If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury and frequently need a full-time caregiver or other continuing treatment, expenses can stack up quickly. A St. Johns County catastrophic injury lawyer could help obtain resources to help during you seek the compensation you deserve.
If the negligence or wrongdoing of another may have caused a catastrophic injury, the responsible person could be required to help provide for your family’s needs. It may be wise to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer for advice as soon as possible. An attorney could handle questions from investigators and insurance companies so that you can focus on physical recovery.
The Statute of Limitations
Regardless of whether a claim is paid for by insurance, a private individual, or a company, injured individuals should be aware of the state statute of limitations. If someone files a claim after the given period has passed, the claim will likely be rejected.
Fla. Stat. §95.11(3)(a) specifies that claims must be filed within two years of the date that an injury occurred or when it should have been discovered, which could be later if an injury was not immediately apparent. A St. Johns County catastrophic injury lawyer could determine the applicable limit and ensure that the necessary actions are taken to preserve the claim before the limitation period expires.
Understanding Catastrophic Injuries
Although the term “catastrophic injury” may have slightly different medical definitions depending on the source, an injury may be considered catastrophic if it leaves long-term or permanent damage that will require ongoing medical care. Catastrophic injuries often involve harm to the brain or spinal cord, affecting one’s ability to move, speak, or think.
Disfiguring burn injuries and amputations can also be considered catastrophic injuries, as they not only affect how people function, but also how they perceive themselves. Catastrophic injuries may result from a wide variety of situations, including:
- Car and truck accidents
- Medical mistakes
- Construction site accidents
- Swimming pool accidents
- Defective products
- Motorcycle accidents
A St. Johns County catastrophic injury lawyer could help an injured individual recover damages to cover economic expenses such as medical costs and lost wages, as well as compensation for intangible harms like emotional trauma, disfigurement, and pain and suffering.
Contact a St. Johns County Catastrophic Injury Attorney
No matter how serious the injury, in most cases, a plaintiff must collect and present evidence of negligence in order to recover damages. Much of this evidence should be collected right after the incident causing the injury.
A knowledgeable St. Johns County catastrophic injury lawyer could help gather evidence and take steps to preserve those exhibits for use in settlement negotiations or at trial.
An attorney could also provide advice and guidance as you work through the recovery process, negotiate with insurance companies to reach a settlement, and prepare a case for litigation and a full jury trial. To learn more about the advantages an experienced personal injury attorney can provide, call now for a free consultation.
