When a person is considering whether to file a personal injury lawsuit, one of their biggest questions is, “How much is my case worth?” Answering that question depends on the damages you are facing because of your injury. Damages are most often thought of as monetary, but they can also refer to the injury’s negative impact on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
To ensure that you receive all that you deserve, you must include all your damages as part of your personal injury claim. It is important to have the help of an experienced attorney to ensure you include everything you need in your claim.
Types of Damages You May Include In Your Personal Injury Claim
While the number of damages you can claim are too numerous to review in this space, it’s worthwhile to go over some of the most common types of damage claims, such as:
Property loss: Any items of value that are damaged due to the accident may be included in your claim. This could include your vehicle, clothing, or any other products or goods that are damaged.
Past, current, and future medical costs: When another person or party is responsible for an accident that caused your injury, they should be held financially responsible for paying your medical costs. This includes any costs you’ve already had to pay or are currently facing, as well as the continued costs related to your recovery.
Loss of Wages: You deserve to be made financially whole for any time you miss at work due to your injury.
Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injury has resulted in an inability or reduced ability to perform your normal job duties, you may be forced to pursue a different line of work. If the injury in any way results in a reduced capacity to earn income, you are entitled to financial compensation for damages.
Pain and Suffering: If you’re experiencing pain and discomfort as a result of your injury, you may be able to receive compensation in a settlement or court award.
Emotional Distress: These damages are to indemnify someone for the negative psychological effects of their injury, such as depression, insomnia, fear, and anxiety.
Loss of companionship/consortium: Sadly, the injuries suffered by plaintiffs often result in a loss of the benefits of marriage or parenthood. For example, an injury victim may have difficulty or an inability to show affection.
Get Professional Legal Counsel to Protect Your Rights and Obtain a Fair Settlement
If you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit, don’t go it alone. According to a survey from the All-Industry Research Advisory Council (ARAC), plaintiffs with legal counsel secured, on average, a 40 percent higher settlement than those without an attorney working on their behalf.
A lawyer can work to gather evidence at the scene of the accident, interview witnesses, and obtain video or photographic evidence to bolster your claim.
When you contact a personal injury lawyer, your first initial meeting is free of charge. You can ask an attorney any questions you may have, and you can learn if you have a case or not. An experienced personal injury attorney can also inform you of the types of damages you could claim.
