Alaska Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Serving all of Alaska · Free consultation · Contingency fee — no fee unless we win

Quick answer

A catastrophic injury — a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, paralysis, amputation, severe burns, or another permanent, life-changing harm — deserves a claim built for the long term. Alaska sets a higher limit on noneconomic damages for severe permanent impairment or disfigurement: the greater of $1,000,000 or the person's life expectancy in years times $25,000 (AS 09.17.010(c)). Economic losses like lifetime medical care and lost earning capacity are not capped. You generally have two years to file (AS 09.10.070). Choate Law Firm has represented seriously injured Alaskans since 1980. Consultations are free and we are paid only if we recover for you. Call (907) 586-4490.

What makes a catastrophic case different

The stakes are lifelong, so the claim must account for future medical care, assistive technology, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and long-term support — not just today's bills. We work with medical, vocational, and economic experts to build a "life-care plan" that captures the full cost of the injury over a lifetime. Undervaluing these future needs is the most common and most damaging mistake.

Alaska's damages rules for severe injuries

Alaska caps only noneconomic damages, and it applies a higher cap for severe permanent impairment or disfigurement — the greater of $1,000,000 or life expectancy times $25,000 (AS 09.17.010(c)). The larger, uncapped part of a catastrophic recovery is usually the economic damages: future medical care and lost earning capacity. Where conduct was especially reckless, punitive damages may also be available (AS 09.17.020).

Damages and cost

Recovery can include lifetime medical and attendant care, lost earning capacity, home and vehicle modifications, and noneconomic damages for the human toll. We work on a contingency fee — no fee unless we recover for you — and advance the significant costs these cases require.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a catastrophic injury? Permanent, life-altering harm such as brain or spinal cord injury, paralysis, amputation, or severe burns.

Is there a cap on what I can recover? Only noneconomic damages are capped (a higher limit applies for severe permanent injuries, AS 09.17.010(c)); economic losses like future medical care are not capped.

How long do I have to file? Generally two years (AS 09.10.070).

What does it cost? Nothing up front — contingency fee.

Sources

AS 09.17.010 (noneconomic damages limits): https://law.justia.com/codes/alaska/title-9/chapter-17/section-09-17-010/
AS 09.17.020 (punitive damages): https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-17-020/
AS 09.10.070 (statute of limitations): https://codes.findlaw.com/ak/title-9-code-of-civil-procedure/ak-st-sect-09-10-070/

Disclaimer

This page is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Attorneys at Choate Law Firm LLC are licensed in Alaska, California, Hawaii, New York, and Washington (specific jurisdiction varies by attorney).