Accidents and injuries are costly, even if you have insurance. If the accident was caused by the negligence of another person, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial fallout. Here are some of the most common types of compensation awarded in a personal injury case and how to get legal help after being hurt in an accident. 

Medical Expenses 

Medical expenses are the most common type of economical damage to be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, if you win your case, all of your past, current, and future medical expenses that are related to your accident injuries should be paid for by the defendant and/or their insurance carrier. 

Lost Wages 

Because many individuals who are injured need to take extended time off work to recover, lost wages are generally included in a successful personal injury settlement. Be sure to calculate any bonuses, incentives, or promotions that you would have received had you been working and add them into your settlement request or counteroffer. Lost wage compensation should not be limited to just your base hourly rate. 

Pain and Suffering 

Pain and suffering are considered non-economical damages, meaning they don’t have an inherent dollar value assigned to them like medical bills or property damage. 

How much you are awarded for pain and suffering largely depends on the severity of your accident and resulting injuries, what type of medical care you require, and whether the injuries leave you partially or fully disabled. 

Punitive Damages 

Punitive damages are another type of non-economical damage and are awarded in cases where the negligence or carelessness of the defendant was particularly egregious. These damages are designed to “punish” or “penalize” the defendant for doing grievous harm. 

For example, never-events like leaving a surgical instrument inside of a patient’s body are completely preventable and shouldn’t occur under any circumstances. In cases like these, or where the harm to the plaintiff has been excessive, punitive damages are likely to be awarded. 

Injured in an Accident? Get Legal Help Now 

If you or someone you love were hurt in an accident through no fault of your own, financial compensation may be available to you. However, the other side will be working zealously against you to try to dodge responsibility or to minimize insurance settlement awards. 

You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Contact Attorney Chad Lewin today for more information or to book your consultation.