If you are the victim of a personal injury caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Calculating the full scope of your damages can be a complicated process. It requires the testimony of financial, medical, and vocational experts.
Compensation for Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are components of any personal injury claim. The money awarded for this non-economic damage can range from relatively low amounts to a significant settlement, depending on the victim’s physical injuries and the amount of medical treatment needed.
A person injured in an accident should not be denied compensation for the physical and emotional pain they experience because of the defendant’s negligence. An experienced San Juan Capistrano personal injury attorney can help a victim determine if they qualify for this type of compensation and how much to seek.
The amount of compensation a victim receives for pain and suffering is determined by state law. This compensation can include both short-term and long-term damages.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are a large part of any personal injury claim. Not only are these expenses a significant financial burden to deal with, but they can also profoundly impact a person’s quality of life.
The good news is that a competent personal injury attorney can help alleviate the burden of your medical bills. They will not only help you navigate the insurance maze, but they’ll also work with your health insurers on your behalf.
The best way to determine the exact amount of compensation you deserve is to have an expert handle your case from start to finish. With their knowledge of state law and the court system, you’ll have a better chance of securing the most compensation possible for your damages.
Lost Wages
If you suffered a loss of earnings as a result of an accident, you may be eligible for compensation for those losses. You’ll need to prove that you were unable to work during the time of the injury, and you’ll need proof of the amount of wages or salary you would have earned had you been working.
You’ll also need evidence of any lost perks or benefits you would have received from your job, such as company cell phones or gym memberships. You’ll need a personal injury lawyer to help you gather that evidence.
Damages for Property Damages
If you are a property owner, you may have a legal cause of action against the person responsible for causing damage to your real estate or personal property. For residents of California, a San Juan Capistrano, lawyer like Michael Cefali could help you build a case and pursue compensation for your losses.
The damages you can claim for property losses are based on state law. These damages include the amount needed to repair or replace your property, plus any additional costs associated with the loss.
In some cases, a damage award can also cover any lost use of the damaged property (known as consequential damages). These damages can provide a significant portion of your total recovery if you suffered a permanent injury.
Statute of Limitations
If you are a victim of an auto accident, it’s crucial to get in touch with a qualified San Juan Capistrano CA car accident attorney as soon as possible. This is because California has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims.
The statute of limitations is important because it sets a time limit for filing a lawsuit in court. If you file your claim after the statutory limit has expired, your case may be dismissed.
There are also exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations. For example, if your child was injured due to a third party’s negligence, the law allows for a discovery rule that pauses the statute of limitations until they turn 18 years old.