If the negligent actions of another driver have injured you, you have the right to pursue "damages." These damages are essentially monetary compensation for real physical, financial, or emotional losses you suffered in the crash. Although compensation for your medical costs is the foundation of most personal injury claims, there are actually many other types of damages you can recover.
Medical Expenses
Money to cover medical expenses is the most obvious type of compensation you can recover, but this actually includes a wide range of compensatory damages. Medical costs fall under the category of monetary losses, as the court can assign a reasonably accurate dollar figure to:
- Medical bills stemming from the accident
- Cost of future medical care
- Cost of rehabilitation therapy
- Costs of living with a disability, such as in-home care
Loss of Income
The injuries suffered in a car accident can alter the rest of your life and can significantly impact your ability to work and earn the money you need. In these cases, you can pursue compensation for a loss of future earning capacity. Furthermore, you may also be able to recover money to pay for the income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
Pain & Suffering
While not always awarded, pain and suffering damages can be recovered when a person's injuries caused them undue physical pain or emotional distress. These are considered non-monetary losses, as it is impossible to measure a person's pain in dollars.
Loss of Consortium
Unfortunately, serious car accidents can affect the victim's ability to physically or emotionally maintain a relationship with their spouse. In these instances, the spouse can also pursue damages for loss of consortium or a loss of companionship.
If you or a loved one has been hurt, the Law Offices of Stipe & Belote can help. Get started today with a free case evaluation.
