In Alaska, personal injury cases are filed frequently, with victims seeking compensation from the at-fault party. However, for many, the primary concern when calculating this compensation cost is medical bills incurred. While it is possible for medical bills to form a substantial part, that is not all there is that can be claimed in a personal injury case.
This article details other key areas that victims of personal injuries can look into if they want to maximize their compensation claims.
The Cost of Pain and Suffering Should Count
There is no denying how difficult it can be to quantify or place a monetary value on pain and suffering. “Medical bills are often the sum of your diagnosis and possible treatment costs. While that is great, many aspects of your recovery process are not always well covered by these medical bills,” says personal injury attorney Colleen Libbey of Libbey Law Offices, LLC
Consider the persistent early morning pains you feel from the time of surgery until you are fully recovered. Think of the emotional turmoil you endure knowing you cannot participate in your children’s significant life events as you normally would. Injuries can go beyond damage to your bones and tissue—they can deeply impact your peace of mind.
The inclusion of pain and suffering is what makes the role of a personal injury attorney more important for you. This is because they can always learn from the professional capacities of others to carefully analyze your pain and suffering and ensure it is well valued and reflected in your compensation claims.
Look Into Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
The more you work, the more income you typically generate, which also contributes to your career progression and employee rating. When you stop working due to an injury, you are not only going to lose income, but you also risk losing opportunities for promotions and higher wages.
This is important because you must not only consider your current lost wages, but also how much inability to work might have on your long-term earning capacity as well.
Think About Property Damage Beyond Your Car
It is common for people to be fixated on their car’s worth after a car accident. This is understandable given the high cost of vehicles, making it the key focus. However, if your goal is to maximize compensation, then you will have to look beyond the cost of the car alone.
At the time of the accident, were there other properties in the car that were also damaged due to the accident? If so, you should consider incorporating the costs of these items into the overall compensation claim.
Consider the Lifestyle Impact of the Accident
What hobbies or daily activities have your injury disrupted, and how long will the disruption likely last? Maybe you used to kayak every weekend, or you took pride in chopping your own firewood. When an injury robs you of these activities, you are experiencing a loss of enjoyment of life, and you can seek compensation for that.
Both Alaska and Washington recognize this non-economic damage, and even though it can be subtle, its impact is real. The key is to show how the injury changed your routines, relationships, or sense of independence.
Punitive Damages Can Also Come In Handy
Punitive damages are often overlooked when thinking about compensation, either due to lack of awareness or a misconception that it cannot increase their compensation. While the primary goal of punitive damages is to punish the wrongdoer and not necessarily to enrich you, the higher the percentage of punitive damages results in the higher value of your overall compensation.
Conclusion
For many accidents and injuries, it is obvious that no amount of compensation can fully restore victims to where they were before the accident. However, compensation can go a long way in making up for some losses if properly maximized. It is high time victims began looking beyond medical bills when calculating compensation. Speaking to a personal injury attorney about the true worth of your case can help you know what areas to consider when determining compensation.