Types of Accident Compensation
Typically, this type of compensation covers medical bills including prescription devices and drugs as well as physical therapy and surgery. It could also cover the loss of future earning potential.
This type of accident compensation claim is usually referred to as «general damages.» However, determining the amount of these damages can be difficult since insurers employ different calculation methods.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible, measurable expenses that result from an accident claim. These include out-of-pocket expenses like lost wages damages to property, and future financial losses resulting from the disability or injury. These costs are determined by juries and courts based on documents like hospital bills, pharmacy receipts, and estimates for vehicle repairs.
These are the immediate expenses of a crash and are easy to prove. They cover medical expenses, for example, the first hospitalization and any subsequent treatment and care. They may also include the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle or other property items like clothing and household items. The cost of hiring someone to perform chores around the home or transport children to and from school, or extracurricular activities could be included as well.
Lost wages are a different and significant category of economic damages. This includes not only the lost wages due to your injuries, accident compensation but also the lost productivity during your recovery, as well as any sick days or vacation leaves. In certain cases there is a possibility of recovering compensation for the loss of future earning capacity. This is the situation when you are unable to return to your previous job or earn the equivalent amount.
While these costs are transparent and quantifiable, some of the other damages you can assert are less clear. Non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify, and include things like pain and discomfort or disfigurement as well as the loss of enjoyment.
What can you do to prove the damage?
Certain expenses can be substantiated by submitting receipts and documents however, some expenses may require expert testimony. For example, in cases where an accident lawyers causes an extremely severe spinal cord injury that renders a person partially paralyzed, it might be necessary to speak with an occupational specialist to assess the full impact of the injury. This can assist the jury or court make an accurate determination of what your full range of financial and personal impacts will be.
The most complicated types of economic losses are those relating to future medical expenses and lost earnings. You may be able record these expenses using a medical professional’s estimate of your maximum improvement in your medical condition or when your recovery is likely to end. However, you’ll have to prove the future financial loss by providing pay bills, expense receipts and other proof of your current and past income.
Insurance companies attempt to not pay as much damages as they are required to. A personal injury lawyer who is skilled can ensure you receive all of the compensatory damages you are entitled to. Dennis and King will be able to schedule a free consultation. We can assist you in pursuing the full spectrum of non-economic and financial damages following a New York car accident lawyer or other personal injury incident.