There are generally two types of compensation that people seek are punitive and compensatory. In general, compensatory damages are cases where a wronged party is seeking reimbursement or compensation for the pain and suffering they endured as a result of the accident. If the defendant is liable for the damages you suffered, then you will also need to prove what kind of damages you suffered, and how severe they were.
If you’re seeking punishment for the crime, then that would be considered punitive compensation, and these are handled in criminal courts. However, if you want to know about compensation in civil courts, then below is a list to help you understand more about the process of claiming compensation for a personal injury.
Types of Compensation
There are a few main types of compensation defendants seek:
- Medical: Personal injury includes a variety of examples of medical compensation for damages. It is important to get checked by medical personnel in order to provide the necessary documentation needed for your personal injury case if it was due to a car accident. But if you or a loved one were injured by the negligence of a doctor or pharmacist, then that may fall under the category of medical malpractice, and you may be entitled to compensation. If you were injured by a faulty product used by medical personnel, then the manufacturer may be liable for your pain and suffering. Medical claims can also cover future costs of medical care, such as if you need recurring physical therapy treatments.
- Loss of income: If after your accident you were unable to work, then you can sue not only for the lost wages, but for the earnings you would have made if the accident had not occurred.
- Property damage: These can run the gamut from clothing to vehicles. You can be compensated for repairs to items, or, in the case where they are too damaged (such as totalled cars), you will be given the fair market value of the item.
How to Help Your Case
If you have been injured in an accident then there are some things you can do to help you win your case.
Make sure to get a police report, and provide it to your attorney immediately. If you have been injured in a car accident, then make sure you get a police report. You can obtain one through the police department.
You should also follow your course of treatment from your doctor in regards to your injuries, and keep medical records that show your improvement or decline, or the improvement or decline of a family member you are suing on behalf of.
Pick The Right Attorney
As you can see, personal injury covers a lot. One area of specialization within personal injury law is maritime law. When seaman are injured or killed while working on a ship, then you need a personal injury attorney who can handle these kinds of cases, and is familiar with the Jones Act.
You also want to pick an attorney that speaks the language you are most comfortable using. This is especially important for family members making the claim on behalf of their loved one who was killed or in another way incapacitated due to their injuries. Many attorneys speak more than one language in order to help the most clients. If you’re looking for an attorney who speaks English and Portuguese, contact https://huntviveiroslaw.com/.
