Types Of Compensation
Accident victims often wonder how much compensation they will be able to get in a personal injury lawsuit. While reaching an exact dollar amount requires a careful look at the specific situation, this information will help you understand some of the basics of personal injury compensation:
Medical Costs
You should be compensated for all medical costs related to the accident. Everything from the initial ambulance ride and hospital visit to doctor appointments, surgeries, physical therapy and prescriptions should be covered. Keep in mind that compensation should cover all future medical care, and not just the bills you have already accumulated.
Lost Wages
Compensation should cover all wages lost because of the accident. This includes paychecks you have already missed, as well as paychecks you will miss in the future. If your injury prevents you from returning to work at all or requires you to seek a lower paying job, you should be compensated for the difference.
Pain And Suffering
You should be compensated for the pain and suffering you have experienced because of the accident. This is considered noneconomic damage and can be difficult to calculate. How do you put a dollar value on the hurt you have experienced because of someone else's negligence? An attorney experienced in personal injury claims will understand how to calculate this aspect of your compensation.
Property Damage
If you were in a motor vehicle accident, your car may have been damaged. Compensation should address the cost of repair or replacement, and may even cover the cost of a rental car in the meantime. This is often a minor part of the overall compensation available, but it should not be overlooked.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, victims may be eligible for punitive damages. These are damages that are meant to punish the negligent party for wrongdoing. For example, drunk drivers may be forced to pay punitive damages to victims of drunk driving accidents.
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