While any injuries in a car accident can be serious, it can be devastating to suffer a permanent injury that affects your abilities and quality of life, especially when the collision was caused by another driver. Fortunately, you are entitled to your future losses as part of your settlement under Virginia law. Here are the types of compensation that you may need in your settlement to ensure that you receive all the care you need throughout your life.
Understanding What You Should Receive in Your Permanent Disability Settlement
If you suffer a catastrophic injury that you won’t fully recover from, you may never be able to work again and may need help with your day-to-day needs for the rest of your life. Because of the long-term nature of your injuries, the value of your claim will be higher, and you may have to file a lawsuit to obtain all the compensation that you need and deserve. Here are the types of compensation that should be included in your settlement.
Medical Expenses
If you suffer a permanent injury, you will need expensive medical treatments throughout your life. The insurance company for the negligent driver is responsible for paying you for your past and future medical expenses that can include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Diagnostic tests
- Physical therapy
- Medications
- Home modifications and assistive aids, such as a wheelchair, wheelchair ramp, and a walker
Lost Income
Your injuries may make it impossible for you to continue in your current career or start a new one. You are entitled to be compensated for your past and future lost wages, benefits, and other perks of your job. If you are permanently disabled, you should also be paid damages for your lost earning capacity for the rest of your working life.
Therapy for Pain Management and Rehabilitation
Coping with the chronic pain of your injuries, limitations in your movements, and the changes in your quality of life can be hard to manage on your own. You may need years of therapy and rehabilitation to help you cope with it. The negligent driver’s insurance company should compensate you for these expenses.
Pain and Suffering
You are entitled to be compensated for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish you must endure due to the trauma of the car accident and living with your injuries. It can be hard to determine how much you should receive for your suffering without the help of an experienced car accident attorney who has successfully settled and litigated permanent disability cases.
Home Health Care and Personal Assistance
Depending on the nature of your permanent injuries, you may need a medical professional to take care of your medical needs at your home on a regular basis and a personal care worker to help with your daily chores and day-to-day needs. You may need this help even if you live with family members since it can be too much for them to take on these roles. Depending on the nature of your injuries, they may not have the necessary skills to take care of you. You do not want to overlook asking for reimbursement of these expenses in your settlement.
Did you suffer a permanent injury in a car accident in Norfolk? Our skilled and compassionate legal team is committed to fighting for all the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver and their insurance company. Fill out the online form on this page to schedule your free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Related Links: |