Most all of us have experienced a minor injury at some point in our lives. You might have broken a bone or gotten a deep cut that required stitches. Fortunately, many can recover from these types of injuries fairly quickly. It was inconvenient when it happened, but has since faded away to one of those annoying little life stories.
However, a severe accident could lead to a catastrophic injury that changes your life not for a short amount of time, but forever. If you believe that someone else’s negligence was a factor in your catastrophic injury, you may benefit from consulting our dedicated personal injury attorneys.
A Wesley Chapel catastrophic injury lawyer can assist you and your family in seeking compensation that will help you get your life back on track. Damages in a catastrophic injury case could provide essential support as you work to move forward after a severe accident. You didn’t deserve for this to happen to you, and seeking justice is only fair.
What Is A Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that dramatically and permanently alters your life. This type of injury could hinder your ability to perform your current job or obtain employment at all. Some common examples of catastrophic injuries that our attorneys handle include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Severe burns
- Amputations
- Blindness
- Injuries that disrupt the proper functioning of a bodily system
If you or a loved one sustained any of these types of injuries, you could hold the responsible party accountable for their negligent actions.
Common Causes Of Life-Altering Injury
Motor vehicle wrecks, including accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians, are some of the most common causes of life-threatening injuries. Other severe accidents include:
- Slip and falls
- Heavy falling objects
- Construction accidents
- Boating wrecks
- Sporting accidents
- Chemical spills
The skilled lawyers at our firm have handled numerous catastrophic injury cases. We can help you no matter what type of accident you were in.
Negligence And Liability In A Wesley Chapel Catastrophic Injury Case
Negligence is a failure to act with the reasonable caution that a prudent person would exercise to protect the safety of others. If negligence played a role in the accident that caused your catastrophic injury, the responsible party could be held liable for your damages.
Proving negligence requires demonstrating that the other party owed you a duty to act reasonably and that they breached that duty. Anyone who is operating a motor vehicle, boat, or personal watercraft has a duty to obey all applicable laws and avoid reckless behavior that endangers others. Similarly, business owners must conduct their operations in a manner that protects the safety of their customers and others.
It is not enough to prove the other party breached their duty of care. You must also show that the breach directly caused your injuries. Our hard-working lawyers in Wesley Chapel can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove negligence in your catastrophic injury case.
What Compensation Can You Recover In A Lawsuit?
Damages are the losses a person suffers because of an injury. After a catastrophic accident, an attorney in the area can help you recover compensation for economic and non-economic losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning potential
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Medical costs, lost income, and other economic damages may make up the majority of your damages in a personal injury lawsuit. Medical bills, receipts, and past pay stubs are common forms of evidence used to prove these damages.
Because catastrophic injuries are often permanent, it is essential to seek compensation for future medical costs as well. A seasoned catastrophic injury attorney might bring in an expert witness to testify to the likely cost of your future medical treatment.
Because non-economic damages are subjective, they are harder to prove. Witness testimony from you, your family, and your friends could establish the degree to which the accident has negatively impacted your life.
Punitive Damages Available in Rare Cases
Florida Statute § 768.72 permits a plaintiff to receive punitive damages in certain rare instances. A court could award punitive damages if the defendant’s conduct was extraordinarily reckless or if the defendant intended to harm the plaintiff.
The courts may award punitive damages for a severe drunk driving crash. Punitive damages could also be awarded in product liability and premises liability cases where the defendant’s intentional or reckless conduct results in a catastrophic injury.
How Can A Wesley Chapel Catastrophic Injury Attorney Help?
A catastrophic accident can put a significant amount of stress on you and your family. As such, the people responsible for your accident should be held accountable.
Dealing with a lawsuit can amplify the stress of a catastrophic injury, which is why you should work with a qualified attorney. A legal professional can help you calculate their damages and serve as your advocate in court or settlement negotiations. Call Hancock Injury Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and learn how a Wesley Chapel catastrophic injury lawyer can fight for the compensation you deserve.