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Catastrophic Injury

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A spinal cord injury from a collision. A traumatic brain injury after a fall. One moment can change everything, and now your life, independence, and future hang in the balance. At Souder Law, we understand the devastating toll a catastrophic injury takes, and we fight like hell to make it right. With relentless advocacy and a proven track record of high-value recoveries, we pursue the full compensation you deserve. We don’t settle for less. Neither should you.

What is a catastrophic injury?

Every year, thousands of Floridians suffer catastrophic injuries that change their lives forever. Motor vehicle accidents alone result in over 250,000 injuries annually in Florida, with many victims facing long-term disability. Catastrophic injuries are a leading cause of hospitalization and death, especially among working-age adults.

A catastrophic injury is one that causes permanent loss of function, disfigurement, or disability. These impact your ability to earn a living, care for yourself, or live independently. Some of the common examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, and major organ damage. The effects are not just physical; they often require ongoing medical care, assistive devices, home modifications, and emotional support for both the victim and their family.

Common causes of catastrophic injuries:

  • Motor vehicle collisions involving cars, trucks, or motorcycles
  • Pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a moving vehicle
  • Falls from height on construction sites or unsafe properties
  • Medical negligence during surgery, childbirth, or diagnosis
  • Fires, explosions, or electrical accidents causing severe burns
  • Defective machinery or dangerous consumer products
  • Physical assault, shootings, or other violent acts
  • Diving accidents or water-related trauma
  • Accidents involving heavy equipment or industrial machinery
  • Structural collapses in buildings, garages, or scaffolding

Types of catastrophic injury cases we handle

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)

A TBI can disrupt your ability to think, speak, remember, or move. Even “mild” TBIs can lead to long-term cognitive and emotional issues. Severe TBIs often require lifelong care. At Souder Law, we work closely with medical experts to prove the full impact of your brain injury and secure compensation for future care, therapy, and lost earning potential.

Spinal cord injuries

Spinal trauma can result in partial or total paralysis, chronic pain, and significant mobility limitations. Whether caused by a car accident, fall, or workplace hazard, these injuries often require surgery, rehab, and adaptive equipment. Our personal injury attorneys know how to present the long-term costs of these injuries and fight to hold negligent parties accountable.

Burn injuries

Third-degree burns can lead to nerve damage, disfigurement, infection, and trauma. Victims of burn injuries often undergo multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long recoveries. We understand the physical and emotional toll of serious burns and build compelling cases that reflect every layer of suffering and financial need, both now and in the future.

Amputations

The loss of a limb is a catastrophic trauma that affects every aspect of a person’s life, from earning a living to performing everyday tasks. Amputation cases require compensation not just for the initial injury, but also for future prosthetics, physical therapy, and psychological recovery. At Souder Law, we build strong cases that reflect the true cost of such permanent loss.

Damages available in a catastrophic injury

In a catastrophic injury case, identifying every liable party is crucial. These injuries often involve complex accident scenes, multiple defendants, and long-term consequences that go far beyond initial medical bills. Whether it’s a negligent driver, employer, property owner, or manufacturer, holding all responsible parties accountable can increase the financial recovery available to you. At Souder Law, we conduct aggressive investigations to uncover every source of liability and fight to ensure no dollar is left on the table.

Depending on your case, you may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Permanent disability or disfigurement
  • Cost of long-term care or in-home assistance
  • Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
  • Prosthetics, mobility aids, and home modifications
  • Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or misconduct)

Steps to take immediately after a catastrophic injury:

  • Seek emergency medical attention and stabilize your condition
  • Report the incident to the proper authorities (police, employer, etc.)
  • Document the scene with photos, videos, and witness information
  • Preserve all evidence, including clothing, equipment, or damaged property
  • Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies without legal counsel
  • Keep detailed records of medical treatments, diagnoses, and expenses
  • Contact a catastrophic injury attorney at Souder Law as soon as possible
  • Follow all medical advice and attend scheduled appointments
  • Refrain from posting about the incident on social media
  • Begin planning for long-term care needs and financial impact with your legal team

Find out what your case is worth (at no cost)

Souder Law is a relentless advocate for catastrophic injury victims across Jupiter, Palm Beach County, and the entire Treasure Coast. We’ve recovered millions for clients facing life-changing injuries, and we do it with aggressive, experienced trial representation. We work on contingency, so it costs you nothing to pursue justice. If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, don’t wait to seek the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review and find out what your case may be worth.

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