Fowkes & Hasanbasic represents people whose injuries permanently change their health, independence, ability to work, or need for care. Catastrophic-injury cases require more than documenting immediate medical bills. The claim must address future treatment, long-term limitations, lost earning capacity, necessary assistance, and the effect of the injury over a lifetime.
Reviewed for legal accuracy by Ryan C. Hasanbasic, Florida Bar No. 44119 | Updated August 28, 2026
Personal Injury › Catastrophic Injuries
Contents
What Is a Catastrophic Injury?
“Catastrophic injury” generally describes a severe injury that causes permanent impairment, major functional limitations, or a long-term need for medical treatment and assistance. It is not a separate cause of action. Responsibility still depends on the negligent or wrongful conduct that caused the injury.
Examples of Catastrophic Injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal-cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations and loss of limb function
- Severe burns and disfigurement
- Multiple fractures or orthopedic injuries requiring extensive surgery
- Organ damage and other life-altering internal injuries
- Permanent neurological, cognitive, or mobility impairments
Accidents That Can Cause Life-Altering Injuries
Catastrophic injuries may result from commercial-truck crashes, car accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian or bicycle collisions, falls, unsafe property conditions, and defective equipment.
How Future Losses Are Evaluated
A serious-injury claim may require medical specialists, life-care planners, vocational experts, economists, rehabilitation professionals, and other qualified witnesses. Their work may address the expected course of treatment, therapy, medication, equipment, home modifications, attendant care, reduced work capacity, and the present value of future losses.
Evidence That Should Be Preserved
The liability evidence depends on how the injury occurred and may include photographs, video, electronic vehicle data, corporate records, inspection and maintenance materials, witness statements, and physical evidence. Damages evidence may include imaging, operative reports, rehabilitation records, employment history, tax and wage records, photographs documenting recovery, and testimony from family members and treating providers.
What Compensation May Be Available?
Depending on the evidence, damages may include past and future medical expenses, rehabilitation and care costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. A spouse may have a related claim in appropriate circumstances.
Florida Catastrophic-Injury Questions
Why should future medical needs be evaluated before settlement?
A settlement generally resolves the claim permanently. If future surgeries, therapy, equipment, medication, or assistance are reasonably expected, those needs should be evaluated before the claim is resolved.
What if the injured person cannot return to the same career?
The claim may include diminished earning capacity in addition to wages already lost. Work history, education, restrictions, alternative employment, and expert analysis may help establish that loss.
Can family members explain how the injury changed daily life?
Yes. Family members and others with firsthand knowledge can provide important evidence about mobility, cognition, pain, independence, household responsibilities, relationships, and activities the injured person can no longer perform.
How Long Do You Have to Bring a Claim?
The deadline depends on the legal theory, incident date, and defendants involved. Many recent Florida negligence claims are subject to a two-year limitations period, but specialized rules and shorter notice requirements may apply. Early investigation also helps preserve evidence and document the progression of the injury.
Life-altering harm may result from an unsafe property condition addressed through a premises-liability claim. If an injury proves fatal, Florida’s wrongful-death law determines who brings the claim and which damages may be available.
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Contact Fowkes & Hasanbasic to discuss what happened, the available evidence, and the legal options that may apply.