When a catastrophic injury happens, everything can change in a single moment. Daily routines stop, families rush to hospitals, and questions about the future appear all at once. If you or someone you love has suffered a devastating injury in Coral Gables, you do not have to sort through the legal questions alone.
At Raposo & Lukacs, our team helps people facing serious injuries that affect mobility, independence, or the ability to work. We know families are juggling medical decisions, bills, and work demands. Our goal is to guide you through your legal options and work to protect your long-term needs, starting with a free consultation and no upfront fees.
Whether you are still in the hospital, at a rehabilitation facility, or at home trying to plan next steps, our attorneys are here to listen, explain the process in clear terms, and help you decide what to do next.
A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that has long-term or permanent consequences on a person’s health, mobility, cognitive function, or ability to work. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lifelong care. They may prevent victims from returning to their previous occupations or performing daily activities independently.
Unlike minor injuries that heal over time, catastrophic injuries typically result in lasting disability or impairment. Legal claims involving catastrophic injuries often involve higher damages due to the long-term medical costs and life adjustments required.
In Florida, catastrophic injuries can arise from many types of accidents, including motor vehicle collisions, workplace incidents, medical malpractice, premises liability accidents, and defective products.
Common Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries vary in type and severity, but they all share one common factor: a profound impact on a person’s life. Some of the most frequently seen catastrophic injuries include:
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations or loss of limb
Severe burns and disfigurement
Organ damage
Multiple fractures or crush injuries
Permanent nerve damage
Vision or hearing loss
Each of these injuries may require long-term medical care, assistive devices, and ongoing rehabilitation. In many cases, victims must adjust to a new way of living while managing chronic pain or physical limitations.
Causes of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries often result from serious accidents involving negligence, recklessness, or unsafe conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Identifying the cause of the injury is critical in building a strong legal claim. A Coral Gables catastrophic injury lawyer can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and determine who may be legally responsible.
The Life-Altering Impact of a Catastrophic Injury
The effects of a catastrophic injury extend far beyond the initial accident. Victims often experience profound physical, emotional, and financial consequences that affect their daily lives and long-term well-being.
Physical Challenges
Many catastrophic injuries lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or permanent disability. Victims may require surgeries, physical therapy, mobility aids, or in-home care. Routine tasks like bathing, dressing, or driving can become difficult or impossible.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
The emotional toll of a catastrophic injury can be significant. Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are common, particularly when victims face sudden life changes or loss of independence.
Financial Strain
Medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages can place enormous financial pressure on families. Some individuals are unable to return to work, resulting in long-term income loss. Future care costs, such as home modifications and assistive devices, must also be considered.
Because these injuries affect every aspect of life, compensation in catastrophic injury cases often includes damages for both current and future needs.
Compensation in Catastrophic Injury Claims
A catastrophic injury claim aims to recover compensation that reflects the full extent of the victim’s losses. Depending on the circumstances, damages may include:
Medical expenses (past and future)
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Long-term care and support services
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Home modifications and assistive equipment
Our team can work with medical professionals, financial experts, and life-care planners to accurately assess the long-term impact of the injury and pursue appropriate compensation.
Here are several frequently asked questions about catastrophic injury claims:
How is a catastrophic injury different from a serious injury?
A catastrophic injury typically results in permanent disability, long-term impairment, or significant life changes. While serious injuries may heal over time, catastrophic injuries often require lifelong care and adaptation.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Florida law generally sets a statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, deadlines vary depending on the circumstances, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible.
What if the injury was partially my fault?
Florida follows a comparative negligence system, meaning compensation may still be available even if the injured person shares some responsibility. The total recovery may be reduced based on the degree of fault.
How much is a catastrophic injury case worth?
Every case is unique. The value depends on factors such as the severity of the injury, medical costs, long-term care needs, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Do I need a lawyer for a catastrophic injury claim?
Because these cases involve complex damages and significant financial stakes, legal representation can be crucial. An attorney can protect your rights, handle negotiations, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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After a catastrophic injury, many families are not sure whether they even have a case. The first step is often a conversation. When you reach out to our firm, we start by listening to what happened, the injuries involved, and what you are facing now. We then walk you through possible legal options in plain language, without pressure.
If you decide to move forward, our team works to handle the legal burden so you can focus on medical care and family. This usually includes gathering medical records, incident reports, photographs, and other available information. We review how the injury occurred, who may be responsible, and what insurance coverage may apply. Our attorneys are familiar with how serious injury cases move through the civil courts that serve Miami-Dade County.
Communication is especially important in catastrophic injury cases, because they often take time. Our goal is to keep you informed with regular updates, answer your questions, and make sure you understand major decisions before they are made. We recognize that many clients are caregivers who are already stretched thin, so we work to make communication efficient and clear.
Cost is a major concern for most families. At Raposo & Lukacs, we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay us upfront. Our fee is collected as a percentage of any recovery we obtain for you, and if there is no recovery, you do not owe a fee for our legal work.
If you are ready to talk with someone who understands the stakes and will take the time to answer your questions, contact us today.
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that won’t flinch. We are aggressive, strategic, and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Our track record speaks for itself—when we take on a case, we fight to win.
When Everything Is on the Line, We Deliver.
High-value cases demand precision, experience, and fearless representation. We take on the toughest legal battles, standing firm against powerful opponents to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Powerful Representation
We don’t handle minor claims—we focus on complex, high-stakes cases where the results matter most. Our firm is built on the principles of aggressive litigation, tactical strategy, and an unwavering commitment to winning.
Your Case. Your Future. Our Mission.
Your legal battle isn’t just another case to us—it’s your future, your financial security, and your peace of mind. We take a personal stake in every case we handle, fighting with determination to deliver the justice and compensation you deserve.
