Personal injury accidents not only cause the victim physical pain, they also disrupt their lives. This article discusses the hidden costs of a personal injury accident.

Fortunately, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation for many of the hidden costs of a personal injury accident.

Ten hidden costs include:

1. Lost wages
Victims of personal injury accidents may need to take time off work to recover, or they may no longer be able to perform the same tasks they once were. Both these situations can result in lost wages for the victim.
2. Lost future earning potential
Taking time off of work, or not being able to go back to work, can mean that the career track they were on is not in jeopardy. This leads to losses of future earning potential that the victim had worked hard for.
3. Loss of companionship
Time taken for recovery in the hospital may mean loved ones at home no longer have the companionship they were used to or needed.
4. Loss of parenting or care
Time in the hospital, at rehabilitation, or in recovery can mean a parent cannot adequately care for their children. This mean place a burden on the other parent or it can incur childcare costs such as daycare.
5. Loss of transportation
If the accident involved a vehicle and that vehicle was damaged the victim may not have transportation to work and will incur repair costs and lost wages. Even if the victim’s accident did not involve a vehicle, if the accident led to an injury that requires recovery time or medication, the victim may not be able to drive heavy machinery for weeks or months. This too, incurs heavy costs because they need to find alternative transportation to get to work or errands.
6. Medical expenses
Medical expenses can easily become enormous even with insurance coverage. Seeing a doctor immediately and going to all the follow up appointments is extremely important if a victim wants to recover and have a stronger personal injury case.
7. Ongoing medical expenses due to permanent injury
Many times personal injury accidents can cause permanent injury that requires lifelong care.
8. Medication and medical equipment costs
Even with health insurance, copays for medication and medical equipment can be high.
9. Recovery time and rehabilitation costs
Recovery time and rehabilitation can mean that the victim must rest more and cannot perform the same actions they once were, such as going to work, running errands and taking care of their family.
10. Attorney fees
Attorney fees can be costly if a victim does not find the right attorney. Attorney fees can be paid for with compensation in a personal injury lawsuit.

All of these hidden costs can be compensated for if a personal injury victim seeks out an experienced attorney who can help them file a lawsuit and fight for their rights. If another party acted negligently and caused your injury, you may be entitled to compensation for many of these hidden costs!

For more information, send us a message.