The Most Common Accident Litigation Debate Isn't As Black Or White As You Might Think

Types of accident law firm Compensation

This kind of compensation typically covers medical costs, including prescription drugs or devices, physical therapy and even surgery. It could also be used to pay for future earnings.

This type of compensation is commonly referred to as "general damages." However, determining the amount of these damages can be difficult as insurers use different methods of calculation.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the tangible, measurable expenses that result from an accident. They include out-of-pocket expenses and losses resulting from the absence of work cost for property damage, and the potential for future financial losses due to the injury or disability. Juries and courts usually calculate these costs using documentation like hospital bills, pharmacy receipts and estimates of vehicle repairs.

These are the direct costs of a crash, and are simple to prove. They usually include medical costs, such as the initial hospital stay, and all subsequent care and treatment. They may also include the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle or other property items, such as clothing and household items. These expenses could also include the cost of hiring a third party to assist with household chores or transport your children to school or any other extracurricular events.

The loss of wages is an additional important aspect of economic damages. This is not just the income you lost because of your injuries but also any productivity loss while you recover, and any sick days or vacation leaves. In some instances, compensation can be recovered in the event of a loss of future earnings capacity. This is the case if you are unable to return to your former career or earn the equivalent amount.

While these expenses are easy to quantify, legal some of the other damages you can claim are not as clear. These damages that are not economic can be more difficult to quantify and include things like discomfort and pain or disfigurement as well as the loss of enjoyment.

How do you demonstrate these damages?

Certain expenses can be proven by means of receipts and papers however, some expenses may require expert testimony. When an accident causes a severe spinal injury that renders the victim partially paralyzed, it might be required to consult with an occupational expert to determine the impact of the injury on the victim. This will assist the court or jury determine the exact extent of your financial and personal impact.

The most complicated types of economic damages are those that involve future medical expenses and lost earnings. You may be able document these costs using a medical professional's estimate of your maximum medical improvement or when your recovery is likely to be over. However, you will need to prove the future financial loss by providing pay invoices, stubs and other proof of your current and previous income.

Insurance companies try to avoid paying as much damages as they are legally required to. A competent personal injury lawyer can ensure that you get all compensation damages to which you are entitled. Dennis and King can set up a free consultation. We can assist you in pursuing all of your economic and non-economic damages following an New York car accident or any other personal injury or accident law firm.