Jacksonville Catastrophic Injury Lawyer

Serious Injuries Demand Serious Representation

Catastrophic injuries have life-altering consequences, not only for the affected individuals but also for their families. These injuries often result in permanent disabilities, ongoing medical care, and substantial financial burdens.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we’re dedicated to helping seriously injured victims and their families in the fight for justice. Comprised of award-winning attorneys and Florida Bar Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists (Tom Edwards and Eric Ragatz), we have what it takes to handle high-stakes catastrophic injury claims and position clients for success against powerful insurance companies that want to pay as little as possible. 

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. has secured record recoveries and millions of dollars in compensation for the seriously injured. Learn how we can help you when you call (904) 295-1050 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is any injury that results in long-term or permanent disability, disfigurement, or a significant reduction in the quality of life. These injuries typically require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and may leave the victim unable to work or lead a normal life.

Common types of catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Severe brain injuries can impair cognitive function, memory, and motor skills, often leading to permanent disability.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or full paralysis, affecting mobility and bodily function.
• Amputations: The loss of limbs not only impacts physical abilities but often requires costly prosthetics and lifelong adjustments.
• Severe Burns: Burn injuries can cause permanent scarring, disfigurement, and nerve damage, often requiring multiple surgeries.
• Multiple Fractures: Serious bone fractures can result in chronic pain, limited mobility, and long-term health complications.
• Organ Damage: Damage to vital organs can lead to lifelong health challenges or the need for transplants.
• Hearing/Vision Loss: These sensory impairments can dramatically alter an individual’s ability to function in everyday life.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, it's essential to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. Our firm is experienced in handling these complex cases and can help you navigate the legal process.

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries

Catastrophic injuries can result from a wide range of accidents and incidents, many of which are preventable. The most common causes of catastrophic injuries include:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Car, truck, and motorcycle accidents are leading causes of catastrophic injuries, particularly when high speeds or large vehicles are involved.
• Medical Malpractice: Mistakes during surgery, anesthesia errors, and misdiagnoses can cause severe, irreversible harm.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction site accidents, falls, and equipment malfunctions can lead to life-altering injuries.
• Product Defects: Defective products, from medical devices to automobiles, can result in devastating injuries if they malfunction or are improperly designed.
• Slip and Falls: A fall from a significant height or a violent fall can cause permanent injury, especially when a property owner fails to maintain a safe environment.
• Boating and Recreational Accidents: Accidents on the water, whether from boating or swimming, can result in serious injuries like drowning or spinal cord damage.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Catastrophic Injury Case?

Determining liability is a crucial part of any catastrophic injury case. Liability can extend to multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the injury, including:

• Drivers or Employers: In motor vehicle accidents, the driver or their employer may be held responsible if negligence, reckless driving, or company policies contributed to the accident.
• Property Owners: If unsafe conditions on someone’s property caused a slip and fall or another accident, the property owner could be held liable under premises liability laws.
• Product Manufacturers: In cases involving defective products, the product’s manufacturer or distributor may be held responsible for the injury.
• Medical Professionals: In medical malpractice cases, doctors, nurses, or the hospital itself can be liable if negligence during care led to a catastrophic injury.
• Employers: In workplace accidents, an employer may be liable if they failed to provide safe working conditions or did not follow OSHA regulations.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we have the experience and resources to identify all liable parties in your case, ensuring that you pursue the full compensation you deserve.

Compensation in Catastrophic Injury Cases

Victims of catastrophic injuries are entitled to seek compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: This includes past, current, and future medical costs such as surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and assistive devices.
• Lost income and future earnings: If your injury prevents you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages as well as diminished earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury.
• Disfigurement or disability: Damages for permanent disability, disfigurement, or the loss of bodily functions.
• Home modifications and assistive care: If your injury requires modifications to your home or ongoing care, these costs can be included in your compensation.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the reduced quality of life due to the injury, including loss of independence and inability to participate in activities.

Why Are Catastrophic Injury Claims So Challenging?

Catastrophic injury claims are inherently more complex than typical personal injury cases, not only because of the severity of the injuries but also due to the high stakes involved. These cases often involve substantial compensation, and both insurers and defendants will go to great lengths to minimize payouts. Here are a few reasons why these cases can be especially difficult:

• High-Value Compensation: Catastrophic injuries require extensive medical treatment, ongoing care, and significant financial recovery to cover lost income and future expenses. Because these cases often involve such high-value compensation, insurance companies and defense teams aggressively fight claims to limit their liability.
• Proving Long-Term Consequences: Demonstrating the full impact of a catastrophic injury requires not only medical records but also expert testimony, economic projections, and sometimes even life care plans. Establishing the long-term effects of an injury, such as future medical expenses or the loss of earning capacity, requires a comprehensive understanding of both medical and legal issues.
• Multiple Liable Parties: In many catastrophic injury cases, there may be multiple parties responsible for the injury, including employers, product manufacturers, property owners, or even medical professionals. Identifying and pursuing all responsible parties is critical to maximizing your recovery, but it also requires detailed investigation and legal strategy.
• Complex Insurance Issues: Catastrophic injuries often involve multiple insurance policies, including health insurance, workers’ compensation, auto insurance, or liability coverage. Navigating these policies and negotiating fair compensation from insurers who are eager to underpay can be overwhelming without experienced legal representation.

How Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. Can Help

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we specialize in handling complex, high-stakes catastrophic injury claims. Our team of experienced attorneys understands the unique challenges these cases present and has the resources, experience, and strategic approach necessary to tackle them head-on.

• Proven Track Record: With over 150 years of combined experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered for our clients, we have a proven track record of success in complex injury claims.
• Comprehensive Case Investigation: We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case. From consulting with top medical experts to reconstructing accidents and identifying all liable parties, we build a strong, evidence-based case for maximum compensation.
• Aggressive Representation: We are skilled negotiators and aggressive litigators who know how to take on powerful insurance companies and corporate defendants. Our goal is to secure the full and fair compensation you deserve, even if it means going to trial.
• Compassionate Client Support: We understand the emotional and financial toll catastrophic injuries can take on victims and their families. Throughout the legal process, we offer compassionate support and clear communication to help you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

Record Results for Injured Victims & Families

Backed by over 150 years of collective experience, our top-rated trial attorneys have successfully resolved thousands of cases for victims and families harmed by negligence. This includes cases that have produced record-setting recoveries and hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements. 

Some examples of our results:

• $228 Million – One of the largest injury judgments in Florida history.
• $178 Million – Record-Setting medical malpractice verdict out of Duval County.
• $23 Million – Medical malpractice recovery over hospital negligence.
• $11 Million – Recovery against an apartment complex due to negligent security. 
• $9 Million – Trial verdict against a Florida bank. 

Click here to see more of our results.

Catastrophic Injury FAQ 

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Catastrophic Injury Case in Florida?

The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Florida is four years. However, for medical malpractice claims, you generally have two years from the date of the injury or discovery of the injury to file a lawsuit. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing important deadlines.

What Role Does Insurance Play in a Catastrophic Injury Case?

Insurance coverage plays a significant role in catastrophic injury cases, as the medical costs and damages can be immense. However, insurers often attempt to undervalue or deny claims. Our legal team can negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Was Partially at Fault?

Yes. Florida’s comparative fault system allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%.

Call for a FREE Consultation: (904) 295-1050

Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. is a Best Law Firms® Tier 1-rated personal injury firm with a reputation for taking on the toughest cases. If someone else’s negligence caused you or a loved one to suffer a life-changing injury, we’re the team to trust. 

Our Jacksonville catastrophic injury attorneys serve clients across Duval County and beyond and handle cases on contingency, which means we charge no up-front fees and don’t collect a fee unless we win. Learn more by calling (904) 295-1050.