An injury caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness generally entitles the victim to seek adequate compensation. Whether it’s a broken arm, torn muscle or any other harm, the victim goes through pain, incurs medical bills and may not be able to work for a while. Worse still are cases that involve very serious, potentially life-altering trauma, often called catastrophic injuries.
In Florida, there is no textbook definition of catastrophic injury. The phrase generally refers to an injury that leaves the victim permanently disabled in some way. A few examples of what Florida law considers catastrophic injuries are:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Amputation/loss of limb
- Serious burn injuries
- Multiple fractures
- Organ damage
- Hearing and vision loss
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Such injuries can be the result of car crashes, workplace accidents and many other unexpected events.
If you are litigating a case involving a catastrophic injury, it is important to have a lawyer who understands the types of medical treatment you require now and may require in the future. You may face an extended recovery period — possibly even a lifetime of medical care — and may not be able to work again. As such, medical and economic experts play a big role in assessing what the anticipated costs of your care will be over time, the financial impact to you and your family and other related impacts to your life.
A victim of a catastrophic injury also likely endures significant pain and suffering and emotional distress. These more subjective types of harm are often proved by expert testimony about how the victim’s qualify of life has been negatively affected and about the prognosis for continued physical and mental difficulties.
Many people who suffer these catastrophic injuries meet stiff opposition in their search for fair compensation. Insurance companies and other defendants try to minimize payouts, even when the injured person’s life has truly changed forever. A capable and experienced lawyer is essential to pursuing justice in these cases.
Frank Charles Miranda, P.A. is a Tampa personal injury firm that has recovered major damages awards for clients whose lives were changed by catastrophic injuries. If you have suffered harm in a car crash or other serious accident, please call 813-902-3925 or contact us online at your convenience.