Accidents can be unprecedented events that result in property loss and bodily harm. Therefore, it is only fair that the at-fault party offer compensation for the physical pain, suffering, and economic losses incurred by the victims.
Understanding the different types of compensation you can receive from an accident is imperative. Filing a personal injury claim requires adequate knowledge of the intricate case details for success. In case you are unfamiliar with the different types of reimbursements you can get, below is a list explaining each.
Compensation for Economic Expenses
This is offered to help repay the money lost or spent on the injuries.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses account for most of the resources spent by accident victims. While seeking treatment, much is spent on ambulance rides, doctor appointments, prescribed medicine, surgery, assistive aids, physical therapy, travel expenses, and home care. Hence, it is expected that most people seek reimbursements for these expenses.
It is advisable to file for compensation after fully recovering or receiving a prognosis from your doctor on expected future medical expenses. By doing this, you are ensuring that the money offered will pay for not only present and past medical costs but also future costs.
Lost Wages
One of the most significant effects of an accident is how it impairs one from engaging in income-generating activities. Fortunately, you can receive money for past, and future wages lost as you continue to recover. Additionally, you can receive compensation for commissions, bonuses, promotions, and vacation time that you would have received had you not been injured.
Property Damage
With each accident, it is almost certain that some amount of property will be damaged. You are entitled to reimbursements to help repair or buy the damaged goods. This includes damage to your vehicle, devices, and any other property in your possession.
Wrongful Death
This is a claim made by the remaining relatives of a person who died in accidents or acts of negligence. Living family members receive compensation for funeral, burial, and medical expenses. In addition, they may also receive compensation for lost wages, lost inheritance, and loss of companionship and consortium by a loved one.
Compensation for Punitive Damages
In some cases, the court or jury may punish the at-fault party if they discover that the accident was caused by negligence. This payment is known as punitive damages, but is rarely awarded in personal injury claims.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Fortunately, the compensation offered is not limited to physical or tangible aspects. You can ask for compensation for the accident’s pain, suffering, and emotional trauma.
However, this could be particularly difficult as you may lack evidence to support your claims. You may need to hire a lawyer to help calculate the amount you should receive for the trauma.
You could also seek compensation for difficulty adapting to your new lifestyle if you sustained life-changing injuries. Finally, you can receive payment for losing your ability to spend and enjoy time with your family.
Final Thoughts
Accidents occur unexpectedly and, sometimes, could change your life forever. It may be challenging to cope with increasing medical bills, loss of employment, and trauma associated with the accident. Luckily, the law requires the persons at fault for your accident to offer compensation for your losses.
Unfortunately, personal injury lawsuits are often complicated and take a lot of time to be settled. “Hiring a personal injury lawyer may help with managing complicated legal proceedings as these lawyers are more knowledgeable in this subject matter,” says lawyer Jon Ostroff from Ostroff Injury Law. A qualified lawyer will represent you in court and help you calculate your damages.