Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in Miami Gardens

A catastrophic injury can turn your life upside down. If you’ve suffered one, a Miami Gardens personal injury lawyer can help you seek damages.

A catastrophic injury can have devastating consequences. From sky-high medical bills and long-term rehabilitation to lost income and emotional trauma, the aftermath is often overwhelming.

The team at Blakeley Law Firm has recovered over $200 million for our clients. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured, a catastrophic injury lawyer in Miami Gardens can help you pursue financial compensation.

Why Hire a Miami Gardens Catastrophic Injury Lawyer?

If you’ve sustained a catastrophic injury, a lawyer can provide critical support by:

• Investigating the accident and gathering evidence
• Identifying all liable parties
• Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
• Taking your case to court (if necessary)

A Miami Gardens catastrophic injury lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and maximize your chances of receiving full and fair compensation.

How Much Do Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Charge in Florida?

The catastrophic injury lawyers at Blakeley Law Firm work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay any legal fees up front. Instead, your attorney will receive a predetermined percentage of your settlement or court award, which you can discuss at your consultation.

What is the Average Catastrophic Injury Settlement?

Catastrophic injury settlements can vary widely based on the specifics of the case. Some plaintiffs receive five-figure payouts, while others receive settlements worth upwards of $1 million. Some of the factors that will dictate the value of your claim include:

• The severity and permanence of the injury
• The cost of your past and future medical care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Whether the at-fault party acted with gross negligence

A Miami Gardens catastrophic injury lawyer can provide a realistic estimate based on the facts of your case.

Types of Compensation Available

Catastrophic injury victims may be eligible for several types of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: You can recover costs related to hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any long-term or future medical treatment you may need.
• Lost income: You can be compensated for the wages you lost while recovering from your injury, as well as the income you can no longer earn due to a long-term disability.
• Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury and its impact on your daily life.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: You can pursue damages if your injury prevents you from engaging in hobbies, activities, or relationships that once brought you joy.
• Home modifications and mobility aids: You can recover costs for necessary changes to your living space and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, or assistive devices.
• Punitive damages: You may be awarded additional compensation in cases where the at-fault party acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

A catastrophic injury attorney in Miami Gardens can ensure your settlement covers all of your damages.

How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit in Florida?

Per Florida Statute 95.11, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.

However, some exceptions may apply. For example, if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent or if a government entity is involved, different time limits or notice requirements may be enforced. A Miami Gardens personal injury attorney can help make sure your case is filed on time.

How is Fault Determined?

Determining fault in a catastrophic injury case often requires a thorough investigation. A lawyer can help gather evidence, such as:

• Accident reports
• Medical records
• Witness statements
• Surveillance footage
• Expert testimony

Florida enforces a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation can be reduced if you are partially at fault for your injury. However, as long as you are 50% or less responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages.

What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?

Florida law defines a catastrophic injury as one that results in permanent impairment to your physical or mental abilities, loss of a bodily function, or major scarring or disfigurement. These injuries often require extensive medical care and impact the victim’s ability to work or care for themselves.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can result from a variety of incidents, including:

• Car and truck accidents
• Motorcycle crashes
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
• Falls from heights
• Construction or workplace accidents
• Medical malpractice
• Defective product incidents
• Violent assaults

Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries are:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations or loss of limbs
• Severe burns requiring skin grafts or reconstruction
• Multiple complex fractures
• Crush injuries
• Loss of vision or hearing
• Organ damage or internal injuries
• Chronic pain syndromes like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
• Neurological disorders caused by trauma

Steps to Take After a Catastrophic Injury

In the aftermath of a catastrophic injury, it’s crucial to:

1. Document everything: Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any property damage to preserve evidence.
2. Get witness information: Exchange contact information with anyone who saw what happened.
3. Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor as soon as possible to get evaluated and document your condition.
4. Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters: They may try to minimize your claim or get you to settle for less than you deserve.
5. Contact a catastrophic injury lawyer: The sooner you involve an attorney, the better your chances of building a strong and successful case.

Contact a Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Miami Gardens

If you or someone you love has suffered a life-altering injury, you don’t have to fight this legal battle alone. A Miami Gardens catastrophic injury lawyer from Blakeley Law Firm can help you file a claim and secure the compensation you’re entitled to.

Schedule a free consultation to learn about how you can achieve justice.