What Types Of Compensation Can I Claim?

If you suffered an injury in a car accident, on someone else’s property or at the hands of someone else, the person or entity responsible for your accident should also be responsible for covering associated expenses. The amount you may receive in compensation can vary broadly based on the type of injury you suffered, where it occurred and how much it is expected to impact you in the future. In considering these variables, you will find it important to understand the different types of compensation so you can determine what kind best fits your specific circumstances.

Common forms of compensation following an accident include:

1. Medical treatment (immediate and future)

In most cases, a personal injury damages award includes money intended to cover past medical expenditures stemming from the accident as well as money meant to cover future expenditures. These expenses could include upcoming surgeries or fees related to long-term care.

2. Loss of income

If the injury you suffered prevents you from fulfilling the duties of your profession or otherwise impacts your ability to work, you may receive compensation for lost wages. Payment may also include money for future lost wages if you suffered blindness or a traumatic brain injury that impacts your ability to work long-term.

3. Pain and suffering

Immediately following an accident, you may be most worried about recovering from your injuries and fixing any damage done to your property. Accidents can have serious physical, emotional and mental repercussions. Pain and suffering compensation is meant to address these consequences.

4. Physical damages

“Physical damages” is an umbrella term for any type of damage done to tangible property. For example, if your car is wrecked in an accident or if you lose something of value because of the incident, you may be able to seek physical compensation.

5. Punitive damages

Punitive damages differ from compensatory damages in that the latter are intended to help you resume your normal day-to-day life. In contrast, punitive damages are generally awarded as a form of punishment against the party responsible for your injury in order to deter the same action from occurring in the future.

While the above is intended to serve as a broad overview of some of the most common types of compensation injured parties receive after accidents, you may also be able to seek compensation in other areas. Those who are unsure of what types of compensation to seek following an injury may may find it helpful to consult an attorney.