If you’ve been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence, you may have a claim for damages against that person or entity. Aside from the fact that the insurance and personal injury claims processes are notoriously difficult for non-lawyers to navigate, most people severely underestimate the value of their claim. An experienced attorney can help you understand your personal injury case.
Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, hurt due to a defective product, or harmed in some other way, the Seattle personal injury attorneys at Emerald City Law Group are ready to fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. To schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case, contact us today at (206) 973-0407.
Medical Expenses
Your medical bills could be one of the largest components of your personal injury case. Severe injuries can result in astronomical costs, and even less severe injuries can be quite expensive. The medical expenses included in your claim will include all medical bills and expenses you incur as a result of your accident, including:
- Emergency room visits
- Appointments with various physicians
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment
These expenses should be included in your claim, even if they were covered by insurance. You should be sure to include any uncovered expenses such as co-pays and deductibles. In addition, you also need to include future medical expenses if your injury will require ongoing treatment.
Lost Income
If your injury causes you to miss work, then you are entitled to include any lost income as a part of your personal injury claim. This can include any time you missed from work immediately following the accident, but also the income you lost for follow-up medical care. If you are permanently disabled, you may no longer be able to work at all. Or you might only be able to work part-time or in a lower-paying position. The difference in your earning potential should also be included in your claim.
Pain and Suffering
Under the law, you are entitled to be made whole, and the law recognizes that you can suffer non-monetary losses as a result of an accident. The pain and suffering component of your personal injury case will typically include the following:
- Physical and mental anguish you have suffered as a result of the accident
- Anxiety, PTSD, depression
- Impact on your family ties and other relationships
The state of Washington has established a formula for determining pain and suffering: .43 multiplied by your average annual wage multiplied by your life expectancy. While this sounds straightforward, it can quickly get complicated when disputes arise over your annual wage and how long you’re expected to live.
Other Losses
There may be other losses that can be claimed as a part of your personal injury case. Examples include:
- Increased transportation costs because you can no longer drive
- Property damage
- Expenses incurred for modifications to your home
Essentially, any expense you incurred as a result of your accident can be included in your personal injury claim. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you compile these expenses and document them so that you can successfully prove your claim.
Contact Emerald City Law Group for Help
If you’ve incurred injuries in an accident, you shouldn’t have to bear the cost of someone else’s negligence. Your suffering could have long-term consequences, and the cost could go far beyond your immediate medical expenses. Don’t underestimate the value of your future – get the compensation you deserve so that you can put your life back together. To schedule a free consultation of your personal injury case, call Emerald City Law Group today at (206) 973-0407, or reach out via the online contact form.
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