What falls under personal injury law? In a legal context, the term personal injury refers to any kind of harm caused to the victim physically, mentally, or emotionally. Personal injury lawyers use this practice area to get compensation for the damages suffered by the injured party. Let’s break down the five most common types of damages covered under personal injury law.

Compensatory Damages
This includes financial expenses that resulted from the injury.

  • Lost wages from time off work.
  • Medical bills.
  • Loss of future earnings during the recovery process, or for the rest of your life if your injury has left you disabled.
  • Household expenses while unable to work.

For example, if you’ve broken your leg in a car accident and need surgery, compensatory damages would include the pay you’ve missed because you couldn’t work, the costs of your treatment, and any expenses you have that you would normally be able to pay for until you have recovered. If your injury has caused a temporary or permanent disability that limits or keeps you from working in the future, compensatory damages can cover those costs as well.

Pain & Suffering
There are two primary types of pain and suffering that occur in personal injury cases; physical and mental.

Physical pain and suffering is extreme or chronic pain, and the inability to do formerly enjoyable activities. For example, if you’ve suffered a workplace accident that resulted in a spinal injury, you may not be able to return to work, endure frequent back pain, and be unable to participate in former responsibilities and or hobbies.

Mental pain and suffering is just as serious as physical pain and suffering. Accidents can cause PTSD, depression, trouble sleeping, mental anguish, emotional distress, anxiety, and more. Many injury victims don’t realize that they can be compensated for these damages. If you experience any of the above or other types of distress after an accident, inform your personal injury attorney right away.

Wrongful Death Damages
When a loved one loses their life due to an accident caused by another party, the loss of that person alone is too much to bear, nevermind the consequences that come afterward. Your personal injury lawyer can help you win compensation for:

  • Loss of the victim’s income to the family.
  • Funeral and burial costs.
  • Emotional distress and trauma caused to surviving loved ones.
  • Loss of the victim’s services and support to the family.
  • For spouses, loss of companionship and consortium.

Pursuing Compensation
You have every right to be compensated for the difficulties that you’ve endured due to your personal injury. Hiring an experienced attorney is your best bet at getting the settlement you deserve.

  • An attorney experienced in personal injury law knows the ins and outs of the compensation process.
  • Proving pain and suffering can be difficult, but the right lawyer will know exactly what kind of evidence you need and how to get it.
  • Insurance agencies will try to twist your words and get out of having to spend money that is owed. A legal professional can handle all communications for you to eliminate the stress.
  • Forms, deadlines, and requirements can leave you feeling overwhelmed, unless you have someone to guide you through the process and answer your questions.
  • Your attorney will protect you and your rights from corporate bullies.
  • When you negotiate a settlement on your own, it is more than likely that the offer you accept is not enough to cover all of your losses and expenses. When you hire an attorney, he or she can calculate the value of your injury and negotiate on your behalf for a settlement that covers all of your needs.
  • Personal injury lawyers charge nothing for their legal services until you have won the compensation you deserve.

Our personal injury attorneys know how overwhelming life gets after suffering an accident. Contact us today for free legal advice when you schedule your free consultation.