Injuries can be costly, long-lived, and inconvenient. Fortunately, if you have been injured due to the negligence of another person or party, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury law allows plaintiffs to seek compensation for “special damages” as well as general damages.
The difference is that special damages cover economic losses that occurred due to your injury and general damages cover non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. Understanding what you can claim is the first step to ensuring that you are fairly compensated for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you to calculate your damages and effectively present your case to the insurance company and in a trial (if necessary). Learn more about personal injury claims at https://personalinjuryattorney-fresno.com/.
Loss of Earnings
If you have suffered a severe injury, you will likely have to miss work. Reasons for missing work for an injury can include recovery time, medical appointments, rehabilitation, etc. When you have missed days from your job, it can negatively affect you financially and result in lost earnings. To prove that you have lost earning as a direct result of your injury, you will need to produce evidence such as payslips, a letter from your employer, tax returns, etc. It is imperative that you keep meticulous records and hold on to any relevant documentation that helps to prove that you have lost earnings due to the injury related to your personal injury claim.
Costs of Medical Treatment and Medication
Healthcare can be expensive. The average person may not have the means to pay it back. Sometimes a medical bill for an injury can reach thousands of dollars. Medical treatments such as surgery, physical therapy, counseling, etc. can all be compensated for. You will need to furnish invoices or quotes (for future medical treatment) to prove your claim. Furthermore, the costs of the prescription, as well as medication that you receive to manage symptoms (pain, insomnia, numbness, etc.), can be claimed. This is also true of over the counter medication. Be sure to keep your receipts and maintain meticulous documentation.
Damaged Property
Often times when accidents occur, not only is your body injured, but your property is damaged as well. Some examples of damaged property can include items like cars, clothes, electronics (phone, tablet, watch, etc.), and jewelry. It is recommended that you take timestamped photos of your damaged items quickly after the accident has occurred. Additionally, you may be required to provide receipts (if possible) or estimates that show the cost to replace and/or repair the damaged items. In the case that your car has been damaged, your insurance may cover most of it, but in many cases, not all. This excess can be claimed and covered by the insurance of the defendant.
General Damages
It can be difficult to put an exact dollar amount on general damages. However, working with an astute personal injury attorney can help you to calculate compensation that is fair. Examples of general damages can include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Loss of Intimacy
Working With a Personal Injury Attorney
If your insurance company give you any trouble at all, hire a law firm. Don’t mess around. Get help.
Suffering the effects of an accident can be difficult. Pursuing a personal injury claim without the help of an experienced attorney can make it even more difficult. If you have been injured in an accident, don’t fight the high-powered insurance company attorneys on your own. Level the playing field and work with an attorney that will effectively present your case and seek maximum compensation for your injuries.