Injuries after an accident vary. While some minor crashes may be easy to treat and manage, serious road collisions present lifelong complications like fractures, spinal cord injuries, and brain damage. Treating these impairments and recovering may require extensive medical assistance, which is expensive, causing financial and emotional distress.
The law offers a path to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. “You can sue the person or entity whom you believe caused the accident that led to your injury. And while you are within your rights to file the claim independently, seeking counsel from a personal injury attorney is wiser,” says personal injury attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP. In this blog, you’ll understand the importance of working with a lawyer when seeking restitution for lifelong injuries after a car accident.
Below are common lifelong injuries that may result from a car accident:
Such long-term issues can affect the quality of your life. They may require continuous medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological support, all of which can be expensive. Fortunately, the law entitles you to compensation for damages through a personal injury lawsuit. Keep reading to find out more.
So, what exact damages can you pursue through a personal injury lawsuit? Your awards will fall into two major categories: compensatory and punitive damages.
As you can probably tell from the name, these damages are designed to reimburse you for the losses you suffered because of the long-term injuries. They fall into two major categories:
These cover the tangible financial losses like:
Damages are designed to compensate you for the intangible impacts of the long-term injury. They include:
On the other hand, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. If, for instance, you suffered permanent injury as a result of a drunk driver or a motorist engaged in particularly reckless driving, the court may award punitive damages.
By now, you understand that long-term afflictions stemming from personal injury can affect multiple aspects of your life. You also know you’re entitled to compensation by filing a personal injury lawsuit. However, timing is critical because of the Virginia statute of limitations. It is the time frame within which you’re legally allowed to file your claim after discovery. In Virginia, you have two years to file your claim. But, because some injuries may take some time to show symptoms, the discovery exception extends the statute of limitations to start from the date when you discovered the injury.
Proving the long-term effects of permanent injuries can be complicated. How do you quantify and prove the future medical costs associated with your impairment? It’s better to work with an experienced Virginia personal injury attorney. They will help you collect and present evidence and even hire ideal witnesses to prove your case. Contact a personal injury lawyer today for options on compensation for your permanent injuries.
The aftermath of long-term injuries can significantly affect the quality of your life because of the life changes and medical costs required. A personal injury lawsuit gives you the chance to recover damages like medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. For maximum compensation, work with a qualified personal injury attorney who will help collect evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and even hire ideal witnesses.
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