Personal injury lawsuits are the most common type of legal action in the state of Florida. Although thousands of cases happen annually, the most serious and emotional are those which involve catastrophic injuries. In the event of catastrophic injury resulting from the negligent actions of another person, an injured party may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the individual (or company) responsible.
Having an experienced personal injury attorney can help to make sense of the confusion.
Catastrophic injuries are those that cause immobility or severe impairment in someone’s ability to perform typical everyday tasks. These injuries typically happen unexpectedly, are possibly life-altering and can drastically affect the ability to earn income. They often affect the central nervous system, spinal column, or brain which can affect virtually any part of the body and be very difficult to recover from. In fact, catastrophic injuries may cause lifelong problems and require long-term care.
In the event of catastrophic injury resulting from neglect or action, the person injured may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the individual or organization responsible. This is why having proper legal counsel to get you the compensation you may need is so important.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
Most serious injury cases negotiated or litigated in Florida involve motor vehicle accidents, although industrial and workplace accidents may also be the cause of these types of injuries. Common catastrophic injuries include:
- Amputation or dismemberment – can affect mobility and self-sufficiency
- Brain injuries and head trauma – can cause neurological damage
- Multiple bone fracture – can greatly affect mobility and range of movement
- Burns – can cause extensive pain and disfigurement
- Eye Injuries – can reduce or eliminate vision
- Spinal cord related injuries – can cause paralysis or other movement issues
Implications Regarding Income
A legal proceeding may be the only way to receive damages for your necessary medical expenses, long-term care or lost income. It is also the best way to gain compensation for any mental anguish, pain or suffering you may have experienced.
Getting compensation for lost income is especially important, considering an individual may lose their ability to work for a period of time – or for the rest of their life. In these cases, damages may be awarded for lost income in the past, as well as for future lost income. Medical care is ongoing and comprehensive and income will be important and necessary. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to afford the type of specialized medical care that they need, nor should they have to pay for it if someone is at fault.
Because of the costs involved with urgently needed medical care, many individuals feel pressure to accept a quick settlement. They may forgo a larger settlement in order to be paid more quickly, because medical bills are piling up. In these cases, ask your personal injury attorney about pre-settlement funding. In these cases, a third party firm provides you with money to pay your bills in exchange for a portion of expected future settlements. This may help to alleviate the financial issues that can arise during a drawn our negotiation or legal proceeding. By taking the pressure off, an individual can withstand the process and get the money they deserve.
Fast Facts: Other common causes of catastrophic injuries are medical malpractice, sports accidents, injuries incurred from falling objects, and injuries sustained in military operations.
If you or a loved one has sustained a catastrophic injury, call the experts at Probinsky & Cole. We can help you to gain the help you need to deal with the changes in your life.
