A personal injury case is a legal dispute that allows an injured person to file a lawsuit seeking damage for losses following an incident or accident. Hundreds of thousands of personal injury claims are filed in the United States each year for various reasons.
Common types of personal injury cases include motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, workplace accident, premises liability, products liability, wrongful death, and more.
In this blog post, we will highlight exactly what you can sue for in a personal injury case.
What Damages Can You Recover?
When you are involved in an accident or an incident that results in injury, you may face medical bills, time off from work, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and damage to private property. Here is a breakdown of the damages available in a personal injury lawsuit.
Medical Expenses
In a personal injury case, the plaintiff will take a case (usually with the help of a personal injury lawyer) against a defendant seeking damages. In most cases, this will include medical expenses, both past, and future. Adaptive medical devices and transportation assistance to attend medical appointments should also be covered.
Lost Wages
Similarly, many people who have suffered a personal injury will require time off from work, potentially for significant amounts of time. A personal injury claim can seek 100% of the wages that you lost. If an individual is unable to work to their previous work, the difference in pay between new and old jobs should be covered.
Pain, Suffering and Emotional Distress
A personal injury claim may also include compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional distress. Many people keep journals following an accident where they can record how much of an impact the accident or incident had on their lives.
In the case of emotional distress, this may include compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and insomnia.
Vehicle Repair Or Replacement
This will be applicable in certain cases, typically motor vehicle accidents. If the accused party damages your vehicle or other property you own, you can obtain financial compensation.
Wrongful Death
With regard to a wrongful death lawsuit, the victim’s family can bring a claim for damages. This claim can seek to recover:
- Lost financial support
- Medical bills
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Funeral expenses
If you have suffered an accident that wasn’t your fault, you need to know who to trust. We recommend finding experienced personal injury lawyers to discuss your options and how to file your claim.
Understanding a Personal Injury Case
A personal injury claim can help you recoup compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of income, property repair/replacement, and pain, suffering, and distress. Speak to a personal injury attorney today if you are considering filing a personal injury claim.
Like this blog post on personal injury cases? Be sure to check out our other interesting articles on the rest of our blog today.