Fort Myers Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Catastrophic Injury Attorney in Fort Myers, FL

Catastrophic injuries can be painful and frustrating, especially when they were caused by another person’s negligent or reckless actions. With so many long-term impacts of a severe injury on your life, filing a compensation claim can help you avoid financial hardship and receive the care you need during your recovery. A Fort Myers catastrophic injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process. 

Why Choose The Caldarone Law Group, P.A.?

The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., has over 10 years of experience helping personal injury accident victims. With deep knowledge of Florida’s catastrophic injury laws and the claims process, we can help you navigate a catastrophic injury claim with confidence. We know that an injury can bring great pain and suffering, which is why we seek full compensation for your recovery. 

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Traumatic accidents often leave behind serious injuries. In Fort Myers, the Lee Health System includes many medical centers and hospitals that can help minimize further damage and begin your path to recovery, such as Lee Memorial Hospital. A Fort Myers catastrophic injury attorney can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and the immense pain, medical bills, and long-term effects they can cause. 

Some common catastrophic injuries are: 

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBIs can occur when rapid movement or external force causes damage to the brain. These injuries cause almost 700,000 deaths a year and can permanently impact cognition, physical abilities, and mental health.  
• Spinal cord injuries. Your spinal cord is one of the most essential nervous pathways in your body. Damage to your spinal cord could lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, difficulty breathing, and intense pain. 
• Amputations. About 2.3 million Americans have lost all or part of a limb. While an amputation may be necessary due to a disease, accidents that cause serious crush or blast injuries often require amputation. 
• Severe burns. Third-degree burns destroy every layer of the skin and even cause nerve or tissue damage. A burn can leave you at risk for dehydration, infection, scarring, and loss of mobility. 
• Internal organ damage. While these injuries may not be externally visible, bruising, tearing, or a disease in an internal organ can be a consequence of a traumatic accident. Organ damage can lead to organ failure and increase the risk of many health conditions. 

Reasons to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim

A catastrophic injury claim can be filed against a party whose reckless or negligent actions led to your injury. Commonly, these claims are filed after accidents, such as:

• Car accidents. There are about 400,000 traffic accidents each year in Florida, leading to a variety of severe injuries. A claim can be filed against the at-fault driver whose error caused the crash. 
• Premise liability. Property owners are responsible for maintaining their property. A claim can be filed against the property owner if you were injured due to their negligence toward a hazard, such as slippery floors, unsafe staircases, or toxic mold. 
• Medical malpractice. As a patient, you put a lot of trust in your healthcare providers. However, you can file a claim when critical errors cause or worsen an injury, such as misadministered medication or surgical errors.
• Workplace accidents. If you were injured while at work or performing your job duties, a workplace accident claim can be filed through workers’ compensation. 
• Defective products. If you were injured by a product that had a manufacturing or design defect or inadequate warning labels, you can file a claim against the company involved. This includes a variety of products from medical devices to kitchen appliances.

Why You Should Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Recovering from a catastrophic injury can be one of the hardest things you go through. Working with a Fort Myers catastrophic injury lawyer can make the process of filing a claim easier by gathering essential evidence, advocating on your behalf, and meeting all legal requirements. 

When it comes to compensation, a lawyer can work for you to receive the compensation you need. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts and dismiss your damages. A lawyer can create a comprehensive list of your damages and negotiate for increased compensation, preventing you from feeling pressured into a settlement that is too low. 

FAQs

How Long Do You Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Most catastrophic injury claims must be filed within the two-year statute of limitations. Meeting this deadline is crucial to file and recover compensation. While two years may seem like plenty of time, you should hire a catastrophic injury lawyer as soon as possible. Contacting early improves the likelihood of recovering evidence from the accident and receiving compensation sooner. 

What Evidence Do You Need to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

To file a catastrophic injury claim, you need evidence that proves how someone’s negligence caused an accident and how the accident caused your damages. Your lawyer can gather essential evidence for your claim, which may include police reports, incident reports, photos of visible injuries and of the scene of the accident, medical records, and witness statements. 

Can You File a Claim if You Are Partially at Fault for an Accident?

Yes, you can file a claim if you are partially at fault for an accident, but your compensation may be reduced. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system that assigns a percentage of fault to each party involved in an accident. If you are less than 50% at fault for an accident, you can file a claim. However, your compensation can be reduced by the percentage of fault you have. 

What Is Included in Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury? 

Economic damages, non-economic damages, and sometimes punitive damages can be included in your compensation. Economic damages include financial costs, such as medical bills and property damage. Non-economic damages are included to account for the pain and suffering the accident caused. Punitive damages are included to punish the at-fault party and are available in cases of extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety. 

Speak With a Fort Myers Catastrophic Injury Attorney Today

The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., can seek justice against the at-fault party and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can help you after a catastrophic injury.