Suffering a catastrophic injury can have long-lasting consequences – not only for the victim but also for their family. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of what makes an injury “catastrophic,” it is generally understood to mean an injury that places a significant physical or cognitive limitation on the victim. Damage to the brain or spine, as well as a severe burn or medical mistake can all lead to a catastrophic injury.
If the accident occurred due to another’s negligence, a New Port Richey catastrophic injury attorney may be able to help victims recoup monetary damages. Skilled personal injury attorneys can seek compensation for past and future medical bills, lost wages, loss of future earning capacity, and the pain and suffering on the plaintiff’s behalf.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries
The kinds of cases that a New Port Richey catastrophic injury lawyer could handle are varied. For example, a lawyer could pursue compensation on behalf of someone who has suffered any of the following:
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury – or TBI –is typically caused by a blow to the head or a penetrating wound, such as gunshot wound. Someone with TBI can exhibit a wide range of symptoms ranging from temporary concussion to long-term loss of consciousness.
Spinal Injury
Damage to the spine can have a wide array of consequences, largely depending on where the spinal cord is damaged. A spinal cord injury can cause either temporary or permanent paralysis. Examples include paraplegia and quadriplegia.
Burn Injury
A burn injury is generally described as being “catastrophic” when it is third- or fourth-degree, as opposed to first- or second-degree. This type of burn is often characterized by tissue damage, scarring, and loss of sensation.
Medical Malpractice
One may wish to hire a New Port Richey catastrophic injury lawyer if they believe they are a victim of medical malpractice. Surgical errors, misdiagnoses, failures to treat, and birth injuries are all examples of medical mistakes that can lead to catastrophic injuries.
Wrongful Death
A close relative of someone who has died in an accident could choose to file a claim for wrongful death with the help of a New Port Richey catastrophic injury attorney. In Florida, only certain family members are allowed to recover damages in a wrongful death case. Those include the deceased’s spouse, children, and parents, as well as any blood or adoptive relative who was financially dependent on the deceased.
Statute of Limitations
Someone who has suffered a catastrophic injury may file a claim for damages but only within the applicable statute of limitations period. A statute of limitations is a time window during which a plaintiff is allowed to initiate a personal injury lawsuit. For personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is four years from the date of the accident per Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Contact a New Port Richey Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today for More Information
Suffering a catastrophic injury in an accident can lead to a host of serious challenges – from figuring how to pay massive medical bills to coping with a disability. Contact a New Port Richey catastrophic injury lawyer today for information about your legal rights and options.
