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Following a catastrophic injury, it may seem that there is no real recourse an individual can take. In fact, it may seem that the situation is hopeless especially if the injured party is incapacitated and incapable of contacting legal counsel themselves.
However, if someone you love has sustained an injury, there are legal actions you can take. If a loved one, has sustained a catastrophic injury, you can retain the services of a Boynton Beach catastrophic injury lawyer. A capable personal injury lawyer can advocate for the injured party and assure that their rights are respected.
A catastrophic injury, in a medical malpractice case, is defined a little differently than a non-medical malpractice case. In a medical malpractice case, Florida statute defines a catastrophic injury as:
All of those are considered a catastrophic injury under Florida law. Catastrophic injuries differ from personal injuries because catastrophic injuries are long-term and often permanent, whereas other injuries heal over time.
If a person is unable to maintain gainful employment because of their injury, there is a strong argument that the injury is catastrophic. In the context of a workers’ compensation case, if a person’s injury is deemed catastrophic or they are unable to maintain gainful employment, they may be entitled to permanent, total disability payments.
If a loved one lacks the capacity to hire a lawyer, a family member may contact an attorney on their behalf as Guardian or next friend. The rules regulating the Florida Bar have specific rules for lawyers to follow regarding disabled clients.
Florida Rules of Professional Conduct state that when a client’s ability to make adequately considered decisions in connection with representation is impaired, whether because of minority, mental disability or for some other reason, the lawyer shall, as far as reasonably possible, maintain a normal client-lawyer relationship with the client. The lawyer may seek the appointment of a guardian or take other protective action with respect to a client when a lawyer reasonably believes that the client cannot adequately act on the client’s own interest.
If a legal representative has been appointed to that client, the Boynton Beach catastrophic injury lawyer should ordinarily look to the representative for decisions on behalf of the client. If the legal representative has not been appointed, the lawyer should seek such an appointment where it would serve the client’s best interest.
A family member of an injured or incapacitated person may be entitled to be appointed as a Guardian to make legal decisions on behalf of that person. If a family member contacts a Boynton Beach catastrophic injury lawyer on behalf of an incapacitated person who was injured, the lawyer has to assess whether they believe an appointment of Guardian would serve their client’s best interest for the Florida Rules of Professional Conduct discussed above.
If a person is unexpectedly injured and becomes incapacitated, the first question is whether that person has executed a Power of Attorney which designates someone to act on their behalf. If there is no duly executed Power of Attorney, the next step is to have someone designated as Conservator or Guardian to the incapacitated person through the circuit court of the county where the incapacitated person resides.
Incapacitation can be permanent or temporary. There is no hard line that defines incapacitation. It will be the lawyer’s judgment call whether to have a Guardian appointed for someone who they believe is incapacitated. An incapacitated person means a person who has been judicially determined to lack the capacity and ability to manage some of their property or to meet at least some of the essential health and safety requirements of the person.
In instances where an individual has sustained a catastrophic injury, it is important to work with someone who has experience working with incapacitated individuals, and who will be able to help the individual’s Guardian make informed decisions with regards to the care of the individual. An adept lawyer can fight on behalf of the incapacitated party, in order to make sure that their rights are protected and that responsible parties are held accountable. If you or someone you know has sustained a catastrophic injury, get in touch with a Boynton Beach catastrophic injury lawyer.
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Average rating: 4.9
Love this firm!
I am extremely impressed with the service provided by team at Kogan and Disalvo. Jenn remained in constant contact with me during my case. She answered all my questions and was always quick to respond. My lawyer Jay was always professional and explained every step of the case. He always provided updates to my case. I’m extremely happy with this firm and would highly recommend them.
I hired Kogan & DiSalvo after an auto accident involving a tractor trailer. Honestly, I was dreading having to deal with a law office, but my attorney, Todd Baker, and his staff immediately put me at ease with their professionalism, compassion and expertise. The whole legal process was easier than I had expected, and Todd did a stellar job in negotiating a settlement in my case. I am very happy that I chose Kogan & DiSalvo to represent me. Thanks again!
Samantha is amazing. This is the first time I have ever been in a accident and she took her time and walk me through the process. Forever thankful. I would recommend them to everybody!!!!
Great at communication and worked really well with me through the entire process! I thought they did a great job and strongly recommend working with them for your personal injury needs!
It was a great experience. I appreciate everything you all did for me.
Exceptional service. Always return my calls quickly. Always answered all my questions. We negotiated a deal . we did not take the first two offers. We finally got a number that we deserved. He fought hard but got me what we needed.
I feel you are on top of my case thanks.
(Translated by Google) I received very good advice. Excellent attention.
(Original)
Recibí muy buena asesoría. Excelente atención.
They did everything for me! It’s was easy and convenient.
The legal support staff was always helpful to answer my questions regarding the status of my case, or would research my question and respond to my inquiries in a timely fashion,either by text or phone . I received documents by mail timely.
I just wanted to say Thank you to Dan, Lauren and the Kogan and Disalvo staff. Dan was on top of my case from day one. If I had any question at any time of day he would answer. They never asked me for a dollar which was great for me. I would recommend them to everyone. Thank you again. I hope I never need you again, but if I do I would not hesitate to call Dan again. Thank you so much.
Thank you for being there.
Professional team that made me feel like a priority.
Todd Baker and the whole staff macy and sam were the best. They were very professional and very proficient at taking care of my case. I would absolutely recommend Kogan and Disalvo!
This firm has did an amazing job
In the beginning of my case Amanda and Rachael took my information about my accident. They called me when needing more information regarding my case, found me the proper medical doctors for treatment, and followed up with my progress or other issues that occurred regarding my injuries. Later I was introduced to George Bakalaar who handled the rest of my case. I believe George, Macy, and Victoria were dedicated in helping me get the settlement I deserved.
The Absolute Best Personal Injury Attorneys Out There They Will Fight For You To Get What You Deserve And Will Take The Case To Trial If You Don’t Like What The Insurance Companies Are Trying To Settle The Case For These Are Honest Lawyers Who Say We Work For You I Had A Great Experience Me And My Mother Auto Accident The Best Lawyers In South Florida Hands Down!!!
I had a wonderful experience working with this team especially Mia, Amanda and Rick. They were very communicative and worked great together in getting the best outcome for me. Definitely a good camaraderie. I highly recommend Kogan and Disalvo team to everyone, they are supper professional and beneficial ! GREAT TEAM!
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