When it comes to settling a back or neck injury claim, an injured victim is best-served by laying all the cards on the table – which will ultimately lead to the maximum possible recovery and payout. This means that the injured accident victim must review the totality of the financial impact following the crash, from physical injuries to property damage to mental and emotional turmoil – and make a claim accordingly.
As always, be sure to speak with an experienced and reputable Dallas auto crash attorney prior to accepting a settlement agreement from an insurance provider, as the company will pay you the least amount possible.
Medical expenses are the first costs people associate with a severe back or neck injury. In preparing a claim, accident victims should consider the following medical costs incurred from the moment of impact to the present day.
In addition to the past and current medical expenses listed above, claimants with severe neck or back injuries should also include an estimated value of future medical costs, particularly if the injury caused paralysis or immobility.
Back and neck injuries can cause severe limitations, including partial or total paralysis. Depending on the claimant’s particular occupation, the injuries could be career ending – or at least significantly limiting.
When seeking compensation in litigation or from an insurance company, injury victims should include not only the value of all wages and benefits lost because of missed time at work but also the total value of lost future earnings if returning to work is impossible. Oftentimes, this inquiry requires input from an occupational expert who will be able to help calculate the total estimated sum of lost future earnings given the victim’s age, education, and likely career path.
Non-economic damages are not readily quantifiable and include pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional turmoil. A claimant should include a request for this type of compensation, particularly if the resulting injuries are significantly life-altering.
Other types of non-economic damages include loss of companionship – otherwise known as loss of consortium. These damages intend to help compensate a victim’s immediate family members who will experience a significant change in the relationship due to the victim’s ongoing mobility and injury issues. While not always guaranteed when settling with an insurance company, non-economic damages can play a big part in a jury’s verdict should the case proceed to trial.
If you recently suffered injuries in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Julie Johnson, PLLC today at 214-290-8001 for a free consultation.
