When an injury happens, your first concern is probably how you are going to pay the bills. After all, hospital expenses and property damage repairs can add up quickly, and you might not have the savings to cover it all out of pocket. By filing a personal injury claim, you have a chance of getting those expenses covered, but you need to make sure the claim is worth your time and effort first. To do that, you can add up these factors to determine the value of your claim.
Medical Costs
Anything you pay for to treat your injury can be claimed in a personal injury case. This can include ambulance fees, hospital stays, medical exams and tests, physical therapy, and nursing care. As long as you keep track of the bills and can prove they relate to your injury, you can usually get these things covered.
Lost Wages
A serious injury can keep you out of work for a while, and many people can’t afford to lose valuable wages. Fortunately, a personal injury claim can incorporate wages you would have earned if not for your injury. You may not get reimbursed for all your lost hours on the job, but often, you can get a percentage of it back.
Property Damage
You may be able to claim any items that are lost or damaged as a result of the event that caused your injury. The most common scenario for including property damage in a personal injury case is a car accident, in which case you can seek compensation for damage to your vehicle.
Others Costs
Not all expenses that result from your injury fall neatly into the previous categories. You may end up having to spend money on childcare because your injury prevents you from taking care of your children, or you may need to purchase medical aid, such as a wheelchair, to get around. Since you have to buy them because of your injury, you can claim those as well.
Pain and Suffering
Finally, you can get compensated for pain and suffering. However, since this is not a factor that comes with an exact bill, it can be incredibly difficult to prove and calculate. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to get compensated for it, though. If you suffer from emotional trauma, depression, or the loss of joy to live, you can seek pain and suffering compensation. Speaking to a lawyer, like a personal injury lawyer from Cohen & Cohen Attorneys, can be one of the easiest ways to determine if pain and suffering is worth claiming.