CATASTROPHIC INJURY LAWYER

Catastrophic injuries can have a significant impact on a victim’s life, as well as the lives of their loved ones. Often, someone else’s negligence is responsible for these life-threatening injuries. Catastrophic injuries can result in years of expensive medical treatment, the need for home modifications, lost income, and other significant damages. Florida personal injury law gives catastrophic injury victims the right to recover compensation for the full extent of their injuries.

The Gainesville catastrophic injury lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can handle your personal injury claim while you focus on your recovery. We can put our more than 100 years of combined legal experience to use to help you pursue compensation to relieve the financial burden that often follows a catastrophic injury. Contact us today for a free case consultation to review your legal options with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Gainesville, Florida.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

In Florida, there is no straightforward definition of a catastrophic injury. Generally, a catastrophic injury means a severe injury that results in any of the following:

• Permanent disability
• Incapacitation
• Amputation
• Severe burns that result in significant scarring or permanent disfigurement
• Internal injuries
• Multiple bone fractures
• Severe damage to the head, neck, spinal cord, or back
• Severe impact on one or more of the body’s major systems
• Permanent incapacity that prevents the victim from performing any gainful work

Common Causes of Catastrophic Accidents

Often, someone else’s negligence causes catastrophic injuries. Some of the most common causes of catastrophic injuries in Florida include:

• Car accidents – According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 341,399 motor vehicle accidents occurred throughout the state in one recent year, which were responsible for 3,332 deaths and 15,614 incapacitating injuries. Of these, 4,617 crashes occurred in Alachua County, which caused 48 fatalities and 3,266 injuries. If you were injured in a Gainesville car crash, a lawyer can help.
• Motorcycle accidents – The Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reports that 8,045 motorcycle accidents occurred in one recent year. These crashes resulted in 552 deaths and 1,890 incapacitating injuries.
• Truck accidents – 27,044 truck accidents occurred in Florida in one recent year. Occupants in passenger vehicles are much more likely to suffer serious injuries than those in trucks due to the disparity in vehicle sizes.
• Dog Bites – Dog bites can result in serious injuries, disfigurement, and psychological trauma that affect a person for many years to come.
• Slip and fall accidents – Slips and falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, and other serious injuries.
• Work accidents – Employers are legally required to maintain a safe working environment. Nonetheless, thousands of workers are injured on the job every year.

If you sustained injuries in any of these accidents, a Gainesville catastrophic injury lawyer at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can provide legal advice and guidance throughout the personal injury claim process.

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

These injuries are usually considered catastrophic:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Multiple or complex fractures
• Amputation
• Spinal fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries
• Severe burn injuries
• Partial or complete paralysis
• Permanent disfigurement or scarring

If you suffered any of these catastrophic injuries, contact us for a free case evaluation.

Establishing Liability for Catastrophic Injuries

Most catastrophic injury claims are based on the legal theory of negligence. Someone is negligent when they fail to act as a reasonable person would have acted under similar circumstances. To recover compensation, you must show that the defendant had a duty to exercise reasonable care, violated this duty, and this failure caused your injuries.

More than one party might be responsible for your injuries in some cases. For example, in a pile-up car accident, two or more drivers might be responsible for your serious injuries. In Florida, courts apportion damages based on each party’s percentage of fault.

What to Do After a Catastrophic Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a catastrophic accident, the following steps can help protect your health and injury claim:

• Call 911 and report the accident.
• Seek immediate medical care.
• Take photos at the accident scene and ask witnesses for their contact information.
• Request identifying and insurance information for the party you suspect was responsible for your injuries.
• Request a copy of the accident report and your medical records.
• Follow all your doctor’s orders.
• Get help from a Florida accident attorney.

Obtaining Compensation in Catastrophic Accident Cases

Catastrophic injuries can create a tremendous financial burden for a family. Extensive medical care may be necessary following a catastrophic accident. A person’s ability to earn a living can be jeopardized. Round-the-clock care may be required.

You have the right to pursue compensation against the at-fault party to compensate you for the full extent of your injuries. Financial compensation may provide payment for:

• Past, ongoing, and future medical treatment 
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity 
• Costs to repair or replace damaged property
• Pain and suffering, permanent disability, and other non-economic damages

Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. Can Help – Contact Us Today

If you suffered serious injuries because of someone else’s negligence, the Gainesville catastrophic injury lawyers at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. can help. We can launch an in-depth investigation into the cause of your accident and identify all potentially liable parties. We have worked closely with accident victims who have suffered severe, life-altering injuries. We know the long-term impact these injuries can have on victims and their families and will ensure that these are considered in any catastrophic injury settlement. Through our investigative efforts and the formal discovery process, we can collect evidence to establish liability and damages. Contact us today for a free consultation.