Catastrophic Injuries
Role and Responsibilities Personal Injury Lawyer
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | July 12, 2023 | Catastrophic Injuries
Personal Injury Lawyer
When life takes an unexpected turn and accidents occur, personal injuries can leave victims in physical pain, emotional distress, and facing financial burdens. In these trying times, a personal injury lawyer becomes a beacon of hope, dedicated to seeking justice and fair compensation for those who have suffered harm due to the negligence of others. These legal professionals are not only well-versed in the intricacies of the law but also compassionate advocates who understand the immense impact of personal injuries on their client’s lives.
Role and Responsibilities
Personal injury lawyers specialize in a branch of law that deals with cases where individuals have sustained injuries due to accidents or intentional harm caused by others. Their primary goal is to protect the rights of the injured and ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Personal injury cases encompass a wide range of incidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accidents, and more.
One of the key responsibilities of a personal injury lawyer is to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident thoroughly. They collect evidence, interview witnesses, consult with experts, and examine medical records to build a strong case on behalf of their client. Additionally, they assess the extent of the injuries and damages sustained, calculating both economic and non-economic losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
Advocacy for the Injured
Beyond the legalities, a personal injury lawyer serves as a dedicated advocate for their clients. They understand that the aftermath of an injury can be overwhelming, and clients may feel vulnerable or uncertain about their rights.
Negotiation and Settlement
In many personal injury cases, settlements can be reached without going to trial. Experienced personal injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who engage with insurance companies and opposing counsel to secure a fair settlement for their clients. They aim to reach agreements that encompass the full scope of the injuries and damages suffered, ensuring that their clients are not left bearing the financial burden of someone else’s negligence.
Litigation and Trial Representation
If an acceptable settlement cannot be reached, personal injury lawyers are prepared to take the case to trial. They are well-versed in courtroom procedures and possess the litigation skills necessary to present a compelling case before a judge and jury. Throughout the trial process, the attorney stands by the client, presenting evidence, examining witnesses, and advocating relentlessly for the best possible outcome.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
One aspect that sets personal injury lawyers apart from other legal professionals is their contingency fee arrangement. This means that clients do not pay any upfront fees for legal services. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of the compensation awarded to the client if the case is successful. This fee structure ensures that access to justice is not limited to those with substantial financial means, allowing even the most vulnerable victims to seek legal representation.
In times of distress and uncertainty, a personal injury lawyer plays a crucial role in advocating for justice and ensuring that victims receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives. Through their expertise, compassion, and unwavering dedication, personal injury lawyers become pillars of support for those facing challenging circumstances after an accident or injury. By seeking the guidance of a qualified attorney, victims can rest assured that their rights will be protected, and their pursuit of justice will be in capable hands. Contact a personal injury lawyer today to schedule a risk-free consultation.
Traumatic brain injuries after a car crash
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | April 4, 2023 | Catastrophic Injuries
One of the worst things that could happen to Florida residents is getting into a car accident and suffering injuries. A traumatic brain injury is common after a crash, but it may not always be apparent. This is what to know about this injury and how to deal with it.
Understanding traumatic brain injury
Catastrophic injuries like a traumatic brain injury can develop after a crash when an object penetrates the person’s skull or when they suffer a harsh blow to the head. With a severe wreck, this can happen when glass shatters or objects fly around inside the vehicle or the victim hits their head into the steering wheel, dashboard or airbag.
Unfortunately, the effects of a TBI aren’t always immediate. In some cases, the victim may not realize they’ve suffered an injury until several hours or even days after the accident. This underscores the urgency of seeking medical attention even if you feel fine immediately after the car crash.
Symptoms of a TBI
Depending on the severity of the injury, a TBI can result in various symptoms. A milder concussion often causes dizziness, headaches, fatigue, balance issues, difficulty concentrating, light and sound sensitivity and nausea and vomiting. Some people who sustain mild TBIs don’t lose consciousness, but others do.
For a moderate to severe TBI, symptoms of concussion are often elevated. Additional symptoms include agitation, confusion, seizures, fluid draining from the nose or ears, numbness or weakness in the fingers and toes, exaggerated changes in behavior, speech problems, difficulty waking and coma.
If doctors suspect a TBI, they use the Glasgow Coma Scale to make a diagnosis. This test uses 15 points to determine the person’s level of consciousness and whether the injury is mild, moderate or severe.
Seeking medical attention is crucial after a crash. If you have suffered a TBI, you can get treatment and potentially make a full recovery.
Explaining quadriparesis
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | January 4, 2023 | Catastrophic Injuries
Suffering a catastrophic injury in Florida can lead to many health consequences, some immediate and others long-term. Quadriparesis, also known as tetraparesis, is a condition in which a person suffers weakness in all four limbs. Note that this is different from quadriplegia, in which the body’s limbs are paralyzed.
What causes quadriparesis?
Quadriparesis can be caused by either an issue within the brain or an issue in the spinal cord. Each type of quadriparesis has a different effect and usually has a different origin. A person can be born with the affliction, but it’s also possible to develop quadriparesis later in life. Tumors or lesions on the spinal column can lead to quadriparesis as can catastrophic injuries like a car accident or fall. Neurological disorders like ALS can also cause quadriparesis.
Living with quadriparesis
In some cases, surgery may correct the underlying issue that’s causing quadriparesis or at least improve the symptoms. In the case where legions or tumors are the cause, chemo or radiation therapy may be able to help.
However, in many cases, quadriparesis can only be managed and not cured. In those situations, a person can increase their quality of life with certain devices like a wheelchair or walker. Additional tools designed to help with tasks like bathing, eating and dressing may also be useful. In addition, physical therapy can sometimes increase mobility in joints for those suffering from quadriparesis.
If living with incurable quadriparesis, independent daily function is often very difficult. A person with quadriparesis may require either part-time or full-time care.
Quadriparesis isn’t a well-known affliction, but its impact can be devastating. By affecting all limbs, quadriparesis can make even the simplest of tasks in daily life challenging.
When do injuries become catastrophic?
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | October 4, 2022 | Catastrophic Injuries
Any injury the potential to disrupt your life. A simple slip-and-fall accident in a Florida store might result in a fracture that prevents you from working for a few weeks. But the term “catastrophic injuries” refers to those that have considerable impact.
Understand what makes an injury “catastrophic”
Catastrophic injuries refer to ones that are so severe that you could sustain significant harm. Catastrophic injuries typically result in at least one of these:
- An inability to continue working
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
- In need of ongoing and permanent care
Catastrophic injuries can affect all parts of the body
Not all catastrophic injuries are permanent, but all of them require significant medical treatment. You may need medical treatment for both physical and mental therapy, as well as treatment for pain or to restore the ability to perform daily functions. Common examples of catastrophic injuries include:
- Burns
- Amputation
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Brain injuries
- Organ damage
Catastrophic accidents can occur in a variety of settings
Car accidents cause some of the most severe and life-threatening catastrophic injuries. These types of accidents typically affect the nervous system strongly, making it increasingly difficult to resume your daily activities with the same ease as you did prior to your accident.
Other common causes of catastrophic injuries include:
- Accidents at work
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Sports
- Construction site accidents
- Defective medical treatments
Determining fault for your injury is important
If you sustain a catastrophic injury due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the basis for a personal injury claim. Common parties involved in a personal injury claim for a catastrophic injury include medical providers, employers, and drug manufacturers. Pursuing legal action helps to prevent similar harm from happening to others. It may also help with monetary compensation to replace lost wages and pay for medical bills.
Causes of Florida’s boating collisions and injuries
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | August 4, 2022 | Catastrophic Injuries
Most boating accidents in Florida, or anywhere else, are caused by negligence on the part of the boat’s operator. Speeding, distractions on the water and impaired judgment while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs are common causes. Often, the operator does not notice or react quickly enough to avoid a collision.
Types of collisions
Boats are most likely to collide with other boats, ships, buoys, walls or other objects on Florida’s waters. Most collisions occur while cruising when the operator is not 100% attentive to the surroundings.
Injuries and deaths
The severest injuries include lacerations, losses of limbs, bone fractures and blows to the head. The results are often catastrophic injuries that cause long-term or lifelong problems, such as amputations, paralysis or scarring.
Fatalities occur during moments of sudden impact when one boat collides with another. Some deaths occur due to severe infections, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries or other health conditions that are irrecoverable. In 2020, the FWC released a total count of 79 deaths from hundreds of boating accidents and injuries.
There were 113 more accidents that occurred that year than in 2019. Florida had the highest number of fatalities than a handful of other coastal states, including Texas and California.
Each year, the Coast Guard reports on the total number of boating accidents by state. Additional information includes the main causes of boating accidents. In Florida, the number-one cause is the collision of one boat with another. Each year, hundreds of accidents and injuries are reported with many injuries being severe and catastrophic. In addition, the state has the highest number of boating-related fatalities.
Traumatic brain injuries and car wrecks
On Behalf of The Andres Lopez Law Firm , PA | July 4, 2022 | Catastrophic Injuries
Car accidents might cause more than bruises and soreness. A rear-end collision could cause someone’s head to hit the windshield or steering wheel, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Brain injuries may result from any number of different car crash incidents, including ones in which cars hit pedestrians. Regardless of the specifics, Florida victims who suffer such injuries might deal with significant pain and suffering and numerous financial troubles.
Traumatic brain injuries and accident recovery
Anyone involved in a car accident should visit an emergency room immediately. Even if you don’t feel hurt right away, an examination might reveal a concussion or worse. Imaging tests could show internal damage and bleeding.
Traumatic brain injuries may require extensive medical care to treat. Some accident victims could spend significant time in a coma, putting family members through enormous stress. Those recovering from a brain injury might enroll in long-ranging therapy and post-hospitalization treatment.
Even with successful treatments and rehab, someone suffering from a traumatic brain injury could face many changes in quality of life. Accident victims might suffer diminished motor skills or experience depression. Care for these issues might be costly, and the victim could suffer from greatly diminished earning capabilities.
Legal recourses after suffering a traumatic brain injury
When a reckless driver’s negligence inflicts injuries on a victim, the victim may take civil action. Anyone suffering from traumatic brain injuries or other catastrophic injuries caused by speeding or drunk drivers might sue those responsible.
Not all negligence cases require going to court for a lengthy trial. The defendant may choose to settle or rely on an insurance settlement. Insurance settlements are subject to policy limits, and some plaintiffs might decide to sue beyond those limits.