A serious injury can threaten your financial security. Aside from growing medical bills, a devastating injury can result in lost wages, pain, and suffering. Fortunately, such damages can be recovered.
If you sustained injuries because of another party’s negligent actions, you may be eligible for financial compensation for the related losses. You may be able to seek compensation for economic and non-economic damages. A personal injury lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
When Can You File a Lawsuit?
If you were hurt and medical bills are rolling in, you may want to pursue litigation immediately. Although you can file a lawsuit early in your recovery process, you may only get a small settlement offer from the liable party.
Typically, it’s best to pursue a claim once you have received the necessary medical treatments or reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This way, you know the full extent of your injuries and damages. In personal injury cases, patience is vital. Although it can be tempting to settle early, waiting for the right time is best for you and the people you love. After you reach MMI, you can determine your claim’s true value.
Calculating Your Costs
Courts usually calculate damages in personal injury cases based on the costs incurred by the claimant due to the accident. Typically, these are easy to calculate because you can keep track of them. These costs include the following:
- Medical expenses. These include doctor’s visits, hospital costs, testing expenses, and medication costs. Make sure to keep all of your related receipts and bills, as you need them to calculate your medical costs.
- Lost wages. If you have been unable to go to work due to your injury, you can include lost wages in your injury claim. Also, you can claim compensation for loss of earning capacity if your injury results in significant changes in your capacity to earn an income in the future.
- Property damage. If the accident damaged or destroyed any property you own, you can claim this property’s value in your claim.
Moreover, your personal injury claim can include non-economic damages such as emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment. Your attorney will evaluate your damages and ensure you recover all of them. They can help you track your damages and fight to get the compensation you are entitled to.