Catastrophic injuries can affect your ability to function in your day-to-day life for a prolonged period. Such injuries can result from many different things, including auto accidents, slip-and-fall accidents, medical malpractice, etc.
If you recently suffered a catastrophic injury in the Cocoa Beach area due to another party’s negligent or wrongful actions, you don’t have to handle it alone. A Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyer at DeGraff Hicks Law Group can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Call us today at (321) 44-SHARK to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with one of Cocoa Beach’s premier personal injury lawyers!
What is a Catastrophic Injury?
A catastrophic injury is one that results in serious, long-term, or permanent harm. These injuries often prevent victims from returning to work, living independently, or enjoying the same quality of life they once had.
Because these injuries typically involve lifelong medical care, emotional distress, and financial hardship, catastrophic injury claims require experienced legal representation of a Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyer to secure the full compensation victims deserve.
What Causes Catastrophic Injury?
Catastrophic injuries can result from many different accidents, but certain situations are more likely to cause permanent or life-changing harm.
Some of the most common causes our Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyers see include:
Auto Accidents
High-speed crashes, multi-vehicle collisions, or serious motorcycle and truck accidents can cause devastating injuries such as brain trauma, paralysis, or amputations.
Work Accidents
Construction sites and other hazardous workplaces often involve falls, heavy machinery, chemical exposure, or inadequate training that lead to severe injuries.
Medical Malpractice
Surgical mistakes, misdiagnosis, or treatment errors can leave patients with permanent disabilities. Victims may pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
Pedestrian Accidents
When a vehicle strikes a pedestrian, the lack of protection often results in catastrophic outcomes such as spinal cord injuries, burns, or disfigurement.
Violent Encounters
Assaults and other intentional acts of violence can leave lasting physical and emotional damage, often preventing victims from working or living independently.
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait—contact our experienced Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyer today to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Types of Injuries Are Considered Catastrophic?
While many injuries can be serious, these five are most often considered catastrophic because of their life-altering effects:
- Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) – Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis, including paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Ranging from severe concussions to permanent brain damage, TBIs may cause lasting physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges.
- Severe Burns – Often requiring surgeries and skin grafts, burns can lead to infections, scarring, and permanent disability.
- Amputations – The loss of a limb is both physically and emotionally devastating, requiring extensive rehabilitation and adjustment.
- Multiple Fractures – Several broken bones, especially in critical areas like the skull or spine, often require surgery and long-term recovery.
If you’ve suffered one of these injuries, contact our catastrophic injury lawyer near you today.
What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered with a Catastrophic Injury Case?
Losses or damages that can be recovered with a catastrophic injury claim include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible losses that can be substantiated using documentation such as bills, pay stubs, and invoices.
Examples of economic damages include but aren’t limited to the following:
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Medical equipment and assistive devices
- In-home medical assistance
- Therapy, medication, long-term care, and therapy
- Hospital bills
- Reduced income potential
- Lost income
- Hospital bills
- Home remodeling and other adjustments for improved accessibility
- Psychological therapy
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the intangible losses that have a value placed upon them on the basis of their perceived effects and severity.
Examples of non-economic damages include but are not limited to the following:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Compromised quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Cognitive disability
- Emotional anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Inability to engage in activities you enjoyed previously.
The Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyers at DeGraff Hicks Law Group will review your case and help you determine which damages to recover for your catastrophic injury. We will use evidence to determine the value of your losses and relentlessly pursue the same from the at-fault party.
Florida Statute of Limitations
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in Cocoa Beach, it’s important to act quickly. Under recent changes to Florida law, most personal injury claims must be filed within two years of the date of the accident.
Missing this deadline means you could lose the right to seek compensation, no matter how strong your case is. Evidence such as accident reports, surveillance footage, and witness testimony can also disappear over time, making early action essential.
A catastrophic injury lawyer can ensure your claim is filed on time and begin building a case while evidence is still fresh.
How We Help Catastrophic Injury Victims
You need a catastrophic injury lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal process and recover fair compensation if you have suffered a catastrophic injury.
We can help you with:
- Case evaluation: The lawyer will evaluate the details of your case, identify the liable parties, and estimate the potential value of your claim.
- Gathering Evidence: The lawyer will then collect and preserve important evidence, which includes accident reports, medical records, and witness statements.
- Expert Testimonies: The lawyer will work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts among other experts to understand the full impact of your injuries and future needs.
- Negotiations: The lawyer will also handle all communications with insurance companies and other parties to ensure your rights are protected and advocate for fair compensation.
- Litigation: If settlement negotiations fail, the catastrophic injury lawyer will prepare your case for trial and represent you in court.
For experienced and knowledgeable legal representation, contact our Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyers today.
Catastrophic Injury FAQs
Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes. Florida follows comparative negligence rules, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share some blame, though your compensation may be reduced.
How long do catastrophic injury cases take?
These cases can be complex and may take months to years depending on the severity of the injury, the willingness of insurers to settle, and whether the case goes to trial.
Will insurance cover all my future medical needs?
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A catastrophic injury lawyer near you works with medical and financial experts to calculate the true lifetime cost of care and fight for full compensation.
Don’t Face These Challenges Alone – Contact Our Cocoa Beach Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Today
Catastrophic injuries can profoundly affect victims along with their families, hence the need for extensive medical care and rehabilitation. By understanding the causes and types of these injuries, society can better advocate for preventive measures and support systems.
If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury in Cocoa Beach, Florida, you should not face this challenging time alone. The experienced legal team at DeGraff Hicks Law Group is here to provide the help that you need.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and explain the legal options available to you. Keep in mind that you won’t have to pay unless we win your case. Contact our Cocoa Beach catastrophic injury lawyers today at (321) 44-SHARK to get started with your journey toward justice and fair compensation.
