What Are Catastrophic Injuries?

A catastrophic injury, such as wrongful death, stroke or paralysis obviously has enormous impact on the injured person and their family. The physical disability, emotional trauma, and resulting financial hardship are usually unpredictable and unimaginable.

As a medical doctor and civil trial attorney, Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D. offers our clients a unique perspective in medical-related personal injury claims. For over 24 years, he has used this knowledge to fight for the rights of injured victims throughout Florida and within the Orlando, Florida area. Mr. Barszcz has obtained multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts and recovered more than $100 million dollars for his clients.

Types of Catastrophic Injuries

Injuries that cause these types of devastating effects on the lives of the injured and those close to them include:

• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Accidental amputation
• Multiple fractures
• Severe burns
• Severe neurological disorders

Catastrophic injuries usually occur without any warning and can have an enormous impact on the victim, the victim’s family and their future. In many cases, the injuries severely disrupt the function of the victim’s central nervous system. Other functions that are often affected by catastrophic injury include one or a combination of the following:

• Loss of movement
• Loss of sensation
• Loss of cognitive ability
• Loss of communication ability
• Respiration problems
• Circulation problems
• Skin disorders
• Urinary system dysfunction
• Gastrointestinal dysfunction

How Long You Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Florida, it can be difficult to sort through the complex legal proceedings. Knowing the statute of limitations for filing a catastrophic injury lawsuit is an important step to take.

In most cases, Florida law requires that a personal injury claim must be filed within four years of the date when the injury occurred; this is known as the statutory time limit, which applies to all kinds of personal injury claims. If you have been personally injured due to someone else's negligence, it's important to seek legal advice as soon as possible in order to ensure that you don't accidentally forfeit your right to compensation by letting too much time pass without taking action.

Obtaining justice for yourself or a loved one after suffering from a catastrophic injury can help with financial security and provide peace-of-mind moving forward after such a stressful and devastating experience.

Damages You Can Recover In a Catastrophic Injury Claim

In the unfortunate event of a catastrophic injury, victims may be able to recover damages from any liable party to help cover their extensive medical expenses and other related costs. Depending on the details of their claim, folks might be eligible for reimbursement for past and future lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability or disfigurement, as well as legal fees.

Additionally, in cases where negligence caused the catastrophic injury and resulting losses, punitive damages may also be available if they are specified by state. While an award won't take away the pain of such an injury, it can offer some peace of mind as catastrophic injuries often involve long-term personal care or financial security.

At Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., we focus on helping you seek the most favorable outcome possible after a catastrophic injury. Let us help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you need to move forward.

How Long It Takes to Pursue a Catastrophic Injury Lawsuit

Pursuing a catastrophic injury lawsuit is a lengthy and complicated process, often taking years to achieve resolution. Due to the severity of these kinds of injuries, it's usually expected that your lawyer will take the time to understand all facets of your case, the law, and medical evidence before advocating on your behalf.

Your legal team will also need to investigate any claims and investigate your rights as well as those responsible for any damages you are owed. In sum, pursuing a catastrophic injury lawsuit can be an arduous process as there are so many details that must be examined in order to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

Contact us at (407) 606-6022 today and we’ll work to help you!