If you are a victim of a car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any injuries or damages you suffer. Many people panic after an accident and fail to understand the types of damages they can sue for. There are several types of damage compensation that a Birmingham car accident attorney can help you pursue. These can include:
Medical Bills
Car accidents can leave you with severe injuries that could keep you in the hospital for extended periods of time. These car accident injuries can include bone fractures, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, head concussions, burns, and other psychological effects such as trauma.
Treating accident injuries is not cheap and will most likely leave you with a pile of medical bills to cover. That can strain you financially, but the at-fault party can be held liable for the damages. Whatever expenses you incur at the hospital, be sure to keep the bills and receipts as proof and obtain a legal recourse to be reimbursed.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering mean the physical and psychological distress you undergo as a result of the accident. For instance, you may be unable to use the restroom properly due to a pelvic bone injury, or have trouble walking or sleeping due to the accident. You are entitled to compensation for that.
Car accident injuries can cause physical pain that can be a nightmare, decreasing your enjoyment of life. Moreover, emotional distress is part of pain and suffering, and you should be compensated for such traumatic experiences.
Income Loss
If injuries are severe, you could stay in a hospital for so long that you lose your job. Following that, you may not have a way to cover your living expenses, medical bills, and basic needs. This income loss will be part of the compensation. The insurance company is liable for the wages you lose during your recovery process.
Furthermore, you may suffer severe injuries that render you unable to work anymore or leave you with a permanent disability. Since you will not work as you used to before, you are entitled to future income compensation. That covers your therapy sessions and your treatment, since you may need prolonged in-home care. Your lawyer will factor this total amount into your compensation demand.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium involves the loss of a loved one or emotional value. However, death is not always required for this to become a factor in your case value.
For example, if a car accident has left you bedridden, you may not enjoy a loving time with your spouse like you used to before. The accident may take a significant toll on both of you, leading to loss of emotional connection. You deserve compensation for such loss of consortium.
Punitive Damages
The court would award you compensation for punitive damages if the accused person had unruly behavior that led to the accident. For instance, this might include drunk driving. The accused is charged with this so that they can take responsibility for their behavior in the future.
The Bottom Line
There are several types of compensation you may be entitled to after an accident, including loss of enjoyment of life. The wisest choice you can make is to seek a qualified lawyer who will help determine a fair amount of compensation you rightfully deserve for the damages you’ve suffered.