How Much Is My Traumatic Brain Injury Claim Worth?
Brain injuries can have severe and long-lasting consequences, impacting a victim's physical and mental health for years after the accident. To make matters worse, this serious condition is incredibly expensive to treat, putting immense strain on your finances.
Understandably, before proceeding with your personal injury claim, you are probably eager to find out how much your case might be worth. However, due to the myriad of factors that could affect your settlement, it's almost impossible to guarantee a specific amount.
A skilled personal injury lawyer can assess your situation to help approximate fair compensation for the losses you've suffered. In this article, we look at a few factors they will usually consider:
Medical Expenses
From ambulance fees to hospital bills to lab tests, your medical expenses can add up at a rapid pace after a serious accident. To make matters worse, brain injuries are often far more costly to treat than other conditions, and the severest forms of this debilitating injury can result in a lifetime of healthcare costs.
It's not uncommon for most health insurance plans to fall short of covering this unexpected financial burden. Fortunately, your medical expenses can be factored into your claim. As such, you should make sure to compile any relevant documentation—such as your medical records—in a safe place.
Lost Wages
If your injuries kept you out of work, you might soon find yourself struggling to cover your everyday costs —let alone your medical debts and other injury-related expenses. However, as long as you've been diligent about keeping track of every missed shift, you should be able to pursue damages for any lost income. Additionally, if your injuries prevent you from returning to your job down the line, you may also be able to receive compensation for diminished earning capacity.
Objectively Verifiable Losses
Medical bills are often just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the costs associated with a brain injury. Victims often need to make modifications to their home to accommodate disabilities, make use of alternative transportation because they can no longer drive, and fork out for replacement services such as cleaning crews and meal prep.
Thankfully, as long as you have proof that any of such costs were reasonably necessary, you will be able to seek reimbursement when you file your claim.
Non-Economic Damages
California tort law recognizes the fact that serious injuries can have a devastating effect on a victim's mental health. As such, claimants can pursue compensation for the "invisible scars" left behind by a serious injury, such as emotional distress, loss of enjoyment in life, and pain and suffering. Additionally, if your condition is affecting your relationship with a spouse or domestic partner, they may be able to file a claim for loss of consortium, too.
Call 1-800-GO-Harris to Discuss Your Case with a California Brain Injury Attorney
If you suffered a traumatic brain injury in an accident caused by a negligent party, you may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. For help at every stage of proceedings, turn to the legal team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers.
Our attorneys have helped secure more than $300 million in financial awards for our clients and their families. Call us today at 1-800-GO-HARRIS or send us a message using our Contact Page to set up a time for a free consultation with a brain injury attorney in California.
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