I Was Injured In an Accident…What Kinds of Damages Am I Entitled To?

When you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by the negligent actions of another party, understanding your legal rights is of paramount importance. However, in the hours, days, and weeks that follow, an accident victim is often devastated, confused, and disoriented. The last thing you might consider is the financial compensation that is owed to you.

If you or someone you loved was injured in an accident, whether it was a car crash, slip & fall, or some other incident caused by the recklessness or negligence of someone else, you are entitled to financial compensation not only for your injuries but for certain related out of pocket expenses. That is one of the reasons why you must consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately following the accident. A good accident attorney can help you protect your legal rights and obtain the full compensation you deserve for the different kinds of losses that you have incurred.

3 Different Types of Damages or Losses

Accident victims can often incur three major damages or losses, each of which may entitle you to financial compensation. It will be up to your California personal injury attorney to provide the proof necessary for your personal injury claim to be successful.

These three types of damages are as follows:

• Medical Costs: Depending on the scope, scale, and specific types of injuries that you have suffered as a result of the accident, you will require medical treatment and rehabilitation from various physicians and other medical professionals. From hospital stays and specialty doctor visits to diagnostic testing, chiropractic care, and physical therapy, the medical costs associated with the injuries you suffered due to the accident can be astronomical. Your lawyer will gather a complete accounting of all your medical bills to determine the total value of your accident-related medical care. In more serious cases, future medical costs may need to be considered.
• Loss of Wages: California accident victims are entitled to recover lost wages for any lost time from work resulting from the accident. Your personal injury attorney will need proof of your wages before the accident and determine how much work you have missed to calculate the total of your lost wages claim. In more serious cases, a loss of future earnings claim may be warranted if the scope of your injuries results in an inability to work at previous levels.
• Pain and Suffering: Unlike term-specific damages, like straight medical costs or a loss of wages, general pain and suffering damages can be more difficult to define and calculate. That’s because there is no receipt or accounting that can truly identify the actual cost of the loss. Pain and suffering are generally based on the type of injury, the seriousness of the pain suffered, and the future prognosis. Pain and suffering may also include any emotional distress the victim sustained due to the accident. To understand the full extent of the damages and to determine appropriate compensation for your pain and suffering, your personal injury lawyer will do a thorough investigation that includes reviewing various documents, talking to your physicians, and even consulting outslide experts, including life care planners, if the injury is severe enough to warrant it. Pain and suffering claims must meet certain standards according to California law.

Types of Damages Awarded in California Personal Injury Claims

At the end of the day, anyone injured due to someone else’s negligence or reckless behavior, whether intentional or not, may be entitled to compensation through one or more of the three types of damage claims listed above. That includes personal injuries caused by car accidents, work-related injuries, or premises liability cases, like trips and falls.

To ensure that you get the full compensation you are entitled to, consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.

Call an Experienced California Personal Injury Attorney Today!

The legal team at the Law Offices of Samer Habbas is dedicated to helping accident victims and their families get the compensation they deserve. Our professional staff will work diligently to ensure that your medical costs are covered, you are paid for lost wages, and you are compensated for pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, medical malpractice, or any other incident, our experienced Los Angeles car accident attorneys can review your case.

Call us at 1-888-848-5084 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.