When you are injured in an accident, you deserve to be compensated for your financial and non-financial damages. The person or the company who caused the accident that resulted in your injuries is accountable and liable for his, her, or its actions. Since the law cannot undo what has happened to you because of the accident, it provides injury victims a way to seek monetary compensation for their losses.
Compensation Available to Injury Victims
Your case is unique; therefore, your damages will be unique. The compensation you receive is based on your actual damages. However, these seven types of compensation are common in most personal injury lawsuits.
Medical Bills – Medical bills are probably the most common damages in a personal injury lawsuit. When another person or a company causes you harm, you are entitled to seek compensation for your medical expenses. This includes past, current, and future medical bills. You can also receive compensation for personal care and long-term medical care.
Loss of Income – This is also a common damage that you can receive compensation for in a personal injury lawsuit. If you missed work due to your injuries from the accident, you are entitled to be reimbursed for that income. However, you may also be entitled to receive compensation for future lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and loss of other monetary compensation such as bonuses. In the event of a wrongful death lawsuit, the family is entitled to be compensated for the income that would have been earned by their deceased loved one.
Property Damage – Property damage is common in car accidents, truck crashes, and motorcycle crashes. You are entitled to receive compensation to repair or replace your vehicle. You may also be entitled to receive compensation for other property that was damaged or lost in the accident.
Funeral Expenses – In a wrongful death lawsuit, the family is entitled to be reimbursed for the funeral, burial, and/or cremation expense incurred by the family.
Physical Pain – Physical pain is a non-economic damage that you are entitled to be compensated for in a personal injury lawsuit. Because physical pain is difficult to value, it helps if you keep a journal noting your pain level as you recover from your injuries.
Emotional Damages – Emotional damages are other non-economic damages that you may claim in a personal injury lawsuit. As with physical pain, emotional damages are difficult to quantify. A journal detailing your mood, frustration, stress, anxiety, and fears as you recover from your injuries is often helpful. You should also note the activities you are unable to perform because you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. Also remember to note how your injuries impact your relationship with others.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses – You may have expenses that you must pay that are related to your injury. For example, travel expenses to and from doctor visits, paying someone to perform household chores, medical supplies, and home renovations (if you are now disabled). You may be entitled to receive reimbursement for these expenses in a personal injury lawsuit.
Maximizing Compensation in Personal Injury Lawsuits
Our NoLA personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling accident claims. Therefore, we understand how to correctly value an injury claim to maximize your recovery. Before you accept a settlement from an insurance company, call our office for a free case evaluation. The insurance company is probably offering you a lower amount to settle your case hoping you will settle without discussing your rights with a New Orleans personal injury attorney.
Call The Olinde Firm Today
Contact our office at (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to schedule a free, no obligation legal consultation with a personal injury attorney.