Guide To Accident Litigation: The Intermediate Guide On Accident Litigation

Types of Accident Compensation

Typically, this form of compensation covers medical bills including prescription drugs and devices including physical therapy and surgery. It may also cover loss of future earnings.

This type of payment can be referred to as "general damages." It can be challenging to determine the amount of these damages because insurers use different methods of calculation.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible and measurable costs associated with an accident. These include out-of-pocket expenses like lost wages, property damage costs, and future financial losses resulting from the injury or disability. Juries and courts usually calculate these costs using documents such as hospital bills, pharmacy receipts and estimates for vehicle repairs.

These expenses are relatively simple to prove and are the most immediate expenses that are incurred in an accident. They usually include medical expenses, such as the initial hospitalization and all follow-up care and treatment. They can also include the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle or other property items such as clothing and household items. The cost of hiring a person to do chores around the house or to transport children to and from school, or extracurricular activities can be included, as well.

Lost wages are another common and important type of economic damages. These include not just missed wages from the time you were forced to stay home from work due to your injuries, but they may be a factor in lost productivity while recovering and any use of vacation or sick leave. In certain cases it is possible to recover compensation for the loss of future earnings capacity. This is the case in the event that you are not able to return to your previous career or earn the equivalent amount.

These costs are easily identifiable and measurable. However, other damages that you could claim are less clear. These non-economic damages are sometimes more difficult to quantify and may include things like pain and suffering, disfigurement or loss of enjoyment of life.

How can you prove these Damages?

While some of the expenses within these categories are simple and can be proved with paperwork and receipts Certain expenses may require expert testimony. For instance, in cases where an accident leads to an extensive spinal cord injury which leaves a victim partially paralyzed, then it could be necessary to consult with an occupational expert to determine the full impact of the injury. This can assist the jury or court make an accurate assessment of your financial and accident personal impact.

The most complicated economic losses are those that involve future medical expenses and lost earnings. It may be possible to document these expenses by utilizing a medical professional's estimate of when you will achieve the point of maximum medical improvement or when your recovery will likely come to an end. You must prove that you'll suffer future financial loss. This can be done by sending in your pay stubs, or expense receipts.

Insurance companies try to avoid paying the full amount of damages that they have to pay legally. A personal injury lawyer who is skilled will ensure you receive all the compensatory damages you are entitled to. Contact Dennis and King today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation. We can help you seek the full range of your economic and non-economic damages after an New York car accident attorney or other personal injury accident.