If you’ve suffered a catastrophic injury at work, you might feel frustrated, unsure, and worried about what comes next. These injuries can leave you with increasing medical bills, lost wages, and long-term challenges. During times like these, having an experienced attorney who understands Florida’s workers’ compensation laws can make a difference.
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we know how hard it is to face the aftermath of a severe work injury. Our catastrophic work injury attorneys in Coral Gables have years of experience helping clients, and we are here to help you fight for your rights. If you suffered an injury on the job, call us today at 305-845-4470 for a free consultation.
Catastrophic Workplace Injury Cases We Handle
Catastrophic work injuries aren’t like minor accidents – they can leave you facing lifelong challenges, ongoing medical care, and significant changes to your everyday life. We’re here to help with all types of severe workplace injury cases, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Workplace accidents – like falls or machinery malfunctions – can cause traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that impact memory, thinking, and even your personality. These changes can make it harder to work, enjoy everyday life, or just feel like yourself. Recovery often means long-term care, rehab, and adjustments that affect you and your family.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal injuries can result from falls, equipment malfunctions, or being struck by heavy objects. Depending on the severity, these injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis, requiring ongoing care and rehabilitation. Paralysis can lead to significant life changes, from the inability to return to work to the need for home modifications and assistive devices.
Amputations and Loss of Limbs
Machinery accidents, like incidents with power tools or forklifts, can cause severe injuries that lead to amputations. Losing a limb doesn’t just impact your ability to work. It can make everyday tasks more difficult and affect your independence. Prosthetics, physical therapy, and emotional support often become a long-term part of life after this kind of injury.
Severe Burns
Electrical, chemical, and thermal burns are common in specific industries, like construction and manufacturing. Severe burns can cause lasting pain, disfigurement, and infection, often requiring multiple surgeries and skin grafts. The emotional trauma from burn injuries can also have a lasting impact, especially when disfigurement is involved.
Crush Injuries
Crush injuries happen when someone gets caught between heavy objects, like equipment or materials. These injuries can cause severe damage to muscles, nerves, and bones and sometimes lead to permanent disabilities. Complications like compartment syndrome can also develop, which may require emergency surgery and long-term care.
Occupational Diseases
Sudden accidents do not cause catastrophic work-related injuries but develop over time due to toxic exposure. Conditions like mesothelioma, lung disease, and certain cancers can result from prolonged exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. These illnesses can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and may take years to diagnose, making legal action more complicated.
Falls from Heights
Construction, maintenance, and telecommunications workers often work at dangerous heights. Falls from ladders, scaffolds, or rooftops can cause serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or head trauma. These accidents happen when employers don’t provide the proper safety equipment or training.
Workplace Injury Statistics
Work-related injuries are more common than you might think. In one recent year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 2.6 million workplace injuries and illnesses. Florida alone reported over 200,000 workplace injuries, many of which occurred in construction, transportation, and manufacturing, along with 307 workplace deaths.
Our Approach to Catastrophic Work Injury Cases
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we handle catastrophic work injury cases with a strategic, results-driven approach. Here’s how we’ll manage your case:
- Looking Into What Happened – We’ll take a deep dive into the details of your injury, gather solid evidence, and figure out who’s responsible.
- Breaking Down the Costs – Our team will work with medical experts to get a clear picture of your expenses – everything from treatment and lost wages to possible vocational training.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies – We’ll handle the back-and-forth with insurers and push for compensation that actually reflects the full impact of your injury.
- Taking It to Court if Needed – If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, we’ll be ready to take your case to court and fight for what you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions about Catastrophic Work Injuries
If you have questions about your claim, reach out to Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia for the answers. In the meantime, here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about catastrophic work injury claims:
How much is my case worth?
The value of your case depends on a few important factors, like how serious your injuries are, the cost of your medical care, lost wages, and any long-term effects. We’ll review the details and give you a better idea of what your claim might be worth. We’ll look at everything – medical bills, rehab costs, lost income, changes in your earning potential, and the emotional toll the injury has had on your life.
Why should I seek compensation?
Pursuing compensation after a catastrophic work injury can help you manage medical bills, rehab costs, lost wages, and other expenses tied to your injury. It can also give you some financial stability as you adjust to life after the accident. Taking legal action doesn’t just help you – it can also hold negligent employers accountable and push for better safety practices to protect other workers.
Why should I choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia?
Our attorneys have years of experience handling tough work injury cases in Coral Gables and across Florida. We’re dedicated to giving you straightforward, compassionate support while fighting hard for the best possible outcome. Our history of successful results shows just how committed we are to helping our clients move forward.
What if my employer denies my claim?
Sometimes, employers and insurance companies deny legitimate workers’ compensation claims. If that happens, we can help. We’ll work with you to gather more evidence, file an appeal, and present a strong case. We know the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying what they should, and we’re ready to push back to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Florida, you have 30 days to report an injury to your employer and two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, exceptions and nuances exist, so contacting an attorney as soon as possible is best to avoid missing critical deadlines. The sooner you act, the easier it will be to collect evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case.
What should I do immediately after a workplace injury?
After a workplace injury, your first step should be to get checked out by a doctor, even if you feel okay. Next, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. Document the details – take photos, gather witness statements, and save copies of your medical records. Once you’ve done that, contact an attorney at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia for help with the next steps.
Contact a Coral Gables Attorney to Discuss Your Catastrophic Work Injury Claim
A catastrophic work injury can change your life in an instant, leaving you with medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty about what comes next. You shouldn’t have to go through it alone. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you fight for the compensation you need to move forward.
Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Call us today at 305-845-4470 or reach out online for a free consultation. We’re ready to stand by your side and help you take control of your future.
