Fighting for those who have been catastrophically injured in Florida
Catastrophic injuries are those in which your physical abilities have become severely limited, like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. These are commonly permanent disabilities from which you will never fully recover and which will affect your life forever. Those with catastrophic injuries will face physical, mental, emotional, and financial challenges throughout their lives. When caused by a negligence-based accident, compensatory damages must address the full extent of how your life will be changed in the long term as well as the short term. A Sarasota personal injury attorney can help you do so.
At Gerber Law, our legal team of Sarasota catastrophic injury attorneys understand the devastating effects of catastrophic injuries not only for the injury victim but his or her family. That is why we aggressively pursue maximum damages to compensate you for all of the needs associated with such injuries.
A Sarasota catastrophic injury attorney from our firm will take your case very seriously and will advocate for you and your future in terms of the financial resources you will require to make as full a recovery as possible. Sarasota personal injury lawyers will also fight for the non-economic damages of your pain, emotional suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Our job is to hold at-fault parties and their insurers accountable. We apply our decades of experience, legal skills, and diligence to that end.
Request a free consultation with a Sarasota catastrophic injuries attorney at Gerber Law by emailing us via our website or by calling 941-484-2700.
Types Of Catastrophic Injuries in Florida
Florida law defines catastrophic injury as permanent impairment caused by the following:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Amputation
- Severe brain or closed-head injury
- Second-degree or third-degree burns of 25% or more of the body
- Blindness
- Loss of one’s reproductive organs resulting in an inability to procreate
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
The most common cause of these injuries is motor vehicle accidents. Negligent motorists who fail to follow traffic laws and speed, drive while using a cell phone, run red lights, driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or engage in other unsafe behavior can be held accountable in personal injury claims.
The Reality Of Dealing With Insurance Companies
This usually means dealing with their insurance company which can be frustrating. While these companies may appear to be friendly, their main concern is to protect themselves by paying out as little as possible. You don’t want to handle this without a Sarasota personal injury lawyer by your side.
Unfortunately, those who suffer catastrophic injuries, such as the negative effects of paralysis, brain trauma, loss of limbs, and more, may require long-term financial resources for the rest of their lives. This is made even more upsetting because it was caused by someone else’s negligence or actions.
As a catastrophic injury victim, you may need renovations to your home or vehicle to accommodate your disability, personal assistance from a caretaker, additional surgeries, ongoing assistive therapies, and more. These are often injuries that cause a loss of earning capacity and loss of personal independence. They also may result in emotional trauma, from depression to cognitive problems, personality changes, and more. A Sarasota catastrophic injury lawyer will fight for all of this to be covered for you.
What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Catastrophic Injury Claim?
Potential damages that may be recovered for a catastrophic injury may include:
- Medical Expenses: Catastrophic injuries often need extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. We aim to recover all past and future medical expenses to ensure our clients have the financial resources necessary for recovery.
- Lost Wages and Future Earnings: Many catastrophic injuries result in a significant loss of income due to the inability to work. We can meticulously calculate lost wages and aim to recover compensation for current and future income that may be affected by the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: The emotional and physical impact of a catastrophic injury is immeasurable. We seek compensation for our clients’ pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
- Property Damage: Property damage may be part of the claim in cases involving motor vehicle accidents or product defects. We can meticulously assess the damages and pursue compensation for damaged property repairs or replacements.
- Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices: Catastrophic injuries often require ongoing rehabilitation and the use of assistive devices. We fight to secure compensation to cover the costs of these essential services and devices.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases where a catastrophic injury has a profound impact on personal relationships, we may pursue damages for loss of consortium, seeking to compensate the affected relationships.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Claims in Florida?
Understanding the statute of limitations is essential when filing a catastrophic injury claim in Florida. The statute of limitations helps set a time limit within which a legal action must be initiated. In the state of Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including catastrophic injuries, is typically two years from the initial date of the incident. It is imperative to consult with Gerber Law promptly to ensure that your claim is filed within this timeframe.
Failing to file a catastrophic injury claim within the specified timeframes may result in the forfeiture of your right to seek compensation. To ensure your legal rights are safeguarded, contact Gerber Law immediately after the incident.
HOW WE CAN HELP
Florida law of no-fault insurance allows you to recover compensation up to a limit and does not provide for non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. To pursue all of the maximum compensation you deserve in a catastrophic injury claim, you will have to make a personal injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurer. At Gerber Law, we are here to fully handle your injury case on your behalf while you concentrate on your physical recovery. We can put together your case to seek full damages, from past and future medical expenses to pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional trauma, and more. Let us put our decades of experience, honed skills, and dedication to work for you.
