If you have been hurt through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to a financial award. A personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, may be able to negotiate a settlement or convince a jury that another person’s negligence caused your injuries. What types of damages could you pursue in a personal injury case?
Receive Reimbursement for Medical Bills Incurred
There is a good chance that you received a bill after seeing a doctor, having surgery, or buying medication. These and other medical costs related to injuries caused in a specific accident could be recovered in a personal injury settlement or lawsuit. Future medical expenses related to injuries suffered because of someone else’s negligence may also be included. If you are bedridden or otherwise need help to take care of yourself, the cost of a nurse or home aide could be considered a medical expense.
Make Up for Lost Wages and Future Earnings
If an injury causes you to miss work or stop working altogether, you could be compensated for that. While lost wages may be relatively easy to calculate, an award for lost future earnings may be more subjective. This is because whoever determines the amount that you are entitled to has to make assumptions about your ability to advance in your career. This person also needs to consider your educational and work history when projecting your future earning potential.
Get Compensation for Emotional Distress
Let’s say that you are scared to get into a car after an accident or have nightmares about the incident. Your personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg, FL, could help you get compensation for your emotional distress. Compensation may also be available if friends or family members experience PTSD or other emotional stress because you were hurt. However, the friend or family member who experiences emotional problems may need to file a lawsuit of their own.
