A catastrophic injury can be extremely costly and life-altering for a car accident victim. Not only is there the physical, emotional, and mental toll it takes on an individual to recover from an injury, but there are also the financial repercussions that can be difficult to navigate. Knowing the financial worth of catastrophic injuries in Florida is important so that victims have a better understanding of their rights and what they may be entitled to.
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Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries typically involve serious damage to the spine, brain or other vital organs or body parts. Severe burns, paralysis, amputation or vision loss are all examples of catastrophic injuries that can occur after a car accident. These types of injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, as well as long-term care or even lifetime care in some cases. Victims may also find themselves unable to work due to their condition which means lost wages must be taken into account when determining the cost of damages for a catastrophic injury.
Legal Rights for Victims
When it comes to navigating legal rights after sustaining a catastrophic injury in a car accident, there are two main options available for victims in Florida—personal injury protection (PIP) insurance or filing a lawsuit against the responsible party. PIP insurance covers 80% of medical costs up to $10,000 but does not cover pain and suffering or lost wages due to missed work time. If those costs exceed $10,000 or if noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering need to be covered then filing a lawsuit against the responsible party may be necessary. This allows victims to seek maximum compensation for all losses suffered due to the accident including medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work time and more.
Calculating Damages
The amount of compensation awarded will depend on many factors such as fault assignment and type of damages sought by the victim including economic damages like medical bills and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. An experienced attorney will help determine how much your case is worth based on these factors so you have an idea of what you could expect if you pursue legal action against the responsible party with your claim.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys at Battaglia, Ross, Dicus, & McQuaid
Navigating legal rights after sustaining a catastrophic injury in a car accident can seem overwhelming but understanding your options is key. Knowing what kind of financial compensation you may be entitled to will help you make informed decisions about your next steps forward so that you have peace of mind knowing you have done everything possible under the law following your accident. Consulting with an experienced attorney who specializes in car accidents will provide you with an understanding of your legal rights so that you can feel confident about seeking fair compensation for your losses. If you would like to learn more about our experienced personal injury attorneys and how we can help you, you can find more information here or contact us for a free consultation.
