Catastrophic Injury

We Serve Catastrophic Injury Victims in All Florida Counties

Experiencing a life-altering injury can be incredibly tough, physically and emotionally. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about where to seek support, especially when it impacts your ability to work or take care of yourself. If you or someone you love has suffered a catastrophic injury in Florida, reach out for assistance from a caring and knowledgeable catastrophic injury attorney. Cohen and Cohen Law, serving all Florida counties, is here to support you through this challenging journey as we have for so many Floridians during our over 50 years as a personal injury law firm. Our experienced catastrophic injury attorneys are prepared to effectively handle your severe injury case and guide you through every step.

The impact of such a heart-wrenching event extends beyond just the person who is injured; it affects their loved ones, as well. Your family may need to readjust their lives in order to provide support or make up for financial and domestic contributions. At Cohen and Cohen Law, we truly understand the devastating nature of catastrophic injuries and the profound impact they can have on your life.

Our team of experienced Florida catastrophic injury attorneys is here to help you navigate the process and seek the compensation you need both today and in the future. We’ll handle all the necessary paperwork and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, fighting relentlessly to seek proper compensation for your injuries.

If you or a family member has suffered a catastrophic injury in Florida, we invite you to reach out to our catastrophic injury lawyers today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll assess your situation and develop a personalized strategy tailored to your needs. You don’t have to face this alone. Cohen and Cohen Law is here to help.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries in Florida

In Florida, serious accidents can lead to various types of catastrophic injuries that have life-altering consequences. These injuries necessitate extensive treatment and can significantly impact a person’s life. The following are some of the common types of catastrophic injuries:

• Brain Injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when there is a forceful blow or jolt to the head or body. Other brain injuries may be caused by issues such as oxygen deprivation. Cognitive deficits, physical impairments, emotional changes, and sensory problems are among the often-debilitating symptoms associated with brain injuries.
• Spinal Injury: When any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal is damaged, it can cause permanent changes in strength, sensation, and other body functions below the injury site. This is commonly known as spinal cord injury (SCI).
• Burn Injury: Severe burns can be caused by fire, electricity, or chemicals, and they can lead to intense pain, long-term physical disfigurement, and emotional trauma.
• Soft-Tissue Injury: While often overlooked, severe soft-tissue injuries can also be catastrophic, potentially causing long-term or permanent damage that affects mobility and quality of life.
• Amputation: Some accidents can lead to the loss of limbs or other body parts, significantly impacting a person’s quality of life and daily functioning. We help individuals in Florida seek financial compensation for the long-term projected losses and emotional trauma associated with the loss of a limb due to another’s carelessness.
• Injury from Electrocution: Contact with high-voltage electrical energy can cause severe burns, cardiac arrest, and internal organ damage. Unfortunately, these accidents are far too common at work and on construction sites.
• Internal Injury: Damage to internal organs can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Blunt force trauma often causes these injuries, and they may not be immediately apparent after an accident.
• Injury from Negligent Security Incidents: When inadequate security measures are in place, violent assaults or shootings can occur, leading to catastrophic injuries.

It’s important to note that each of these injuries can have impactful long-term implications, including ongoing medical expenses, loss of income, and substantial changes to one’s quality of life. In many unfortunate situations, these injuries can even lead to loss of life.

If you have experienced a catastrophic injury in Florida, discuss the unique details of your claim with an experienced Florida catastrophic injury attorney at Cohen and Cohen Law. Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers is available for a free consultation to residents across all counties in Florida.

Florida Catastrophic Injury Scenarios

Individuals in Florida suffer catastrophic injuries due to various types of incidents. Below are some scenarios and common causes of catastrophic injuries:

• Car Accident: When a car crash occurs, it can have life-altering consequences for the victims. Expenses and implications range from spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries to severe burns, amputation, or even death. Throughout Florida, car accidents and other vehicular incidents account for a significant portion of severe personal injury cases.
• Drunk Driving Accident: Auto accident cases involving injuries or wrongful deaths caused by drunk drivers are distinct from criminal cases. Our legal team can handle civil cases seeking financial compensation for accidents involving operators under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Truck Accident: Due to the massive size of tractor-trailers, injuries due to truck crashes tend to be more severe. The potential involvement of multiple negligent parties also adds complexity to these cases.
• Motorcycle Accident: Cyclists are particularly vulnerable to their surroundings and the other motor vehicles sharing the road. Traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries are common in such circumstances, as are bone fractures and road fatalities. Motorcycle accidents present distinct challenges compared to regular car accidents.
• Bicycle Accident: Bicyclists often sustain head and neck injuries, as well as abrasions or broken bones, when colliding with vehicles or being thrown off their bicycles. These accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries.
• Boat Accident: Injuries occurring during boating can be serious or even fatal. Collisions with structures, other boats, land, reefs, or swimmers can all have severe consequences.
• Train Accident: Train incidents, such as derailments or accidents at train crossings, frequently lead to significant injuries. These accidents involve specific laws and regulations pertaining to the railroad industry.
• Athletic Injury: Sports-related injuries due to collisions, heavy weights, falls, or awkward movements can be severe, especially when protective gear is not utilized. This is particularly relevant in contact sports like football.
• Construction Site Accident: Working on a construction site poses significant risks, including falls, heavy impact, puncture wounds, and electrocution.
• Workplace Accidents: On-the-job injuries can have serious implications, which vary depending on the industry, environment, and circumstances involved.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, our Florida catastrophic injury lawyers at Cohen and Cohen Law are ready to provide the legal assistance you need in any county throughout Florida.

Factors Determining The Value of a Florida Catastrophic Injury Case

The value of a catastrophic injury case in Florida depends upon various considerations. These factors can be broadly divided into economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Economic damages relate to measurable financial and tangible losses incurred due to the injury. Economic damages can include:

• Medical Expenses: These typically include the cost of immediate medical care, ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and future medical expenses related to the injury. Catastrophic injuries have long-term implications and often entail substantial future medical bills. At Cohen and Cohen Law, our team of Florida catastrophic injury attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation to seek appropriate compensation for your medical treatment expenses incurred due to the severe injury.
• Lost Wages: If the injury has led to your inability to work or has affected your ability to earn, you may be eligible for compensation to cover the wages you have lost. It’s crucial to consider both the income you have not earned due to your injury and the projected income you may not be able to earn in the future when making your personal injury claim. Our legal team will assess your case to provide an accurate estimate when seeking maximum compensation on your behalf.
• Property Damage: If you are involved in a vehicle accident, you may also be eligible to seek compensation for damage caused to your vehicle or other property.

Non-Economic Damages in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Non-economic damages are subjective, intangible, and challenging to quantify. However, at Cohen and Cohen Law, our experienced Florida catastrophic injury attorneys have extensive experience determining appropriate valuation for non-economic damages in personal injury cases involving severe and catastrophic injuries. These non-economic damages may include:

• Pain and Suffering: This pertains to the excruciating physical pain and overwhelming emotional anguish endured by a victim due to their catastrophic injuries.
• Loss of Consortium: If your injury has significantly impacted your relationship with your spouse or family, leading to emotional distress, loss of companionship, or an inability to engage in activities you once enjoyed together, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the loss of consortium.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: A catastrophic injury can cause a compounding decline in your ability to enjoy simple and everyday pleasures in various aspects of your life.

Additional Factors Affecting Catastrophic Injury Claims

Several other factors may influence the value of your Florida catastrophic injury case:

• Injury Severity & Permanence: The more severe and long-lasting the injuries, the greater the potential impact on the case’s value.
• Applicable Insurance Coverage: The available insurance coverage can also impact the potential payout.
• Liability of Each Party: The level of responsibility assigned to each party involved in the accident can have a profound impact on the overall value of the case.
• Punitive Damages: While relatively uncommon, you may be able to seek punitive damages if the defendant’s behavior that caused your catastrophic injuries was particularly egregious. These damages are intended to punish and deter similar behaviors in the future.

Why Medical Treatment is Your First Priority Following a Catastrophic Injury in Florida

Seeking immediate medical care after a catastrophic injury in Florida is of utmost importance. It is crucial for various reasons to promptly seek appropriate medical treatment. Make sure to follow up regarding advised treatment without delay.

Catastrophic injuries can lead to serious health complications, some of which may not be immediately obvious, so seek prompt medical attention. This will help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions quickly, reducing the potential for long-term harm. Your catastrophic injury lawyer can guide you regarding seeking full compensation for medical costs associated with a personal injury accident, whether or not it is considered catastrophic. Do not delay seeking appropriate medical attention.

Building Documentation For Your Catastrophic Injury Case Through Medical Treatment

Immediate medical attention is crucial for documenting your catastrophic injury. It establishes a direct link between the accident and your injuries, which can be vital when seeking compensation from the responsible party or their insurance provider in a Florida personal injury claim. Insurance companies often demand evidence of prompt medical care to validate claims.

Failure to seek immediate medical attention can give insurers ammunition to question the severity of your injuries or dispute their connection to the accident. In contrast, by adhering to prescribed treatment plans, participating in rehabilitation exercises, and attending regular checkups, you can strengthen your catastrophic injury claim and improve your chances of financial recovery.

Consistent medical records documenting ongoing treatment play a significant role in strengthening your personal injury claim by showcasing the long-term effects of your injury. Avoiding any gaps in treatment is also crucial, as insurance companies may use them to argue against the severity of your injuries.

How Will Your Catastrophic Injury Affect Your Life?

Catastrophic injuries in Florida can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects. When it comes to these injuries, there are several important considerations:

• Life-Altering Impacts: Severe injuries, such as severe burns, spinal injuries, or brain injuries, can lead to substantial and enduring limitations or impairments, affecting one’s physical capabilities and overall well-being.
• Financial Burden: The costs associated with catastrophic injuries can be substantial. From initial medical treatments and ongoing care to rehabilitation and future medical expenses, the financial implications can be overwhelming for victims and their families. It’s important to be aware of potential financial support options and resources available for those in need.
• Lost Earning Potential: Catastrophic injuries often lead to missed work or reduced earning capacity, which generally translates to a loss of income. This can add to the financial strain and uncertainty faced by individuals and their loved ones during the recovery process.
• Emotional and Mental Well-Being: Coping with a catastrophic injury is not just limited to physical challenges. Victims may also endure emotional turmoil and face mental health challenges, including conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Seeking professional help and support networks can be crucial for emotional well-being.
• Impact on Quality of Life: Catastrophic injuries can greatly impact one’s overall quality of life. These injuries can cause immense pain, suffering, and a loss of enjoyment in day-to-day activities, making it important to explore ways to adapt and find new sources of fulfillment.

Proving Long-Term Impact of Your Severe Injuries

To effectively demonstrate the long-term effects of catastrophic injury in your Florida injury case, you will need to establish various key elements with the assistance of your personal injury lawyer:

• Connect the Accident and the Injuries: Presenting compelling medical records is imperative in a legal case, as they serve as crucial evidence. These records not only provide valuable information, but also contribute to the overall strength of the case.
• Prove Severity: Incorporating expert testimonies from medical professionals can aid in determining the severity of injuries, necessary treatments, and the associated expenses.
• Highlight Loss of Income & Earning Capacity: To support your case, you may need to provide wage records and illustrate the variations in job performance pre-injury and post-injury. You and your attorney may potentially also need to enlist an expert witness to testify regarding your future earning capacity.
• Demonstrate Intangible Losses: Personal testimony from you about pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages can play a significant role in highlighting the overall impact of the injuries.

Victims of catastrophic injuries should seek legal counsel from experienced professionals to protect their rights and ensure they are properly seeking the compensation they require. At Cohen and Cohen Law, we are prepared to guide you through this process from the start of your case and advocate for your long-term interests by taking steps to identify and demonstrate the full scope of the damages you have suffered and can be expected to suffer. Request a free consultation with our experienced catastrophic injury attorneys today if you have been injured in any Florida county.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Cohen and Cohen Law Regarding Your Catastrophic Injury Case

A catastrophic accident in Florida can leave you with significant pain and injuries, as well as mounting medical expenses for treatments in both the short term and the long term. An experienced catastrophic injury attorney at our established Florida law firm can guide you regarding your next steps to take control of your situation and seek fair and appropriate compensation for these losses if your severe injuries occurred due to another party’s carelessness. Our catastrophic injury law firm has been helping injury victims for over 50 years, and we are prepared to help you anywhere throughout Florida.

Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation with a Florida catastrophic injury attorney at Cohen and Cohen Law by calling (800) 332-6436(800) 332-6436 or by filling out our online form. You will retain access to your lawyer via their cell phone number. When you work with us, you will be treated like family.

During the first call, we will gather the important details of your case and guide you regarding the right way to proceed. This first meeting is always free, with no obligation or pressure. There is no fee unless we win.

Experience Matters — Serving Florida for Over 50 Years

Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries in Florida

What are catastrophic injuries?

Catastrophic injuries are severe and often life-altering injuries that lead to long-term or permanent disability. Common types of catastrophic injuries include the following: spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limb, or severe burns.

Is there a time limit for filing a catastrophic injury claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury claim is two years from the date of the incident leading to the injury. Failure to file within this period can cause you to lose the right to seek compensation.

What types of damages can be claimed in a catastrophic injury in Florida?

In Florida, both economic and non-economic damages can be claimed following a catastrophic injury. Economic damages cover tangible losses like medical expenses, future medical care costs, and lost wages. Non-economic damages can compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.

Due to the severe and often permanent nature of catastrophic injuries, these damages can be substantial. An experienced Florida catastrophic injury attorney can assist in pursuing fair compensation available to you under the law.

How is liability determined in catastrophic injury cases in Florida?

Liability is established by proving negligence or wrongful conduct on the part of the responsible party that directly led to the catastrophic injury. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if a party is found to be partially at fault, their potential compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault​. However, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they become ineligible to claim any damages.

Can family members file a claim for loss of consortium in catastrophic injury cases in Florida?

Loss of consortium is a legal term referring to the loss of companionship, support, and services that a family member experiences due to the catastrophic injuries sustained by their loved one. In Florida, spouses or family members may be able to seek compensation for loss of consortium in cases involving catastrophic injuries.

To file a loss of consortium claim, the claimant typically needs to prove that the injured person has suffered significant harm that affects the marital relationship or family dynamics. Here, the harm should be directly related to the injury caused by the defendant’s actions. Each case can be unique, so consulting with an experienced Florida catastrophic injury attorney would be beneficial for specific guidance.