Anyone who suffers injuries as a result of the negligence and carelessness of another person can file for a personal injury claim to seek compensations for his losses. Here is a list of the compensations personal injury lawyers can help you get.
1. Medical Expenses
The first thing you need to do when you sustain injuries is seek medical attention. In most cases, you will be the one responsible for the cost of treatment, from the time you get admitted to future medical appointments. When filing for medical expenses, you need to prove beyond any reasonable doubts that you went to an accredited hospital and received treatments for your injuries. This means you have to show all the receipts related to your treatment. Such receipts may be due to expenses like ambulance fees, consultation, accessories and therapy sessions. If your medical caregiver thinks that you will need additional medical treatments, he will add these costs as well. You may find more information at Preszler Law if you need additional resources.
2. Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering refers to the physical pain, mental anguish and emotional distress damages for which one can seek compensation in a personal injury lawsuit. Pain and suffering damages depend on the type of injury sustained, the severity of the pain and the prognosis of future discomfort due to the pain. People who suffer mental anguish and emotional distress damages can seek compensation for psychological injuries. One can also file for compensation for general loss of enjoyment of life, instead of pain and suffering.
3. Loss of Companionship
If you have a spouse, an injury could limit you from showing affection to him or her. This is often referred to as loss of consortium. Loss of consortium is claimed by the spouse, not you. Your spouse cannot recover these damages if you don’t recover the damages specific to your injuries. If you die, your spouse or a surviving family member can still claim for loss of companionship. In such cases, the one filing the claim must prove to the jury that you indeed had a loving and harmonious relationship with them and that there was a huge impact of your death on their lives.
4. Lost Wages
The injuries you suffer after an accident may make you lose the capacity to work and fetch for yourself. This may be due to the physical therapy sessions, problems with coordination and mobility, time spent in the hospital and other factors that may reduce your ability to function effectively. When filing a claim for lost wages, you must prove to the jury that the injuries you suffered impaired your ability to earn money now and in the future. The jury will award you after considering factors such as age, occupation, life expectancy and experience.
5. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded when the jury finds the behavior and conduct of the defendant reprehensible and despicable. It is rare for judges to award punitive damages, especially in car accident claims. They can only be awarded when the judges think that the defendant caused the accident knowingly. Classic examples of cases where punitive damages may be awarded include sexual assault, fraud and bartery. The jury usually awards punitive damages based on the financial muscle of the defendant. If the defendant is a high profile individual or a corporation, the award will be high. In most cases, the punitive damage may not exceed five times the compensatory damages awarded.
If you suffer injuries due to the negligence of someone, you have the right to file for a personal injury compensation. Make sure you get an experienced and reputable attorney to represent you and help you get the right award.