Personal injury can result from accidents at work, in public, or at home. Determining who is at fault for your injuries is the first step in obtaining the compensation you deserve.
But understanding what compensations you may have coming to you is equally as important. There are a number of compensations that can be made in relation to your injury.
The following will teach you what is compensated in a personal injury case so that you can determine the true value of your case. You’ll be able to obtain a fair compensation and achieve a full recovery from your injuries.
COMPENSATION ESSENTIALS
Personal injury cases involve numerous losses. These include physical injuries and damages to your personal property. Financial damages related to the loss of employment, disability, and wellbeing of your family can also be considered.
These losses are collectively referred to as “damages”, and most personal injury cases involve two primary types of damages: compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages are reimbursed in an effort to compensate for an individual’s loss and suffering. Compensatory damages are considered in cases that involve workplace injuries, automobile accidents, and medical malpractice among others.
Less common are punitive damages, which seek to punish the negligent party in a personal injury case. Compensation for punitive damages is offered regardless of the type or severity of the injuries that a plaintiff sustained.
Instead, punitive damages are applied in relation to the behavior or negligence demonstrated by the defendant.
MEDICAL EXPENSE COMPENSATION
If you’ve sustained an injury due to the negligence or behavior of another party, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical expenses. This includes the cost of any medical care received along with the cost of hospital stays and ongoing physical therapy treatments.
These and other services can be costly, and the severity of your injury will determine the ultimate financial cost of your personal injury. Cases that involve permanent disability can result in significant compensation to cover present and future medical costs.
LOSS OF INCOME
The loss of income resulting from a personal injury must also be considered when determining your just compensation. This includes wages related to lost work, vacation, and sick days to which an employee is entitled.
It can also be applied to those wages lost as a result of having to receive medical care to treat injuries. Permanent loss of wages due to a disability may cause the defendant to pay for the lifetime value of the plaintiff’s employment income.
In some cases, a plaintiff may be able to continue working on a limited basis. Any loss of income incurred can also be included in the compensations made to a plaintiff.
COMPENSATION FOR PAIN AND SUFFERING
The extent of an individual’s injuries will determine the amount of pain and suffering he or she experiences. Compensation for pain and suffering is one of the biggest factors in personal injury cases.
This can also include any emotional pain suffered by an individual. Issues related to psychological distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, and others can support your claim in seeking compensation for pain and suffering.
Documentation from a psychiatric or other health professionals may be required to receive compensation for physical and emotional damages.
WRONGFUL DEATH COMPENSATION
Family members can file claims for the wrongful death of a loved one in a personal injury case.
The negligence of another party can lead to accidents that result in death. These claims can be made by spouses or parents, and the laws related to wrongful death claims can vary between states.
In addition, loss of companionship may be included in compensations to account for the loss of a relationship as a result of the negligence or actions of the defendant.
Obtaining compensation for damages is essential to recovering from your personal injuries. Understanding what is compensated in a personal injury case allows you to seek the financial compensation you deserve.
A skilled attorney can provide you with the resources you need to protect your rights, recover from your injuries, and restore the financial and emotional well being of you and your family.