-term medical care and significantly impact your ability to work and live independently.

How is a catastrophic injury case different from a regular personal injury case?

Catastrophic injury cases involve much higher stakes – physically, emotionally, and financially. These cases typically require extensive expert testimony, in-depth investigation, and a thorough understanding of future damages like in-home care, loss of earning potential, and long-term rehabilitation.

How do I know if I have a valid catastrophic injury claim?

If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence such as in a car or truck crash, defective product, or unsafe property and the injury has resulted in a serious and lasting impact on your life, you may have grounds for a claim.

What compensation can I recover in a catastrophic injury lawsuit?

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future care costs
• Loss of income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Costs related to long-term or in-home care

How much does it cost to hire Butler Prather LLP for my case?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything upfront. We only collect legal fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. Your consultation is always free.

What should I do if the insurance company offers me a settlement?

Do not accept any settlement without speaking to a lawyer first. Insurance companies often try to settle quickly for far less than your case is worth, especially in catastrophic injury cases. Once you accept, you may waive your right to pursue additional compensation later.

How long will a catastrophic injury case take?

These cases are complex and can take months or even years, especially if they go to trial. At Butler Prather LLP, we thoroughly prepare every case and pursue the best possible outcome, whether through a strategic settlement or by taking it to a jury.

What if my injury was caused by a defective vehicle or product?

Our firm has decades of experience in high-stakes product liability cases, including vehicle defects like roof crush and gas tank explosions. We know how to take on major manufacturers and hold them accountable.

Meet Our Attorneys

James E. Butler Jr.

For more than four decades, James E. Butler Jr. has been one of the nation’s most formidable trial attorneys, representing individuals and families whose lives have been shattered by catastrophic injuries, wrongful deaths, and defective products. He is a founding partner of Butler Prather LLP, based in Columbus and serving clients throughout Georgia and across the United States.

James has earned national recognition for securing some of the largest jury verdicts in U.S. history, including multiple verdicts exceeding $100 million. He served as lead counsel in product liability cases that reshaped industry standards and corporate accountability, including landmark litigation involving vehicle roof crush and fuel system defects.

Throughout his career, James has built a reputation not only as a fierce litigator, but also as a compassionate advocate who takes the time to understand each client’s story. He believes that preparation, integrity, and a deep respect for justice are the foundation of every successful case.

Ramsey B. Prather

Ramsey B. Prather is a seasoned trial attorney and partner at Butler Prather LLP, where he represents individuals and families in high-stakes catastrophic injury, wrongful death, and product liability cases. Known for his meticulous preparation and powerful courtroom advocacy, Ramsey has played a key role in securing major verdicts and settlements that have helped clients rebuild their lives after unimaginable loss.

Ramsey’s legal work includes complex litigation against major corporations and manufacturers, often involving defective vehicles, dangerous products, and serious trucking collisions. He has earned a reputation for delivering results in cases that demand intense legal scrutiny, strategic thinking, and relentless commitment.

His legal career is built on the belief that every client deserves personal attention, honest guidance, and an unwavering pursuit of justice. Ramsey is known among peers and clients alike for his ability to explain complex legal issues in plain terms and for building strong, compassionate relationships with the individuals and families he represents.

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Columbus Office:
105 13th Street
Columbus, GA 31901

Mailing address:
P.O. Box 2766
Columbus, GA 31902

Additional Information

• Legal Steps to Take After a Serious Injury in Columbus
• Catastrophic Injury vs. Personal Injury Claims
• An Accident by Any Name Is Still Somebody’s Fault