Pursuing Personal Injury Compensation

Pursuing Personal Injury Compensation - Decorative Scales of Justice in the Courtroom

Personal Injury Lawyer

Victims of personal injury in the United States can obtain compensation for their losses through the process of filing a personal injury claim. In most claims in or near Des Moines, victims employ the assistance of a personal injury lawyer Des Moines IA residents recommend, from Des Moines Injury Law. The attorney will work with the victim to establish the facts of their case, and determine if there is a valid claim. If the victim does indeed have a potentially valid claim, they can develop a claim, and set goals for compensation the victim will require to cover expenses. Victims of personal injury are often faced with a long and challenging path to recovery, and financial compensation takes some of the worry out of the process. Victims find comfort in knowing that they will be able to pay for loss of property, and pay for current and future medical expenses.

What can I be compensated for following a personal injury?

Obtaining compensation is a central goal of most personal injury cases. Damages can be pursued in any claim where there was damage to personal property or injury, regardless of the level of seriousness, as long as another party can be proved as liable. It is essential to take action as soon as possible following the injury if the victim wishes to pursue damages for their losses.

What does financial compensation usually include?

Compensation includes what you have been billed for already, as well as future expenses that are anticipated as being a direct result of the injury or condition post accident. For example, anticipated future medical issues that are a direct result of the accident. If an injury is sustained during an accident and consequently, physical therapy is required as a part of your recovery program, compensation can be collected from the responsible party to assist with associated PT expenses. 

In the case of personal injury cases, compensation is collected in the form of what are commonly referred to as economic or noneconomic damages. The compensatory damages are said to be economic when they are physical that can be quantified with a dollar amount. The value of economic damages does not change depending on opinions of those evaluating them.

Economic damages:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future lost wages
  • Household services
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Property damages
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Medical expenses may also be included under economic damages. These damages are bills that arise out of the injuries that are caused by the accident.

Other medical expenses that compensation can be collected for:

  • Chronic physical health issues
  • Chronic mental health issues
  • Surgeries
  • Future treatments

Noneconomic damages:

  • Pain
  • Emotional anguish
  • Humiliation
  • Reputation damage
  • Loss of enjoyment of activities
  • Worsening of prior injuries

Common types of personal injury cases

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Medical malpractice
  • Wrongful death
  • Workplace accidents
  • Premises liability 
  • Product liability
  • Nursing home abuse
  • Brain injury
  • Dog bites
  • Spinal cord injury

Those who were injured due to the negligence of another party may be eligible to receive compensation for their losses. Victims are encouraged to contact an attorney who specializes in personal injury cases in the area or region where the injury occurred.