Guide To Accident Litigation: The Intermediate Guide On Accident Litigation

Types of Accident Compensation

This type of compensation typically includes medical expenses, which include prescription drugs as well as devices, physical therapy and even surgery. This compensation may also be used to cover future earnings.

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

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible and quantifiable costs associated with an accident. These include out-of-pocket expenses for lost wages due to missed work damages to property and the potential for future financial losses due to the disability or injury. Courts and accident juries typically calculate these costs using documents such as pharmacy receipts, hospital bills and estimates for vehicle repairs.

These costs are relatively easy to prove and are the most immediate expenses incurred by an accident law firm. They usually include medical costs for the initial hospitalization and all subsequent treatment and care. These expenses can also include the cost to repair damaged vehicles and other property items, including household and clothing goods. They could also include the cost of hiring a third party to assist with household chores or transport your children to school or extracurricular activities.

The loss of wages is an additional important type of economic loss. These include not just missed wages from the time you were required to stay home from work due to injuries, but they may also include lost productivity while recovering and any use of vacation or sick days. In some instances you can recover compensation for the loss of future earning capacity. This is the case if you are unable to return to your previous career or earn the equivalent amount.

While these costs are clear and accident measurable, some of the other damages you can claim are less so. These non-economic damages are sometimes more difficult to quantify and could include things like pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment.

How can you prove these Damages?

While some of the expenses in these categories are fairly straightforward and can be proven with receipts and documents, other expenses may require expert testimony. For instance, in situations where an accident leads to a severe spinal cord injury that leaves the victim partially paralyzed or disabled, it could be necessary to consult an occupational specialist to determine the full impact of the injury. This will help the court or jury determine with certainty what your total personal and financial implications will be.

The most complex economic losses are those relating to future medical expenses and lost earnings. It may be possible to document these costs using a medical professional's estimate of when you will reach the point of maximum medical improvement or when your recovery will likely end. You'll need to prove that you will suffer a future financial loss. This can be done by making a submission of your pay stubs and expense receipts.

Insurance companies are often trying to avoid paying the total amount of the damages they must legally pay. A personal injury lawyer who is experienced will ensure you receive all of the compensatory damages you are entitled to. Contact Dennis and King today to schedule an appointment at no cost. We can assist you in pursuing the full range of your economic and non-economic damages following an New York car accident law firm or other personal injury accident.