Florida Catastrophic Injury Lawyers

Severe, Life-Changing Injuries

When an injury is so severe, it completely changes the victims life, it is considered catastrophic. These types of injuries often have far more significant and long-lasting effects than other, less-serious injuries. Victims may be permanently disabled, struggle to return to work, and face massive medical bills. Getting back on ones feet after a catastrophic injury can be incredibly difficult but Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather can help.

If you or someone you love suffered a severe, life-changing injury due to the negligence or wrongful conduct of another, turn to our Florida catastrophic injury attorneys to learn how we can fight for the justice you deserve. As real trial lawyers, we are not afraid to aggressively litigate your case. Our attorneys take the time to get to know every client and develop personalized legal strategies designed around your unique needs, concerns, and goals.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

In legal terms, a catastrophic injury is one that is so severe that it limits the victims ability to return to their once-normal life. Most catastrophic injuries result in significant and/or permanent limitations or impairments, including lasting disabilities. These injuries may prevent the victim from returning to work at full capacity or at all. They may require hospitalization and extensive medical care. Generally speaking, they are severe and have numerous negative impacts on both victims and their families.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

• Amputation/loss of limb
• Birth injuries
• Broken bones/fractures
• Burn injuries
• Chronic illnesses
• Eye injuries
• Hearing loss or significant hearing damage
• Significant scarring and/or disfigurement
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries

These and other serious injuries can permanently alter your life. At Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather, we understand just how important it is that you secure the full compensation you are owed so that you can obtain critical medical care and manage other unexpected difficulties related to your injury.

Damages for Catastrophic Injury Victims

Although catastrophic injury claims are ostensibly similar to standard personal injury cases, the severity of catastrophic injuries and the extent of victims damages means that these claims are often more complex and difficult to prove. Insurance companies are likely to dispute catastrophic injury claims simply because they do not want to pay out large settlements. However, if you were catastrophically injured due to someone else’s negligent, reckless, or wrongful behavior, you should not have to shoulder the resulting physical, emotional, and financial hardships on your own.

Depending on the specifics of your case, you may be entitled to the following types of damages in your catastrophic injury lawsuit:

• Emergency medical care
• Diminished earning capacity
• Hospitalization
• Surgery and other treatments
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Ongoing and future medical care costs
• Physical and mental pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Lost income, wages, and benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Ambulance and other emergency transportation costs
• Lost enjoyment/quality of life

In some cases, victims may even be entitled to punitive (or exemplary) damages. Punitive damages may be available when the person bringing the claim (known as the plaintiff) can prove that the defendant acted with extreme negligence or wanton/willful disregard for the safety and wellbeing of others.

Our Florida catastrophic injury attorneys can review the details of your specific case and determine which types of damages you may be entitled to receive. We offer completely free and confidential case evaluations to all new and prospective clients.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can arise from all types of accidents and traumatic events, including intentional acts of violence and other crimes.

Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

• Car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other auto accidents
• Large truck accidents and commercial vehicle collisions
• Recreation-related accidents, such as boat accidents and ATV accidents
• Falls, including slip and falls and falls from heights
• Medical malpractice, misconduct, and negligence
• Accidents resulting from defective products
• Criminal conduct, including violent crimes

At Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather, we have a long history of success in all types of catastrophic injury cases. We recognize the complex and sensitive nature of these claims, which is why our attorneys and staff provide highly personalized and compassionate support throughout the legal process.