Plantation, FL Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

A catastrophic injury is a life-altering event that can leave you or a loved one facing long-term challenges and profound changes to your quality of life. Whether caused by an accident or negligence, these injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation. 

If you’ve sustained a devastating injury, seek legal guidance. A skilled catastrophic injury lawyer serving Plantation, FL, can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected throughout your recovery.

Why Do You Need a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

After experiencing a life-altering injury, you need a lawyer by your side. The right legal representation can help ensure you receive the full compensation you need to move forward. 

Here’s a breakdown of what a catastrophic injury lawyer can do for you:

• Assess Your Case: A lawyer will evaluate the specific details of your case to determine the potential value of your claim.
  
• Investigate the Injury: They will investigate the circumstances surrounding your injury, working to identify the responsible parties who should be held accountable.
  
• Gather Evidence: Your lawyer will collect necessary evidence, including medical records, expert testimonies and other supporting documents to strengthen your case.
  
• Calculate Long-Term Expenses: Catastrophic injuries often come with long-term financial impacts. Your lawyer will help you account for future medical care, lost wages, rehabilitation costs and more.
  
• Negotiate With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to settle for less than what is fair. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure a just settlement.
  
• Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court.
  
• Advocate for Your Rights: From start to finish, a catastrophic injury lawyer will advocate for your rights, ensuring that the compensation you receive is appropriate for the severity of your injury.

An injury lawyer is there to take on the heavy legal lifting, allowing you to focus on your physical recovery while they handle the rest.

What Determines a Catastrophic Injury?

The primary factor that makes an injury catastrophic is its permanence. Unlike injuries that may heal over time, a catastrophic injury leaves a permanent impact on the victim’s life. Even once physical healing is complete, the effects of the injury may still dramatically alter the person’s quality of life, making it impossible to resume their previous way of living. 

What Injuries Qualify as Catastrophic?

Several types of injuries may qualify as catastrophic, each impacting a person’s life in profound ways. 

Permanent Organ Damage

Organ damage can occur as a result of accidents like car crashes, medical malpractice or industrial accidents. In severe cases, organ failure may require a transplant, and lifelong medical care becomes necessary.

Spinal Cord Damage

Injuries to the spinal cord can cause permanent loss of mobility and function. Depending on the severity, individuals may face lifelong pain, limited physical abilities or paralysis.

Burns

Severe burns not only cause intense physical pain, but they also result in permanent scarring, which can lead to emotional distress and social isolation. Individuals with serious burns may also need reconstructive surgery, which can be costly and painful.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can leave individuals with cognitive impairment, memory problems and emotional challenges. These injuries can limit a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships and engage in daily activities, sometimes leading to permanent changes in behavior.

Amputations 

Losing a limb or part of a limb is a drastic change that can alter a person’s physical abilities and sense of self. The psychological impact of amputations can be just as significant as the physical one.

Loss of Vision

Vision loss can severely impact a person’s ability to function independently. In addition to limiting employment options, it can also prevent individuals from enjoying hobbies, leading to emotional distress.

Who Is Liable for Catastrophic Injuries?

Catastrophic injuries can result from a variety of circumstances, and determining liability can sometimes be complex. There may be several parties at fault, depending on the circumstances of the accident. A lawyer can help identify the responsible parties and assist in the claims process.

Private Individuals 

Individuals involved in car accidents, physical altercations or negligence (such as not properly maintaining their home) can be held liable for causing catastrophic injuries.

Businesses 

Businesses are required by law to maintain safe premises for employees and customers. This includes ensuring proper lighting, safe walkways and secure railings. If a business fails in this duty, it could be held liable for permanent injuries. 

Government Entities

Government entities are responsible for maintaining public spaces such as roads, parks and sidewalks to ensure they are safe for public use. If poor maintenance or hazardous conditions in these spaces lead to a permanent injury, the government entity may be held liable. 

However, pursuing a claim against the government can be complicated due to sovereign immunity laws, which limit how and when the government can be sued. A catastrophic injury lawyer can help determine the best approach for holding the responsible government entity accountable.

What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Catastrophic Injury?

After a catastrophic injury, there are various types of compensation you can pursue. A lawyer will help explain these options and guide you through the process.

• Economic Damages: Economic damages refer to tangible losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages and other financial burdens caused by the injury. These damages are usually easier to quantify but can be substantial for someone with a permanent injury.
  
• Punitive Damages: In cases of extreme negligence or reckless behavior, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are designed to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future.
  
• Pain and Suffering: While harder to quantify, pain and suffering damages are awarded for the emotional and physical distress caused by the injury. This can include anxiety, depression, PTSD and the loss of quality of life.

Every case is unique, and an experienced lawyer can help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to based on your specific circumstances.

How Long Do You Have To File Catastrophic Injury Claims in Florida?

For most personal injury cases in Florida, including those resulting from accidents, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the incident to avoid losing your right to claim damages.

The statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims that result in permanent injuries is also generally two years from the date you discover, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury caused by medical negligence. However, there’s a strict four-year statute of repose, meaning you cannot file a lawsuit more than four years after the incident, regardless of when the injury was discovered.

Consult with an experienced attorney promptly after a catastrophic injury to ensure that you understand the applicable statute of limitations and any potential exceptions that may apply to your case. Failing to file within the prescribed timeframes can result in losing the right to pursue compensation.

How a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Can Make a Difference for You

If you’ve experienced a catastrophic injury in Plantation, FL, reaching out to a lawyer can be one of the most beneficial actions you can take. The personal injury lawyers at Kogan & DiSalvo will review your case, answer your questions and help you understand your options for pursuing a claim. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today, and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.