You may have your definition of catastrophic injury. If you or a family member or loved one becomes injured and hospitalized because of an accident, any injury may seem catastrophic.
However, when dealing with lawsuits, Florida law has its definition of catastrophic injury. What is it, and do you have the type of injury that can get you a lawsuit?
Catastrophic injury examples
Whether you sue because of worker’s compensation or medical malpractice, Florida law defines catastrophic injury as an impairment that leaves you totally and permanently disabled. Examples of these include:
- Spinal cord injury with severe paralysis to the arm, leg or trunk
- Amputation of a body part
- Severe brain or closed-head injury
- Loss of reproductive organs
- Total loss of vision
- Second and third-degree burns that take up 25% or more of the body
Catastrophic injury lawsuits
You may have a claim to file a lawsuit because of a catastrophic injury. Begin keeping a folder for all your documentation. If you are in the hospital, have a friend or family member do this for you. Items to put in the folder may include:
- Accident reports
- Photos
- Witness and victim statements
- All medical documents, x-rays, doctor’s notes
- Physical evidence
- Statements of bills for repairs, doctors’ offices
- Receipts
Beware of the Florida statute of limitations for your case. A catastrophic injury may affect you and your loved ones’ daily lives now and into the future. Know the evidence you need for your case in order to bring about the greatest potential outcome.
