Tampa Catastrophic Injury Lawyers | Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore

How Wagner’s Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Fight For You

Catastrophic injury cases are often high stakes, involving extensive damages, complex liability issues, and pushback from powerful insurance companies. Having a knowledgeable attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

At Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we bring decades of experience, a reputation for trial excellence, and a deep commitment to our clients. Here’s how we help:

Conduct a Comprehensive Investigation

We immediately begin gathering critical evidence, including accident reports, medical evaluations, expert witness input, and any available video footage. We also consult with life care planners and economists to understand the long-term impact of your injuries.

Determine Liability and Fault

Catastrophic injuries often result from negligent behavior—reckless drivers, unsafe workplaces, defective products, or dangerous property conditions. We carefully examine who is responsible, including individuals, corporations, or multiple parties, and hold them accountable.

Protect You from Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies are known to downplay catastrophic injury claims to save money. We recognize these strategies and apply our deep understanding of the bad faith doctrine to hold insurers accountable. We handle all communication, push back on low offers, and fight aggressively for the full value of your claim, so you can focus on your recovery.

Build a Case for Long-Term Compensation

We work with medical experts, vocational professionals, and care planners to demonstrate how your injuries will affect your future. From the inability to return to work to needing lifelong care, we document everything to support your claim for damages.

Trial-Ready Advocacy

We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. Our firm has earned a reputation for excellence in the courtroom, and we’ll be ready to fight for you.

What Counts as a Catastrophic Injury?

A catastrophic injury is typically one that permanently prevents a person from performing any gainful work or significantly alters their ability to live independently. These injuries often require long-term or lifelong care.

Some examples of catastrophic injuries include:

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Severe burns or disfigurement
Amputations or loss of limb function
Multiple complex fractures
Internal organ damage
Permanent vision or hearing loss

These injuries don’t just lead to physical limitations—they also carry emotional, psychological, and financial consequences that must be factored into any legal claim.

Areas We Serve

Although we’re based in Tampa, our reputation for succeeding in complex cases leads us to practice statewide, serving cities including:

Clearwater
St. Petersburg
Ft. Lauderdale
Bradenton
Key West
Brandon
Orlando
Sarasota
Boca Raton
Lakeland
Naples
Fort Myers
Cape Coral
Miami
West Palm Beach
Jacksonville

Common Causes of Catastrophic Injuries in Florida

Catastrophic injuries can happen anywhere, often in everyday situations. Our firm has handled complex injury cases across a wide range of causes:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

High-speed collisions, truck accidents, and motorcycle crashes are among the most common causes of catastrophic injuries. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also vulnerable to life-changing harm when struck by a vehicle.

Workplace and Construction Accidents

Unsafe working conditions, defective equipment, and a lack of safety protocols can lead to devastating injuries on the job, especially in industries like construction, transportation, and manufacturing.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can occur in many ways. Surgical errors, failure to diagnose severe conditions, anesthesia mistakes, and improper treatment can cause irreversible harm. We hold negligent medical providers accountable for catastrophic outcomes.

Defective Products

When products malfunction or fail due to design or manufacturing flaws, such as faulty auto parts, appliances, or medical devices, they can cause severe injury. A product liability lawyer will pursue claims against the companies responsible.

Dangerous Property Conditions

Slip and falls from height, structural failures, or negligent security incidents can all lead to catastrophic injuries, particularly when property owners fail to maintain a safe environment.

No matter the cause, our team is equipped to uncover the whole picture, determine liability, and advocate for the maximum recovery available under Florida law.

Damages Available in Catastrophic Injury Claims

Because catastrophic injuries often involve long-term or permanent impairment, compensation must cover both immediate losses and future needs. At Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we pursue a full spectrum of damages:

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses resulting from the injury, such as:

Emergency medical expenses and hospital bills
Surgeries, rehabilitation, and therapy
In-home nursing care and medical equipment
Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
Modifications to your home or vehicle

Non-Economic Damages

These damages reflect the personal and emotional costs of your injuries, which may include:

Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of companionship or consortium

In some cases, punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault party’s conduct was especially reckless or egregious.

How Long Do I Have to File a Catastrophic Injury Claim?

Florida law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including catastrophic injuries. That means you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit.

However, certain circumstances—such as injuries involving government entities or delayed discovery of harm—may affect this timeline. To avoid missing your chance at compensation, it’s best to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

When a Personal Injury Becomes Catastrophic – Call WML

Yes. Catastrophic injury claims are some of the most complex and high-value personal injury cases. Insurance companies often resist paying full compensation, especially when lifelong care, future lost wages, or profound suffering are involved.

An experienced catastrophic injury attorney can:

Gather the right medical and expert evidence
Accurately calculate current and future damages
Handle negotiations and trial preparation
Ensure you don’t miss deadlines or make costly mistakes

With Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, you don’t face this alone—we guide you every step of the way and fight relentlessly for the justice you deserve.

Tampa Catastrophic Injury Lawyers Ready to Fight for You

Your life has been turned upside down—but you don’t have to face the aftermath on your own. At Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we provide unwavering legal support for catastrophic injury victims across Florida.

We take the time to listen to your story, explain your options, and pursue every avenue for maximum compensation. Whether through settlement or trial, we’re ready to fight for what you’re owed.

Contact us online today to schedule your free consultation. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery and your future.

We're Available — Call Today

813-225-4000 Online Form