Have you recently suffered a serious injury? Maybe it happened in a fall, a dog bite or a car accident. You needed medical treatment, and you know that the injury was not your fault. You want to seek financial compensation from the person who was liable – such as the other driver or the dog owner.
But what type of compensation can you actually seek? Every case is unique, but here are three potential areas to consider.
Short-term lost wages
First of all, even if you’re only out of work for a few days or a week, you are losing short-term wages. Many people budget based around exactly how much they’re going to earn every month, so even a small loss is a big deal. You deserve compensation for the money that you’ve lost if the injury was not your fault.
Long-term economic impacts
Next, you have to think of the long-term ramifications of the injury. Perhaps you suffered a spinal cord injury or a traumatic brain injury and you’re not going to be able to work again. This leads to a loss of future wages, or, even if you can work again, a reduction in earning capacity.
Medical bills
Finally, start with your initial medical bills, such as the cost of treatment in the emergency room or the ride in the ambulance. But don’t forget to think about the long-term medical costs, as well. These could include things like rehabilitation. For some serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, you may face annual costs for the rest of your life.
Seeking the proper amount of compensation is very important after an injury. It may help to work with an experienced legal team at this time.