Catastrophic injuries are severe and long-lasting by definition, bringing pain and anguish to those hurt and those who love them. Financial compensation may play a key role in a critically injured person being able to continue with their life after such an incident, making the retention of a dedicated personal injury attorney potentially crucial as well. Once hired, a Pinellas County catastrophic injury lawyer could look out for your best interests and may be able to help you recover damages for devastating harms.
Catastrophic Harms in Pinellas County
Some catastrophic accidents occur because of the negligence of others. Whether the harm stems from a car crash, assault, or any other type of incident, a Pinellas County catastrophic injury attorney may be able to help a plaintiff recover damages against the negligent party.
Catastrophic Injuries
The National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research (NCCSIR) defines a catastrophic injury as one that permanently disables or severely harms the victim. Some examples of catastrophic harms include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe burns
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
- Disfigurement
In the same vein, a catastrophic illness is a complex, lasting, and life-threatening disease. Such traumatic ailments may be been caused by exposure to toxins or bacteria due to the negligence of another person.
Legal Remedies for Catastrophic Injuries in Pinellas County
Because of the lasting and severe nature of catastrophic injuries, they can be financially devastating to a victim and their family. Although a monetary award may pale in comparison to the reduction in quality of life for a catastrophic injury victim, they may be able to recover damages that at least make their losses somewhat easier to bear.
Reimbursement for Economic Losses
A catastrophically injured person may be taken out of the workplace for good. They may also suffer cognitively and could lose their ability to care for themselves.
Likewise, a severely harmed victim might return home to additional medical bills besides everyday expenses and might also need payment for the unexpected costs of specialized care and equipment. A catastrophic injury attorney in Pinellas County may be able to represent entire families in suits for negligence causing catastrophic injuries.
Intangible Damages for Pinellas County Claimants
In addition to the monetary costs that accompany catastrophic injuries, victims may also need to become accustomed to an entirely new way of living. They may no longer be able to enjoy the hobbies they once enjoyed, nor even be able to leave the house alone. As such, severely harmed claimants may be able to recover noneconomic damages as payment for the intangible ways that they are now suffering.
If a person or entity negligently causes a “significant permanent injury” to a parent, they may also be liable to the child under Florida Statutes §768.0415. Specifically, a dependent whose parent now has a “permanent total disability” may be entitled to compensation for permanent loss of society, comfort, and companionship.
Contact a Pinellas County Catastrophic Injury Attorney
If you have been harmed by a serious injury in Florida, talking to a Pinellas County catastrophic injury lawyer may be beneficial. A qualified legal professional may be able to help with claims for pain and suffering, lost wages, medical costs, and other types of damages. Call today to tell your story and get started with your claim.
