Serious accidents with severe injuries to victims are often caused by neglect or reckless actions of another individual or entity. In many situations, the victim is initially hesitant to pursue a lawsuit for compensation. The injured party might believe they have the capacity to manage their limitations caused by the injury. They may believe that even though they cannot work after the accident, filing a claim or suit would cost money they simply do not have.
Over time, the seriousness of the injuries can begin escalating the cost of medical care and place the family and financial distress because the victim is unable to work. When this occurs, the victims often turn to a MA personal injury attorney. The Mass. law firm can provide invaluable legal assistance to help them obtain financial compensation and provide them peace of mind. Typically, based on the severity of the accident, the victim often faces ongoing expenses, anxiety and stress related to their injuries.
When it comes to an injury or accident lawsuit, lost wages and damages are important components that can be sought by the injured party. Here’s an overview of what these terms mean:
- Lost Wages:
- Definition: Lost wages, also known as lost income or lost earnings, refer to the income or salary that a person could not earn due to their injury or accident. This can include the time missed from work, the reduction in earning capacity, or even the loss of future income.
- Compensation: In a lawsuit, the injured party can seek compensation for the wages they couldn’t earn while recovering from the injury. This includes both past and future lost wages.
- Damages:
- Definition: Damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to the injured party in a lawsuit to compensate for the losses they suffered as a result of the injury or accident. Damages can be categorized into different types, including economic and non-economic damages.
- Types of Damages:
- Economic Damages: These are tangible, quantifiable losses that can be directly attributed to the injury or accident. They often include medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages.
- Non-Economic Damages: These are less tangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. They are more subjective and challenging to quantify.
- Pursuing Lost Wages and Damages:
- To pursue lost wages and damages, you typically need to file a personal injury lawsuit against the party responsible for the injury or accident.
- Consult with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law to assess the strength of your case, gather evidence, and determine the appropriate compensation you should seek.
- Keep records of your medical bills, pay stubs, and any other documents that can help establish the extent of your financial losses.
- During the lawsuit, your attorney will negotiate with the other party or their insurance company to reach a settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the damages to be awarded.
Please note that laws related to personal injury lawsuits and damages vary by jurisdiction, so it’s important to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable about the specific laws in your area to guide you through the process.
Extensive Medical Expenses and Lost wages
In severe cases, victims can suffer a variety of injuries from the accident that include paralysis (spinal cord injury), amputation (loss of a limb), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and other damages that could generate a lifetime of extensive medical bills. However, even injuries that are far less in severity produce extensive medical bills that might be impossible for the victim to pay. These additional costs include emergency care, ambulance transport, hospital stays and surgical procedures. The residual effect on the family’s finances often becomes overwhelming and inescapable.
Time Away from Work
The entire duration of recovery of physical injuries usually involves a significant time away from work, as well as lost wages, where the victim loses substantial wages and earnings. In addition, severe injuries often leave the victim incapable of performing the most basic job functions. Without the ability to hold a full-time job, the injured party often feels a high level of anxiety knowing they cannot support their family by earning a living. Concerns over employment and lost wages are usually a leading factor in depression and anxiety in victims suffering serious injuries caused by the negligence of another. In many cases, the injured party has no option to obtain disability to pay for time off due to their current medical condition.
Becoming Productive Again
In some situations in Boston MA, the accident left the victim with injury so severe that they are unable to ever return to their original job or profession. As a result, they often need to take vocational training where they can learn to become productive again and earn a living based on their capacity and limitations. Fortunately, they can seek compensation for the additional money they are unable to earn because of the injuries caused by the negligent actions of another.
Seeking Compensation
If you, or a loved one, have been injured by the negligent actions of another, it is imperative to seek compensation through a skilled Mass achusetts personal injury attorney. With legal representation, your law firm can ensure that your rights are protected and file a claim or suit on your behalf. Most cases are accepted on a contingency fee basis, to allow you to avoid paying upfront fees for the legal services your attorney provides. Your lawyer can evaluate the value of your claim through an initial, free consultation. In addition, they can investigate your claim to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence. The law firm will handle every aspect of your claim or suit, including gathering evidence, speaking to witnesses, negotiating a settlement or presenting evidence in front of a judge and jury.
