Orlando Catastrophic Injury Attorney

Advocating for the Seriously Injured in Orlando, FL

Catastrophic injuries are characterized by their severity and the long-lasting, life-altering effects they have on victims. In some cases, catastrophic injuries can cause permanent disabilities, and victims often face significant hurdles in their recovery and long-term quality of life. If you or someone you love suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, contact the Orlando catastrophic injury lawyers at Burnetti, P.A. right away. We can help you understand your rights and work to hold the responsible party accountable for their negligence.

Contact our office today at (407) 258-1181 to schedule a free consultation with our Orlando catastrophic injury attorneys.

What is a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is a severe injury that typically results in long-term or permanent disabilities and functional impairments. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and ongoing care, including rehabilitative therapy, home modifications, and other accommodations.

Some of the most common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Amputations: The loss of a limb or extremity, often due to trauma or surgical necessity.
• Burn injuries: Severe burns can cause extensive damage to skin, tissue, and sometimes internal organs, leading to long-term physical and psychological effects.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): These occur when external forces cause damage to the brain. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain trauma, often resulting in cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments.
• Spinal cord injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, and other neurological impairments. The extent of the disability depends on the location and severity of the injury.
• Paralysis: Paralysis can result from spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or other trauma, leading to the loss of motor function in one or more parts of the body.
• Disfigurement: Severe trauma or burns can cause disfigurement, altering a person's appearance and often resulting in emotional distress and social challenges.
• Multiple bone fractures: Fractures involving multiple bones, particularly those affecting weight-bearing bones or joints, can cause long-term disability and complications.
• Organ damage: Trauma or injury to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs, can lead to significant health complications and may require surgery or ongoing medical treatment.
• Hearing loss: Exposure to loud noises, trauma, or other factors can result in partial or complete hearing loss, affecting communication and quality of life.
• Vision loss: Damage to the eyes or optic nerves can cause partial or complete vision loss, impacting independence and daily functioning.

Many people who suffer catastrophic injuries are unable to return to work and, in some cases, are unable to live independently. They often require full-time care and assistance with their daily needs, which can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing for their families.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed crashes involving cars, motorcycles, or trucks often result in catastrophic trauma. These accidents can cause brain injuries, spinal damage, or amputations, especially in severe collisions.
• Falls: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or slick surfaces can lead to serious head, neck, or back injuries. They're especially dangerous for the elderly and workers in construction or maintenance jobs.
• Workplace Accidents: In industrial and construction environments, heavy machinery and dangerous conditions increase the risk of severe injury. Accidents on the job can lead to amputations, burns, or permanent spinal damage.
• Medical Malpractice: Errors during surgery, childbirth, or diagnosis can result in long-lasting harm, such as brain injury or paralysis. These injuries are often preventable and stem from negligence or oversight by healthcare providers.
• Violence or Assault: Acts of violence, including shootings, stabbings, or beatings, can cause life-altering damage. Victims may suffer from brain trauma, spinal cord injuries, or internal organ damage.
• Sports and Recreational Accidents: High-impact or extreme sports can lead to devastating injuries when safety measures fail. Concussions, spinal injuries, or fractures are common, especially in contact or high-risk activities.
• Fires and Explosions: Fires and blasts can cause severe burns, smoke inhalation, or loss of limbs. These injuries often require long-term hospitalization, rehabilitation, and surgeries.

Long-Term Effects of Catastrophic Injuries

The long-term effects of severe injuries can be the following:

• Physical Effects: Catastrophic injuries often result in permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or limb loss, drastically altering physical capabilities. Many individuals experience chronic pain that persists for years or even a lifetime, requiring long-term management. These physical limitations can make daily activities difficult or impossible without assistance or specialized equipment.
• Cognitive and Neurological Effects: Traumatic brain injuries and similar conditions can impair memory, concentration, and the ability to process information. Individuals may also struggle with speech, language comprehension, and other forms of communication. In some cases, neurological disorders like seizures or post-traumatic epilepsy develop and need constant monitoring and care.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: Living with a catastrophic injury often leads to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and grief over lost abilities. The trauma of the incident can also trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the event was violent or shocking. Emotional distress may intensify due to social isolation and a lack of independence.
• Financial and Lifestyle Impact: The cost of medical care, rehabilitation, equipment, and home modifications can be overwhelming and ongoing. Many people are unable to return to work or must take on new, lower-paying roles, resulting in significant income loss. Additionally, families may need to hire caregivers or reduce working hours to provide care, adding to the financial strain.
• Impact on Families and Relationships: Family members often become primary caregivers, leading to emotional and physical burnout over time. Shifting roles in the household can create stress, especially if children or spouses take on new responsibilities suddenly. These pressures can cause tension or even lead to relationship breakdowns, including separation or divorce.

What Compensation is Available for Catastrophic Injuries?

Victims of catastrophic injuries are often entitled to significant compensation for their economic and non-economic damages. In some cases, they may also be entitled to punitive damages.

Some of the most common types of damages available in a catastrophic injury case include:

• Emergency medical expenses
• Costs of ongoing and future medical treatment
• Lost income and benefits
• Loss of future earnings
• Physical pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional anguish
• Permanent disability and disfigurement
• Loss of quality of life
• Loss of consortium/companionship

How Our Firm Can Help You

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, our team can help. We understand the unique challenges that victims of catastrophic injuries face, and we know how to fight for the maximum compensation you are owed. Our Orlando catastrophic injury attorneys have successfully recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured individuals and their families, and we have a proven track record of success in even the most complex cases.

Get started with a free initial consultation; contact us today at (407) 258-1181.