Catastrophic injuries are life-altering events. These injuries—such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, severe burns, amputations, or permanent disability—can drastically change your physical, emotional, and financial future. In Alberta, if your injury is the result of someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have the right to pursue compensation. However, success in catastrophic injury claims hinges heavily on a thorough and timely liability investigation.
In this article, we’ll explore why conducting a detailed liability investigation is critical in catastrophic injury cases in Alberta and how Watchmaker Accident Lawyers in Edmonton, led by experienced personal injury lawyer David Sowemimo, can make all the difference in securing justice and maximum compensation.
Why Liability Investigation Matters in Catastrophic Injury Cases
1. Establishing Legal Responsibility (Fault)
In Alberta, injury claims are grounded in tort law, which requires the injured party to prove that another party is legally responsible for the harm. In catastrophic injury claims, this can be a complex process. A proper liability investigation can identify:
• Who was at fault (e.g., a negligent driver, employer, property owner)
• Whether multiple parties contributed to the incident
• Whether product defects or unsafe premises were involved
Failure to properly investigate can lead to misattribution of fault, potentially reducing or eliminating your compensation under Alberta’s contributory negligence rules.
2. Preserving Critical Evidence
In the aftermath of a catastrophic accident, evidence can quickly disappear—witnesses may become unavailable, surveillance footage may be overwritten, and accident scenes may change. A prompt investigation ensures that:
• Photographs, skid marks, debris, and road conditions are documented
• Witness statements are collected while memories are fresh
• Surveillance videos or dashcam footage are obtained and preserved
• Vehicle black box data is downloaded before it’s lost
These elements are crucial in building a strong case and refuting potential defenses from insurers or opposing parties.
3. Reconstructing the Event Accurately
Catastrophic injuries often result from high-impact events like motor vehicle collisions, workplace accidents, or major slips and falls. Liability investigations typically require accident reconstruction experts to analyze:
• Speed and trajectory of vehicles
• Mechanical failure or braking issues
• Visibility and road signage
• Environmental factors
This scientific analysis provides compelling support in court or during settlement negotiations, often turning the tide in favor of the injured party.
4. Uncovering Additional Sources of Compensation
Catastrophic injuries often come with lifelong medical and rehabilitation costs, loss of future earnings, home modification needs, and psychological care. In some cases, the at-fault party may be underinsured or uninsured. A thorough investigation can uncover:
• Additional liable parties, such as vehicle manufacturers, road maintenance contractors, or commercial property owners
• Vicarious liability, where an employer or business can be held responsible for the actions of their employee
• Access to multiple insurance policies, such as excess liability, umbrella coverage, or corporate insurance
Identifying every possible compensation source can mean the difference between a lifetime of struggle and a stable future.
5. Combatting Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies are not on your side. They may:
• Deny liability or shift blame
• Offer lowball settlements
• Argue your injuries were pre-existing or exaggerated
A meticulous liability investigation counters these tactics with fact-based, irrefutable evidence, increasing your leverage and legal standing.
How Watchmaker Accident Lawyers in Edmonton Can Help
1. Led by David Sowemimo – A Proven Advocate for the Seriously Injured
David Sowemimo is a respected personal injury lawyer in Edmonton with a track record of securing fair compensation for victims of catastrophic injuries. Under his leadership, Watchmaker Accident Lawyers has developed a reputation for detailed investigations, compassionate client care, and aggressive advocacy.
2. Rapid Deployment of Investigative Resources
Watchmaker Accident Lawyers understands that time is of the essence. Their team moves quickly to:
• Visit accident scenes
• Retain engineers and reconstruction experts
• Secure surveillance footage
• Identify and interview witnesses
• Preserve critical documentation (e.g., maintenance logs, police reports, employment records)
This proactive approach ensures your claim begins with strength.
3. Collaboration with Medical and Economic Experts
To prove the long-term impact of catastrophic injuries, the firm works with:
• Neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists
• Vocational experts to assess loss of earning capacity
• Life care planners to determine future medical costs
• Economists to calculate total financial loss
These professionals help present a comprehensive damages picture, supported by scientific and economic evidence.
4. Navigating Alberta’s Legal Framework with Precision
Alberta personal injury law has specific rules, including:
• The Limitations Act, which restricts how long you have to file a claim
• Contributory negligence rules, which can reduce your compensation
• Statutory caps on certain types of damages
• Special considerations under the Minor Injury Regulation (though typically not applicable to catastrophic injuries)
Watchmaker Accident Lawyers ensure your claim complies with all procedural and substantive rules, maximizing your recovery and avoiding technical pitfalls.
5. No Upfront Legal Fees – You Pay Only If You Win
Catastrophic injuries often lead to significant financial strain. Watchmaker Accident Lawyers operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
You pay nothing upfront, and legal fees are only collected if your case is successful.
This makes high-quality legal representation accessible during one of the most difficult times in your life.
Common Catastrophic Injury Scenarios Requiring Investigation
• Motorcycle and car accidents involving multiple vehicles or commercial trucks
• Pedestrian or cyclist accidents with disputed fault
• Workplace accidents with unclear safety violations or third-party involvement
• Slips and falls on commercial premises where maintenance records are in question
• Defective products or vehicle malfunction resulting in injury
• Construction accidents involving contractors, subcontractors, and equipment failure
In each of these, Watchmaker Accident Lawyers tailors the investigation to the specific context, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Conclusion: Your Future Depends on the Quality of the Investigation
When catastrophic injuries happen, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a team that knows how to dig deep, move fast, and fight hard. A rushed or shallow liability investigation can cost you hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars in lost compensation.
Watchmaker Accident Lawyers in Edmonton, led by David Sowemimo, delivers the meticulous investigation, expert coordination, and compassionate legal care necessary to win complex catastrophic injury cases in Alberta.
Don’t wait. Your case, your health, and your future deserve immediate action.
Contact Watchmaker Accident Lawyers today for a free consultation.
