Legitimate reasons to file a personal injury lawsuit
Have you been injured in an accident? Are you considering filing a personal injury claim? The question that needs to be addressed is do you have a case?
You can file a personal injury lawsuit in order to receive compensatory damages from the individual, company, or entity whose negligence, or wrongful conduct caused the accident and any injuries that you sustained as a result. Damages from personal injury claims may include:
- Cost of necessary medical care and all related expenses
- Loss wages
- Impairment of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
Unfortunately, there are some negative perceptions when it comes to personal injury cases. Some high-profile cases, such as the lawsuit vs. McDonald’s over a hot coffee spill that injured a customer, are considered by many people to be examples of frivolous lawsuits.
Nonetheless, personal injury lawsuits are all about getting justice for the victim; they’re considered a legal vehicle for making the victim “whole” again. In addition to securing financial compensation for the victim, there are other reasons to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Being made whole again
The intent of a personal injury lawsuit, especially in cases involving serious or catastrophic injuries, is to seek compensation for the victim so that he or she can lead a life that is as “normal” as possible.
Personal injury claims help to ensure proper medical care for the victim now and into the future because the majority of the money from most settlements, jury verdicts, or awards goes towards the victim’s medical bills, including those for surgery, medication, hospital care, rehab, and other long-term health considerations. These costs can end up being an incredible financial burden on the victim who may have to spend a prolonged amount of time away from work, or not be able to return to their job as a result of their injuries.
Filing personal injury claims helps to stop repeated incidents of negligence by holding the liable party responsible for actions that he or she should never repeat. Personal injury claims not only hold the negligent party or parties responsible for their actions, but they also make insurance companies accountable, as well. Unfortunately, insurers try to minimize the amount of money that they have to pay out through a negotiated settlement by looking for a way to deny your claim.
However, if you have an experienced personal injury attorney fighting for you, the insurance company will have a very difficult time trying to deny your claim.
Speaking with an attorney
There are many good reasons to file a personal injury lawsuit if you have been injured in an accident for which you were not liable. Litigating personal injury lawsuits can be complicated, so talking to an attorney about the accident and your injuries to determine whether or not you have a personal injury case, should be your first step.
Scott S. Harris, personal injury attorney in San Diego, has been helping clients secure the financial assistance they need to recover and move forward with their lives for more than 30 years.