You might need more than physical recovery after a car accident

Posted in Our Blog on April 30, 2018

Are you struggling to cope with the consequences of a car accident that resulted from the negligence of someone else? You might find comfort in knowing that you might be able to collect insurance money. However, you may not realize that you will likely be of minor concern to the insurer. Insurers typically rely on statistics, which tells them that most people will settle for whatever they offer, rather than consulting with legal counsel who might be able to ensure a more comprehensive damage recovery.

If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you might recover damages for the financial, physical and emotional harm you suffered. By pursuing full monetary recovery, you can include both economic and noneconomic damages in your documented claims.

Medical expenses

All medical services that relate to the accident injuries are recoverable. Along with the following claims, you may include future medical expenses if you can provide documented proof provided by the doctor to indicate such a need:

• Ambulance fees
• Doctors’ and therapists’ bills
• Hospital fees
• Therapy, such as physical and cognitive
• Medical equipment like crutches, wheelchairs, heat pads and more
• In-home services — both medical and personal to assist with household tasks
• Medical expenses related to a permanent disability

Lost wages

Your car accident injuries might cause time off work for a limited or extended period due to time spent in the hospital and subsequent physiotherapy sessions. You might even have to cope with a permanent disability that diminishes your earning capacity. When considering claims for lost income — past and future — the court will consider the following:

• Proof of the severity of an injury that jeopardizes earning capacity
• Future income based on past income
• Occupation
• Age
• Life expectancy
• Experience
• Skills

Pain and suffering

The law defines this as distress — both physical and mental. Determining the monetary values of emotional or psychological damages is a complicated process during which the court will consider the following:

• Injury type
• Severity
• Pain suffered since the incident
• A doctor’s prognosis for continued pain and estimated time it may last
• Emotional or mental suffering due to anxiety or stress related to the injury
• Loss of life enjoyment due to inability to live life as before the injury

Loss of consortium

If you are married, your spouse might have grounds to claim your car accident injuries caused the deprivation of normal marital benefits such as the following:

• Loss of companionship
• Loss of affection
• Loss of sexual pleasures

How should you proceed?

Resources are available to help you navigate a personal injury lawsuit in a Louisiana civil court in a manner that will improve your chances of comprehensive compensation for all your losses and damages. Legal counsel can assess the circumstances and determine the viability of your claims. A lawyer can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout ensuing legal proceedings.