Coral Gables Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic injuries are severe and debilitating. They have permanent consequences, which include impairments and permanent disabilities. They significantly impact the individual’s ability to work, live independently, and perform daily tasks.

You may pursue monetary damages to cover your losses if you sustained severe injuries in an avoidable accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact an experienced Coral Gables catastrophic injury lawyer today to schedule an appointment and learn more.

What Is the Legal Definition of a Catastrophic Injury in Florida?

Florida law describes catastrophic injuries as severe bodily harm leading to permanent impairments. They may involve loss of function or impairment of the victim’s physical or cognitive abilities.

According to the guidance found in Florida Statutes § 960.03, loss of bodily function could be the sudden and unexpected loss of a limb, hearing or eyesight, or the ability to speak. It also includes substantial scarring and disfigurement or traumatic brain injuries, leading to permanent cognitive impairments.

Filing the Claim

The statute of limitations expiration date for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years. This means you have two years from the accident date to commence legal action, or risk losing eligibility to obtain compensation.

When lawsuits involve a government agency, such as the city, county, or state of Florida, the timeline and requirements vary, and promptly speaking to a qualified legal professional is essential. Missing the deadline could mean losing eligibility to collect monetary damages from the responsible party.

Settling With Insurance Providers

Settlement negotiations with insurance providers is typically the first step after accidents caused by negligence. A catastrophic injury lawyer in Coral Gables could handle the negotiation process on your behalf, including drafting a demand letter to the provider with the proposed settlement amount. The insurance company adjuster then reviews and investigates the claim to determine the estimated damages.

After this, the proposed settlement amount could be accepted, or a counteroffer could be made. When all parties cannot agree on the appropriate payout amount, the next step is filing a suit in civil court. An attorney could help you through the personal claims process and fight for a just outcome.

Examples of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries are those which require extensive and ongoing medical care and prevent you from performing gainful work. Some examples include:

Traumatic brain injuries, which can cause physical and cognitive disabilities
Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis, which causes partial or complete loss of function, sensation, and mobility
Sensory impairment, such as sudden loss of eyesight or hearing
Traumatic amputations of one or more limbs
Severe burns causing permanent scarring and disfigurement
Internal organ injuries, such as damage to the heart, lungs, kidneys, or liver
Severely broken bones, such as complex fractures
Serious back injuries, such as spine damage, including fractures and herniated discs

Auto crashes are the most common cause of severe injuries leading to permanent disabilities, and other typical causes include falls and violent assaults. A Coral Gables catastrophic injury attorney could answer your questions about the cause of the injury and the process to obtain a settlement.

Call a Skilled Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Coral Gables

Suffering a severe and life-altering injury that leads to permanent disabilities is devastating. However, when the accident is preventable and occurs because of someone else’s thoughtless actions, the aftermath can be traumatic, infuriating, and overwhelming.