O’Fallon Personal Injury Lawyers

What are the Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

You may be entitled to compensation if you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault. The damages can vary depending on the specifics of your case. Here are some of the common damages that may be available to you in a personal injury claim:

Medical Bills

If you’re injured in an accident, your medical bills are probably one of your biggest concerns. In most cases, you can recover the cost of your medical bills from the person or company responsible for your injury. This includes the cost of emergency room care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and any other medical expenses related to your injury. You may also be able to recover damages for future medical expenses. If your injuries are likely to require ongoing treatment, you can ask the court to award you money to cover those costs.

Lost Income

If you cannot work because of your injury, you can recover the wages you’ve lost. This includes both past and future lost wages. In most cases, you can recover the wages you would have earned had you not been injured. This is not only your current income but future income as well. If you can’t return to your previous job because of your injuries, you may be able to recover the difference between your old wage and your current wage. This is called “lost future earning capacity.” To recover lost income, you must provide evidence of how much money you’ve lost. This can include pay stubs, tax returns, and records of any other sources of income.

Loss of Consortium

This damage is awarded to the victim’s spouse and is meant to compensate them for the loss of love, companionship, and care they have suffered due to the injury. To recover compensation for loss of consortium, you will need to provide evidence that the injury has impacted your relationship. This can be done through testimony from friends or family members or by providing medical records showing that you have been treated for problems related to the injury.

Pain and Suffering

This includes both physical and emotional pain and anguish. It’s important to remember that not all accidents will result in pain and suffering. This is something that is typically assessed on a case-by-case basis. Some factors that are taken into account include the severity of the injuries, how long they are expected to last, and whether or not the victim has experienced any psychological trauma.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are a type of damage meant to punish the wrongdoer and serve as a deterrent for others from engaging in similar behavior. They are awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim but rather to punish the defendant. Punitive damages are not available in every personal injury case and must be specifically requested by the victim.

Wrongful Death

This happens when someone dies as a result of the negligence or carelessness of another person. If you’ve lost a loved one in an accident that wasn’t their fault, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. This can help you get the financial compensation you need to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and any other damages you’ve suffered.

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be able to recover damages in a personal injury claim. These damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To learn more about your rights and what damages you may be able to recover, contact our experienced O’Fallon personal injury attorneys.

What to Do After Being Injured?

If you’ve been injured, whether through someone else’s negligence or as a result of a defective product, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of your next steps. Thankfully, you can take steps to protect your rights and ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

Some of the steps you can take to maximize your compensation include:

Seek Medical Attention as soon as possible

One of the most important things you can do after being injured is to seek medical attention as quickly as possible. The sooner you get medical attention, the sooner your doctor can start to treat your injuries. This helps you recover more rapidly, helps document the extent of your injuries, and can be used as evidence in any potential legal case.

Keep Track of Your Medical Expenses

This includes the costs associated with your current injury and any future costs that may be related to the injury. Keeping track of your expenses will help you prove the full extent of your damages and maximize your compensation. Having a record of all your treatments and expenses can prove that you have been taking steps to address the injury and prevent it from getting worse.

Obtain a Police Report

A police report is a document police officers create after responding to and investigating a crime or accident. It includes key information about the incident, such as the date, time, and location, as well as the name of the victim and suspects. If you’re injured in an accident or become a victim of a crime, obtaining a police report is one of the most important steps to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. The report can provide critical evidence in your case and can be used to support your claim for damages.

Take Pictures of the Accident Scene and Your Injuries

If you can, take pictures of the scene of the accident as soon as possible. This will help document what happened and could be used as evidence later on. If you have any injuries, take pictures of those as well. Documenting your injuries is essential not only for your case but also for your records. This information will all be helpful if you decide to file a lawsuit in the future.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

If you’ve been injured, the most important thing you can do is to contact an experienced O’Fallon personal injury lawyer. They’ll be able to review your case, advise you on your rights, and help you to get the compensation you deserve. An attorney can guide you through the legal process, ensuring that you don’t make any mistakes that could jeopardize your case. They’ll also be able to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and will be able to take your case to court if necessary. 

If you’ve been injured, don’t wait–contact our O’Falon personal injury attorneys today and get started on the road to recovery. Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process and ensure you receive the best possible outcome.