When a catastrophic injury changes your life in an instant, you may need a Tampa catastrophic injury lawyer who understands the impact of your losses. Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers represents clients throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County who have suffered life-altering injuries from accidents, medical malpractice, and negligence. Our attorneys work to seek the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Contact (813) 605-1100 today for a free consultation.
Why Choose Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Catastrophic Injury Case
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers brings significant experience to catastrophic injury cases. Our firm has recovered nearly $250 million for clients nationwide. Ross Jurewitz, our founding attorney, received Super Lawyers recognition in 2023. Time and Newsweek magazines have featured him for his work in personal injury law.
Attorney Gregg Spagnolia helps lead our Florida practice. He graduated from the University of Florida Law School and has nearly a decade of experience in Florida personal injury cases. Our team holds membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, representing a small percentage of attorneys nationwide. We represent injury victims exclusively; we never represent insurance companies.
We maintain 24/7 availability for serious injury cases. We offer bilingual services to serve Tampa’s diverse community. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation in your case. We advance all case expenses, so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury
Under Florida law, a catastrophic injury typically results in permanent disability or significant impairment. These injuries can change a person’s ability to work, care for themselves, and enjoy life. The impact often extends far beyond the initial accident or incident.
Catastrophic injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries that may cause cognitive impairment, personality changes, and memory loss.
- Spinal cord injuries that can result in partial or complete paralysis and loss of sensation.
- Severe burns that may require skin grafts, cause permanent scarring, and create ongoing infection risks.
- Amputations involving the loss of limbs, requiring prosthetic devices and rehabilitation.
- Internal organ damage that may require ongoing medical management.
- Permanent vision or hearing loss creating sensory challenges.
These injuries differ from minor injuries. For example, while a broken arm may heal completely within weeks, a catastrophic injury creates permanent changes. Medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing care costs can reach significant amounts over a lifetime.
Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Tampa
Catastrophic injuries occur through various types of accidents and incidents. Motor vehicle accidents, including car crashes, truck collisions, and motorcycle accidents, cause many catastrophic injuries. High-speed impacts and multi-vehicle collisions can increase the severity of injuries.
Other causes include:
- Workplace and construction accidents: Falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and unsafe working conditions.
- Medical malpractice: Surgical errors, misdiagnosis, and medication mistakes.
- Premises liability: Slip and fall accidents on dangerous property.
- Defective products: Injuries caused by tools or goods that malfunction.
- Intentional harm: Violent assaults and attacks.
Types of Catastrophic Injuries We Handle
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain is damaged by impact or penetrating injury. Symptoms can include loss of consciousness, confusion, memory problems, and personality changes. Recovery is often an ongoing process requiring care and support. Traumatic brain injury cases require specialized medical expertise and understanding of long-term neurological impacts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBI affects millions of Americans annually.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries result from trauma to the spine. Complete spinal cord injuries cause total loss of function below the injury level, while incomplete injuries result in partial loss. Victims may experience paralysis and loss of sensation. These injuries often require lifetime medical care and rehabilitation services. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke provides comprehensive information on spinal cord injury recovery and prognosis.
Severe Burns
Severe burns destroy skin and underlying tissue. Third-degree burns destroy all skin layers and may damage muscle and bone. Burn victims often require multiple surgeries and skin grafts; scarring is often permanent. Burn injury claims involve complex calculations of medical costs and pain and suffering. The American Burn Association provides resources on burn injury treatment and recovery.
Amputations
Amputation injuries cause victims to experience phantom pain and psychological trauma alongside physical loss. Prosthetic devices allow mobility but require ongoing adjustment and replacement. Amputation cases often involve substantial damages for lost earning capacity and quality of life.
How Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers Builds Your Catastrophic Injury Case
Building a catastrophic injury case requires immediate action. We begin by preserving evidence from the accident scene, such as traffic camera footage and witness statements, before they disappear.
We assemble a team of medical and other professionals to document the extent of your injuries. Life care planners calculate the cost of future medical care and assistance, while vocational professionals assess your potential lost earning capacity.
We calculate potential lifetime damages, not just current bills. We also handle all communications with insurance companies. If the insurance provider refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare your case for trial. Our trial experience in catastrophic injury cases gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.
Damages Available in Catastrophic Injury Claims
Catastrophic injury victims may recover several types of damages:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, home modifications (like wheelchair ramps), and in-home nursing services.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Punitive Damages: Available in cases involving reckless or intentional conduct to punish the defendant for egregious behavior.
Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Injury Cases
Florida law sets strict time limits for filing injury claims. The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years from the date of injury. This deadline was reduced from four years in March 2023 under House Bill 837.
Generally, after two years, you lose the right to file a lawsuit. Certain exceptions may exist for minors and incapacitated persons, but these have specific legal requirements. Acting quickly helps protect your rights and preserve evidence. Contact our Tampa office immediately if you have suffered a catastrophic injury.
Frequently Asked Questions About Catastrophic Injuries
How much is my catastrophic injury case worth?
The value depends on the severity of the injury, medical treatment required, age, and earning capacity. We evaluate these factors to provide an assessment of your case’s potential value.
How long does a catastrophic injury case take?
These cases typically take longer than minor claims. Investigation, medical treatment, and settlement negotiations can extend over many months or years. Catastrophic injury litigation requires patience and thorough preparation.
Do I have to go to trial?
Most cases settle without a trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare to present your case to a judge or jury. Our trial-ready approach prepares us for any outcome.
What if I was partially at fault for my injury?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were more than 50% at fault, you generally cannot recover damages. Florida comparative negligence law allows recovery in many situations where you bear some responsibility.
Contact Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers for Your Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury in Tampa or anywhere in Hillsborough County, contact our Tampa catastrophic injury attorneys today. Our Tampa catastrophic injury attorneys are ready to evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
Our Tampa office is located at 730 S Sterling Ave Suite 305, Tampa, FL 33609. We serve clients throughout Hillsborough County, including Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, Brandon, Riverview, and Valrico.
Call (813) 605-1100 today to schedule your free consultation. Florida’s two-year statute of limitations means you should act to protect your rights. Contact us now to begin your path toward recovery.
