(Newswire.net — October 27, 2017) — You’ve probably seen advertisements on TV or read an online article that talked about getting compensated for a personal injury. Such money is vital for many people, to pay for medical bills, lost work hours, and more.
It can also provide comfort and assistance if your way of life has been permanently altered by a personal injury. Personal injury compensation is a wonderful thing, but sometimes people don’t realize that they’re eligible for it.
Thousands of cases go unpursued because people don’t realize their accident was the fault of another person. It’s worthwhile to watch for signs of a potential personal injury for which a lawsuit could protect you financially.
Here are some signs to look for.
Someone Else Caused the Accident
Any time you’re in an accident that involves another party, there might be cause for a personal injury claim. That person could have made unwise or negligent choices that resulted in the accident.
For example, if you were rear-ended because someone was texting, you have grounds to sue that driver for distracted driving. Drunk driving is another example of a situation in which someone might cause an accident for which he or she should pay.
Negligence Caused the Accident
Negligence applies to any decision or lack of one that could lead to an injury down the road. For example, a store owner who leaves obstacles on the sidewalk in front of the shop could be charged as negligent if someone trips over them and gets hurt.
Factories and machine operators must also ensure that all belts are covered and safety procedures followed to the letter, because if someone gets hurt as a result of failed safety measures, they could be held liable.
Negligence is also common in health-care scenarios. A nurse who administers the wrong medication, or releases sensitive information to unauthorized personnel, or a doctor who commits an error, can be subject to a justified personal injury suit.
You Have Lasting Emotional Distress
Personal injury compensation extends beyond medical bills and repairing the damage to your property. In some cases, you might experience serious emotional distress as a result of the incident.
This can have an adverse impact on your relationships, make it difficult to work, and affect other facets of your life in negative ways. You might also face higher medical bills when you seek professional help as a result of your emotional distress.
Many accidents can lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms, including extreme anxiety, depression, emotional stress, an inability to participate in certain activities, and more. If your pain and suffering become a long-term condition, you deserve compensation to ease your altered way of life.
The At-Fault Party Doesn’t Have Liability Insurance
If you get injured on the job or at a commercial establishment, you would hope that the other party’s liability insurance (such as workers compensation policies) would cover the damages. Not all companies have adequate insurance coverage for such events, however.
In addition, you might get hurt on someone’s personal property, and he or she probably wouldn’t have liability insurance to cover your expenses. You might wonder how you’d pay for your medical bills and altered way of life.
If the at-fault party refuses to pay for damages, you can pursue a personal injury claim in court. It may be a stressful and daunting prospect, but once you’ve gone through it, you might well end up with the adequate financial coverage.
The Accident Led to Property Loss and Damages
In most personal injury cases, compensatory damages are front and center. This refers to money owed to cover the cost of repairing damaged items and any other incurred loss.
If your car is knocked out of commission in a collision that wasn’t your fault, for example, the defendant will be charged for its repair or replacement. The same goes for damage to other personal property of value.
You’re Unable to Work Because of Your Accident
Some injuries can alter your lifestyle so significantly that you’re no longer able to work. If you don’t have disability insurance, the pursuit of a personal injury claim can help.
If you were injured because of workplace negligence, the company owes you compensation for both lost wages and recovery. Discuss your options with a local attorney, and recognize your right to take back your life despite your injuries.