West Palm Beach Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

West Palm Beach Catastrophic Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury because of the negligence or wrongdoing of another person, you know how devastating an event like this can be in every aspect of your life. You may be overwhelmed by mounting medical bills, financial strain, and grieving the way your life was before the accident. If you are in the West Palm Beach area, you can begin to work toward recovery by contacting an experienced West Palm Beach catastrophic injury lawyer.

Hire a Catastrophic Injury Lawyer in West Palm Beach

Insurance companies, at the end of the day, exist to make money. Therefore, they do not always pay the claims they should cover per their own policies. That is why, before you even file an initial insurance claim, it is advisable to hire a catastrophic injury lawyer to help you through the process. Your attorney can review the details of your case and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf.

If the company does not ultimately agree to offer you a satisfactory settlement, your attorney can file a personal injury claim and participate in negotiations toward reasonable compensation. Should your case ultimately go to trial, your lawyer can represent you in court and advocate for just compensation.

Those suffering an injury because of the negligence of others should pursue the compensation they may be entitled to. At The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., we truly believe that, and we approach each case with the compassion and intensity it takes to advocate for our clients. We have decades of combined experience helping injury victims pursue justice, and we are prepared to help you, too.

What is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

For an injury to be considered catastrophic, it must permanently affect the victim’s life in a limiting way, preventing them from working to support themselves or, in some cases, from living alone. Catastrophic injuries usually mean long-term disability, long-term care needs, significant financial impacts, and a condition that is not expected to improve in any meaningful way. The following are some examples of injuries that may be considered catastrophic:

• Traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, are injuries to the brain that are caused by an external trauma, such as impact on the head during a car accident. Every year, around 3 million people visit emergency rooms in the United States for traumatic brain injuries. They are linked to long-term damage and future development of several neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
• Spinal cord injuries. Injuries to the spinal cord result in interruptions of nerve signals from the brain to the rest of the body, often leading to paralysis. About 18,000 new spinal cord injury cases are documented in the United States each year.
• Burn injuries. When people think of catastrophic injuries, burns don’t often immediately come to mind. However, severe burns can be debilitating and life-limiting injuries.
• Injuries resulting in amputations. This kind of injury can permanently prevent the victim from working and possibly cause them to require long-term assistive care for everyday tasks.

Recovering Compensation for a Catastrophic Injury

When a person has suffered a catastrophic injury because of someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, the victim has the legal right to pursue compensation for the injury. In many cases, the injury happens in the context of an accident, and the liable party has some kind of insurance that should cover such scenarios. For example, a victim of a catastrophic injury from a car accident might first file a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.

If the initial insurance claim is denied or if the insurance company offers an unsatisfactory settlement, as often happens, the victim can move forward with filing a personal injury claim in court. This claim can be filed against the insurance company, the liable party themselves, or both, depending on the circumstances. In general, victims can recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

FAQs

Where Are Catastrophic Injury Trials Held in West Palm Beach?

In Florida, catastrophic injury cases are generally handled by the Florida State Circuit Court, which is housed in various courthouses around the state to serve each county. For people in West Palm Beach, catastrophic injury trials are usually handled by the Palm Beach County Circuit Court, which is located at 205 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.

How Long Will It Take to Settle My Catastrophic Injury Case?

The length of time it will take to settle your catastrophic injury case cannot be accurately predicted because so many factors influence the ultimate timeline. The extent of the injuries involved, the complexity of the case, the ease of proving liability, and the willingness of the defendant to settle all play a role in how long it takes to process a case.

What Medical Expenses Should Be Included in a Catastrophic Injury Settlement?

In a fair catastrophic injury settlement, all medical bills, from the very first emergency visit to the projected needs for long-term care, should be included. The injury victim should be reimbursed for every medical expense. If you are the victim of an injury, it is important to document all of your medical bills and any out-of-pocket payments for the purpose of including them in the settlement.

How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim in West Palm Beach?

A claim must be filed within two years from the date of your catastrophic injury to file a personal injury claim in West Palm Beach. This is the statute of limitations established in Florida law. After this two-year window has passed, any claim you try to bring against the liable party for the accident will be dismissed. It is important to hire an attorney and take legal action in a timely manner.

West Palm Beach Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, you have legal options to pursue compensation and begin rebuilding your life. Although a settlement will not give back what you have lost, it can be instrumental in helping you move forward in a meaningful way. Contact The Law Offices of John D. Ameen, P.A., today to find out how we can assist you.