Catastrophic injuries that could result in a financial settlement can happen as a result of medical malpractice, auto accidents, and injuries that occur at work or in a commercial space. Catastrophic injuries include spinal cord injuries, paralysis, traumatic brain injury, accidental amputation, blindness or deafness, and severe burns. These types of injuries can have far-reaching consequences for not only the victim, but also their family and friends who will also have to adjust their lives to help to care for the victim as well as the changed dynamic of their relationships.

Settlements for catastrophic injuries must be carefully structured to include not only current needs, such as medical treatment, home modifications, medical equipment, lost wages, and more, but they should also bear in mind the future needs that will occur as the victim isn’t able to work, perform household duties, and interact with their loved ones in the same way as they did before the injury.

Contacting a Florida catastrophic injury attorney can allow the victim and their family the time and space to heal while the legal aspects are taken care of. The liability in a catastrophic injury can rest on multiple parties, and untangling the unfolding of events, taking witness statements, and knowing which legal steps to take is best left to a professional with extensive experience dealing with catastrophic injury cases.

 Settlements for catastrophic injuries can include:

• Medical Expenses: Medical expenses include hospital stays, medications, exams, tests, physical therapy, and more. Settlements can also cover medical accessories, including crutches and walkers.
• Lost Wages: Being out of work after an accident or injury can result in lost wages. A personal injury settlement can require the person at fault to pay for lost wages, including lost future income.
• Emotional Harm: In some accidents, the victim is left with emotional harm and may be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering or therapy to handle the emotional issues that arose from the accident. A settlement may pay for the emotional harm done to family members who are affected by their new reality.
• Home Care Services: For those who need in-home care services after a catastrophic injury, the settlement may cover the cost of in-home care.
• Mental Health Services: Depending on the extent of the injury and the circumstances surrounding it, mental health services may be needed to help the victim deal with their new reality. A settlement may include coverage for the cost of these services. This coverage may extend to family members who suffer from anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from their loved one’s injury.
• Home and Vehicle Modifications: If the home or vehicle needs to be modified to accommodate the victim’s abilities, a settlement may pay for the modifications to be made.