If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney. A lawyer will assess the damages you’ve suffered and ensure you receive fair compensation for them.
There are many factors that contribute to the amount of compensation you may be able to receive. These include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and time off work.
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Medical Bills
Medical bills are one of the most significant costs that an injured person can incur. This includes treatment for minor injuries, as well as the more severe and expensive ones.
The good news is that a personal injury settlement can help pay these bills. However, those settlements and jury verdicts are not going to cover them right away.
For instance, health insurance companies may file a claim against the proceeds of your car accident settlement or jury verdict to recover any medical costs they paid before the accident happened.
These claims can be complicated, but with the right attorney, they can be resolved.
A personal injury lawyer can assist with this process and ensure that all of your bills are covered in the settlement amount. Moreover, they can negotiate with health care providers and insurance companies on your behalf to help you receive fair compensation for your bills.
Lost Wages
If you are injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the lost wages that you would have earned during your time off work. These wages include hourly pay, commissions, overtime pay, bonuses, personal or sick leave and vacation, self-employment income and other perks that you could have earned from your job had you not been injured.
The exact amount that you receive for these damages will depend on the facts and evidence that you provide. It will be up to your lawyer to collect these documents, including paystubs, employer statements, tax returns and other employment documentation.
A personal injury lawyer will fight for you and your rights to get the compensation that you deserve. They understand the laws and the claims process well, so they can stop the trick questions and scare tactics that insurance companies use to avoid paying you what you are owed.
Pain and Suffering
The pain and suffering that comes with a personal injury can be devastating. Whether it’s a broken limb, punctured lungs, or traumatic brain injury, victims may suffer from long-lasting, physical, and emotional pain.
If you’ve been injured, it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. Failure to do so can hurt your claim.
An experienced accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering by gathering evidence to prove it.
You should also keep all receipts and bills that show you’ve been suffering from an injury. This will serve as proof of your loss and help insurance companies calculate a fair settlement amount for your damages.
There are two common methods to calculate a fair settlement for your pain and suffering: the multiplier method and the per diem method. Each uses a different approach to calculate a fair settlement for your pain, suffering, and other damages.
Time Off Work
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, the person who caused the accident can be held legally liable for your damages. These damages can include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
In addition to these types of compensation, the judicial system may also be able to award you noneconomic damages. These can include emotional anguish, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, or disability.
Employees can take time off of work for a variety of reasons, including vacations, sick days, or personal time. This type of leave is typically unpaid, and the amount of time you are able to take will depend on the employer’s policies.
Some employees may be able to take job-protected unpaid leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Other types of leave, such as parental leave or bereavement leave, are usually not protected by law. However, you should check with your state’s laws to determine whether or not you are entitled to any of these types of leave.
