Types of Compensation for an Injury Claim

If you have been injured in a car accident you will first have to prove that another person(s) was responsible for those injuries. Your accident lawyer will be able to advise you on whether or not you have a case, as well as giving you an idea about the amount of compensation to which you may be entitled.

Types of Damages

There are various types of damages that you may be able to claim. The amount that you will be able to claim will obviously depend on the nature and extent of your injuries so it is very important that you see your physician as soon as possible after the accident.

Forms of Compensation

When you suffer injury or injuries in an accident that was caused as a result of another person’s negligence, you are entitled to claim compensation from them for the loss that you have suffered. In car accident claims, you may be able to obtain compensation (also known as ‘damages’) for hospital or medical bills, for time you have had to take off work as a result of your injury, for outpatient treatment or physiotherapy, as well as damages for the pain and suffering you have endured. Your injury does not have to be physical, but can also be mental injury or both. You can also be compensated for embarrassment, physical and mental disability, emotional trauma, permanent scars, damage to your property (e.g. clothing and personal belongings), and out of pocket expenses.

Determining Amount of Compensation

Calculations relating to the amount of damages do not solely concentrate on past events: if your injury is such that you are still suffering or will suffer in the future, these losses can also be taken into account at the time when damages are determined. Payments for future loss covers pain and suffering, future lost wages, future medical care and hospital bills, loss of amenity, loss of relations, love and comfort with your spouse, as well as loss of affection and care with your family.

Putting these types of damages into a monetary amount can be difficult, and attorneys obtain reports that take into account the nature and extent of injuries, the amount by which the injured person has been limited by the accident, and – if applicable - an estimate as to how long it will be before the person makes a full recovery.

Statute of Limitations

Many states put a limit on the amount of damages that individuals can claim for personal injury, so it is important that you check whether this is the case in your state. Because the statute of limitations in relation to injury claims is generally short, you should ensure that you speak to a specialist attorney without delay.

• This article is provided for informational purposes only! If you need legal assistance with an Injury Claim, please consult with an Accident Lawyer near you to discuss the details of your case.