Types of Accident Compensation

This kind of compensation typically covers medical expenses, including prescription medications, devices, physical therapy and even surgery. It may also cover loss of future earnings potential.

This kind of compensation is usually referred to as "general damages." However, determining the value of these damages is difficult as insurers use different methods of calculation.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible and measurable expenses resulting from an accident. These include out-of-pocket expenses for lost wages due to missed work, property damage costs and future financial losses attributed to the injury or disability. These costs are figured by juries and courts based on documents such as hospital bills, pharmacy receipts and estimates for vehicle repairs.

They are fairly easy to prove and are the most immediate expenses associated with an accident. They include medical expenses, such as the first hospitalization, as well as any subsequent care and accident treatment. They can also include the cost of fixing damaged vehicles and other items of property, including household and clothing items. The cost of hiring someone to do chores around the home or to transport children to and from school or other activities may be included in these costs as well.

Loss of wages is another important type of economic loss. This includes not just your lost wages due to the fact that you were forced to stay home from work because of your injuries, but they can be a factor in lost productivity while recovering and any vacation or sick days. In certain cases, compensation can be recovered for the loss of future earnings capacity. This is the situation when you are unable to return to your former career or earn the equivalent amount.

Although these costs are evident and easily quantifiable, many of the other damages you could claim are less so. These non-economic damages are sometimes more difficult to quantify, and could include things like pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

How can you prove these Damages?

While a few of the expenses in these categories are straightforward and can be proven with receipts and documents However, some expenses will require expert testimony. For instance, in situations where an accident lawyer leads to an extensive spinal cord injury that renders a person partially paralyzed, it might be necessary to consult an occupational specialist to determine the full impact of the injury. This can help the court or jury to make a precise determination of the full scope of personal and financial impacts will be.

The most complicated kinds of economic losses are those relating to future medical expenses and lost earnings. You may be able to document these costs by using a medical professional's estimation of your greatest medical improvement or when your recovery is likely to end. You will need to prove that you will suffer a future financial loss. This can be accomplished by making a submission of your pay stubs and expense receipts.

Insurance companies attempt to avoid paying as much in damages as they are required to. A personal injury lawyer who has the right experience can ensure that you get all of the compensatory damages you are entitled to. Dennis and King will be able to schedule a free consultation. We can help you seek the full range of economic and non-economic damages following an New York car accident or other personal injury accident.