Catastrophic injuries can alter the course of a person’s life in an instant, leaving them with extensive medical bills, ongoing treatment needs, and challenges in maintaining their quality of life. If you or a loved one has sustained a life-changing injury, working with a Clearwater catastrophic injury lawyer may be crucial to obtaining fair and comprehensive compensation for your damages. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you through the complex legal process, helping you understand your rights and options.

At Herman & Wells, we prioritize client accessibility and communication. We connect with our clients regularly, making sure you know what’s happening in your case, what’s going to be happening, and what it means. Our firm’s legal team combines compassion and extensive trial experience to pursue the justice you deserve.

What Is a Catastrophic Injury?

Catastrophic injuries result in permanent disabilities, severe trauma, or substantial disruption to an individual’s ability to live independently. These injuries often include:

Victims may face lifelong rehabilitation, require assistive devices, or lose the ability to earn a living.

In Florida, victims of catastrophic injuries can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim if another party’s negligence caused their harm. This could involve proving that another person or entity acted carelessly or failed to follow a safety rule. A skilled Clearwater catastrophic injury attorney gathers evidence, consults with medical professionals, and negotiates with insurance companies on your behalf to build a strong case.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Catastrophic Injuries

The financial and emotional toll of an incident like this can be overwhelming. Victims may be entitled to three times of damages:

Economic Damages

These include medical expenses, lost wages, and costs related to long-term care or assistive devices. These types of damage fix the economic harm caused by the negligence that caused the injury.

Non-Economic Damages

These types of damages include pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, and possibly emotional distress.  Non-economic damages cannot fix these types of harms and losses, but they are intended to make up for what you’re going through and acknowledge what you’ve lost in terms of the enjoyment of your life and opportunities.

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme recklessness or intentional harm, courts may also award punitive damages to penalize the responsible party and deter similar actions.  For example, a drunk driver may have to pay punitive damages for causing an accident while under the influence.

Florida operates under a comparative negligence rule, meaning that if a victim is partially responsible for their injury, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. A knowledgeable catastrophic injury lawyer in Clearwater could help navigate these nuances and work toward a fair settlement or damages award.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations

Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, personal injury claims must be filed within a specified timeframe—typically two years from the date of the injury. However, cases involving injuries caused by government entities may have shorter deadlines and additional procedural requirements.

Failing to file a claim within the statute of limitations could result in losing your right to seek compensation. A qualified Clearwater serious injury lawyer could ensure your case is filed correctly and on time, giving you the best chance of success.

Call a Clearwater Catastrophic Injury Attorney for Assistance

Suffering a serious injury can be a devastating and isolating experience, but you do not have to face it alone. A Clearwater catastrophic injury lawyer from Herman & Wells can provide the support and advocacy you need to provide guidance, answer your questions, and recover compensation for your losses.

At Herman & Wells, we are committed to accessibility, regular communication, and empowering our clients with knowledge. Our legal team has the experience and dedication to take on even the most complex cases, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you take the first step toward healing.