There is a reason that families across Washtenaw County turn to Christensen Law when the worst has happened. For more than three decades, our Ann Arbor catastrophic injury lawyers have built our practice on three simple promises: we listen, we protect, and we win.
Listening means understanding the full picture of your injury, your family, and your goals before we ever talk about strategy. Protecting means standing between you and the insurance companies that would rather close your file cheaply than pay what your future is worth.
Winning means building strong cases through detailed investigation, expert preparation, and trial-ready advocacy when insurance companies refuse to offer fair compensation.
If a careless driver, negligent property owner, or reckless company has changed the course of your life, you deserve a team that treats your case with the seriousness it deserves from day one.
Contact Christensen Law today to discuss your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
Why Catastrophic Injury Cases Often Become Long-Term Recovery Cases
Catastrophic injuries rarely affect only the first few weeks after an accident. For many people, the most difficult challenges begin long after the emergency room visit is over.
A serious brain injury, spinal cord injury, severe burn, or other catastrophic trauma may require months or years of rehabilitation, follow-up treatment, mobility adjustments, and ongoing medical support.
Catastrophic injury claims are often not just about what happened during the accident itself. They are about what the injury will require physically, emotionally, and financially for years into the future.
That is why these cases frequently involve extensive medical documentation, rehabilitation planning, future care projections, and detailed analysis of how the injury may permanently affect a person’s life.
When you hire us, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are gaining a team that will stand with you from the first phone call through final resolution. We are ready to start working on your case today.
Call Our Ann Arbor Office Now: 734-519-7576
What Counts as a Catastrophic Injury in Michigan?
A catastrophic injury is one that causes long-term or permanent harm, often changing how a person lives, works, and connects with loved ones. These injuries usually require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Under Michigan’s No-Fault law, certain serious injuries qualify for expanded benefits and the right to sue the at-fault party for non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Some of the most common catastrophic injuries we handle include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Electrocution injuries
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Loss of limb
Each of these injuries carries its own medical complexities and long-term costs, which is why working with an experienced legal team matters so much. We make sure no future need goes overlooked when calculating what your case is truly worth.
The attorneys and staff there are amazing and really care about their clients where you're treated with care and not... Jason Waddell From the 1st interaction with Christensen Law it was a positive, wonderful experience! Dustin, Samantha and the entire staff, had... Susan Schroeder They took amazing care of my uncle after his accident. I would recommend then to anyone injured in an auto... Steve Huber They were well-versed in the intricacies of the law and provided me with clear explanations of my rights and legal... Shana Goodrich I presented to them a situation that was quite scary and financially overwhelming. David and his kind staff listened to... Wendy Henn Thanks to Dave, Stephanie, and Michelle for getting me through this hard time. I didn't know what to do, I... Tim Taylor Christianson Law stepped in after my motorcycle accident when another firm had dropped the ball—and they completely and very quickly... Erin Magee They were communicative, compassionate, made the process easy for me to understand. I was able to effectively receive a size-able... Wren Bell He, Samantha, and the entire staff at Christensen Law treated me like family, demonstrating kindness, expertise, and a genuine interest... Janelle Garza The Christensen Law firm, compassionate approach to my injuries. Their attentive listening, and thorough understanding are truly commendable I highly... Mr. Douglas Whole team of Christensen law is amazing and wonderful from start to finish. They often contact me to see how... Amandeep Sohal From start to finish, the entire team was professional, compassionate, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for me.... Gjon Ivezaj
I recommend all of my friends and family to Christensen Law.
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I had an excellent experience working with Christensen Law on my settlement case.
Where Serious Catastrophic Injuries Happen Around Ann Arbor
Catastrophic injuries can happen in many different environments throughout Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County, especially where high traffic volume, construction activity, pedestrian movement, and industrial hazards intersect.
Our Ann Arbor catastrophic injury lawyers frequently handle cases involving:
- highway crashes on I-94, US-23, and M-14
- pedestrian accidents near downtown Ann Arbor
- bicycle collisions
- construction injuries
- commercial vehicle crashes
- falls involving unsafe property conditions
- industrial and electrical accidents
- severe injuries involving defective products
The Ann Arbor area combines busy university activity, commuter traffic, medical facilities, research campuses, and ongoing construction projects, all of which create environments where catastrophic injuries can occur suddenly and permanently alter a person’s future.
Michigan Laws That Affect Your Catastrophic Injury Claim
Michigan has unique laws that can significantly impact a catastrophic injury claim, especially after a motor vehicle crash. Understanding these rules is essential to protecting your rights and getting the full compensation you need.
Here are some of the key legal frameworks that may apply to your case:
- Michigan No-Fault Insurance Law. Under MCL 500.3101, drivers must carry no-fault insurance that pays for medical care, wage loss, and other expenses regardless of who caused the crash.
- The serious impairment threshold. To recover pain and suffering damages from an at-fault driver, your injury must meet Michigan’s “serious impairment of body function” standard, which catastrophic injuries typically satisfy.
- Statute of limitations. Most personal injury lawsuits in Michigan must be filed within three years of the date of the injury, though some claims have shorter deadlines.
- Comparative fault. Insurance companies often argue that injured people were partly responsible for the accident in order to reduce what they pay. Michigan’s modified comparative fault rule means your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you cannot recover non-economic damages if you are more than 50 percent at fault.
- Wrongful death claims. When a catastrophic injury results in death, surviving family members may bring a claim under Michigan’s wrongful death statute.
These laws are complex, and insurance companies often use them to minimize what they pay. Our team knows how to apply Michigan law in your favor and counter the tactics insurers use to deny or shrink legitimate claims.
What Compensation Is Available in an Ann Arbor Catastrophic Injury Case?
A catastrophic injury claim may involve compensation for both immediate losses and future long-term care needs.
A catastrophic injury can cost millions of dollars over a lifetime when you account for medical care, lost earning capacity, home modifications, and other needs. Our catastrophic injury lawyers in Ann Arbor work closely with medical experts, life care planners, and economists to make sure your claim reflects the true scope of your losses.
Damages in a catastrophic injury case may include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgery, rehabilitation, in-home care, prescriptions, and assistive devices.
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity if your injury keeps you from returning to work or limits the type of work you can do.
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and emotional distress you have endured.
- Loss of enjoyment of life when your injury prevents you from doing the things you once loved.
- Home and vehicle modifications, such as wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, and adapted vehicles.
- Attendant care services provided by family members or professional caregivers.
- Loss of consortium for the impact on your relationship with your spouse.
Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, the long-term outlook, and the strength of the evidence. We dig deep into every detail to build a case that fully reflects what you have lost and what you will need going forward.
Proven Results in Serious Michigan Injury Cases
Catastrophic injury cases often involve life-changing consequences that extend far beyond the initial accident itself. Over the past three decades, Christensen Law has recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for people across Michigan facing traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe orthopedic injuries, and other catastrophic harm.
These cases frequently require extensive preparation involving medical specialists, rehabilitation experts, life-care planners, and long-term financial analysis to fully understand how the injury may affect a person’s future.
Our firm has recovered substantial results in serious injury and wrongful death cases throughout Michigan, including recoveries of $17.8 million in a motor vehicle injury case and $9.5 million in a motorcycle accident case.
While every case is different and past results do not guarantee future outcomes, our approach remains the same in every catastrophic injury case: fully document the long-term impact of the injury, prepare the case as though it may ultimately go to trial, and pursue compensation that reflects both immediate and future needs.
What Does Life Look Like After a Catastrophic Injury?
Life after a catastrophic injury often becomes a series of adjustments that most people never expected to face.
Simple daily activities may suddenly require assistance, specialized equipment, rehabilitation therapy, transportation support, or ongoing medical supervision. In many cases, recovery is not measured in days or weeks, but in years.
Some people may need:
- physical rehabilitation
- neurological treatment
- occupational therapy
- cognitive therapy
- mobility devices
- home health assistance
- long-term pain management
- accessible housing modifications
For many catastrophic injury victims, the legal process becomes part of a much larger effort to rebuild stability and secure the resources necessary for future care and long-term quality of life.
A catastrophic injury can affect every part of a family’s future, from ongoing medical care and employment to daily independence and long-term financial stability.
Christensen Law helps Ann Arbor families pursue compensation that reflects not only what has already been lost, but also the support and care that may be needed for years to come.
Why Choose Christensen Law for Your Ann Arbor Catastrophic Injury Case?
Our team has decades of experience handling complex catastrophic injury claims involving traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, and other life-changing injuries. From the beginning of your case, we focus on understanding not only how the accident happened, but also how the injury may affect your long-term health, financial stability, career, and family life.
Catastrophic injury cases often require extensive investigation, detailed medical analysis, and coordination with rehabilitation specialists, economists, and long-term care experts. We work to identify every available source of compensation while handling communications with insurance companies so injured families are not pressured into accepting quick settlements before the full impact of the injury is understood.
If a fair resolution cannot be reached, our attorneys are fully prepared to present the case at trial. Most importantly, we believe clients deserve clear communication, honest guidance, and a legal team that remains accessible throughout every stage of the recovery process.
Your Questions Answered by Our Ann Arbor Catastrophic Injury Attorney
Here are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from people considering a catastrophic injury claim in the Ann Arbor area.
If your injury came from a motor vehicle accident, Michigan No-Fault insurance typically pays for medical care, wage loss, and other expenses regardless of fault. For other types of accidents, your health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid may cover care while we pursue a settlement or verdict against the at-fault party.
We can work directly with family members or a court-appointed guardian when an injured person is unable to communicate or make decisions. Catastrophic brain injuries often require this kind of support, and we have experience guiding families through the legal process during these difficult times.
Every case is different, but catastrophic injury cases often take longer than typical personal injury claims because of the complex medical issues involved. Some cases settle within a year, while others may take two or three years if litigation is required. We always work as efficiently as possible while making sure your case is fully developed before any settlement.
Most personal injury cases settle before trial, but some require a courtroom fight to get fair compensation. Our trial-ready reputation often encourages insurance companies to settle for full value, but we are always prepared to take your case before a jury when needed.
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. The fee is a percentage of the recovery, agreed to before we begin work, and consultations are always free.
Most personal injury claims in Michigan must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. However, some claims have shorter deadlines, especially those involving government entities, which may require notice within a few months. It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so deadlines do not pass before you can act.
Yes, in many cases. Michigan follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50 percent at fault. Your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and being more than half responsible bars recovery of non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Talk to Our Ann Arbor Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Today
A catastrophic injury changes everything, but it does not have to define your future. With the right legal team beside you, you can pursue the compensation needed to rebuild your life and protect your loved ones for years to come. At Christensen Law, we are ready to listen to your story, protect your rights, and fight for the full recovery you deserve.
Call our Ann Arbor office today at 734-519-7576 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our catastrophic injury lawyer team. There are no upfront costs and no fees unless we win for you.
Let us put more than three decades of experience to work for you and your family.
