When you have been injured in a personal injury case, you may expect the at-fault party to compensate you for your damages, which may include medical expenses, lost pay during recovery, or pain & suffering. Before you can establish liability and recover damages, however, you need to have a general idea of what your case is worth. Furthermore, you need to provide evidence that the accident is what led to your damages.
This is why clients often turn to a law firm for help. A personal injury attorney in Birmingham, AL can investigate the accident, gather evidence of fault and liability, and represent you when it’s time to submit your claim to the insurance company. They can explore the details of the case to determine the extent of your losses.
Let’s take a closer look below at what you may be able to claim as a loss in a personal injury case.
Types of Compensation in a Personal Injury Case
Common compensatory damages in a personal injury case include:
Medical Expenses
Whether you have been involved in an auto accident or slipped and fell while on someone’s property, an accident can cause a variety of injuries with the potential to leave you permanently disabled or disfigured. As a result, you may incur high medical expenses such as:
- ER Visits
- ICU or surgical procedures
- Medical devices
- Hospital or recovery room stay
- Pain medicine or other prescriptions
- Follow-up visits to the doctor
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy
These expenses can add up to a high debt that you have to pay out of pocket. You can account for these expenses when you submit a personal injury claim to the insurance company.
Lost Wages or Benefits
Whether you are drawing a salary or receive an hourly wage, your employer may suspend your pay while you are recovering from your accident. In some cases, they may also temporarily suspend your benefits. Without an income, you may have a difficult time supporting yourself or your family. If you are disabled or disfigured, you may lose your future earning capacity.
Your employer may submit evidence of lost wages that occurred as a result of the accident. You may be eligible to claim lost pay and receive compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. Furthermore, your employer may also be able to verify lost opportunities for vacation time, overtime, or lost sick pay due to your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering typically include the severe physical discomfort or emotional/mental distress you experienced during recovery. You may be able to claim past, present, and future pain and suffering depending on your medical condition.
Your lawyer may also explore other forms of pain and suffering such as loss of consortium (intimacy, companionship), loss of joy of life, or a significant decrease in the quality of your life. This can be especially valuable in cases where you are permanently disabled. If your life has been altered significantly by the accident, then you may be entitled to compensation for your loss.
Wrongful Death
In a wrongful death case, your family has suffered an irreversible loss that affects several areas of your home life. Both economic and noneconomic damages will take a heavy toll over a period of several years. You may be able to claim damages such as:
- Loss of family income
- Loss of benefits or retirement
- Loss of spousal and parental care
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Pain and suffering of the victim prior to death
What your case is worth depends on the nature of the accident, who was involved, and the extent of your damages. A personal injury attorney in Birmingham, AL can help you determine the value of your losses and negotiate a fair settlement so that you receive the maximum compensation for your losses.
Get Legal Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Birmingham, AL
If you have or a loved one were injured in an accident, and you need legal representation, then contact Collins Law. We provide comprehensive legal services for victims of accidents in Birmingham, AL. To find out more about your options, call us at (205) 881-0403. We are here to help you get the maximum compensation for your damage