What “Other” Damages Can You Seek in a Car Accident?
Most people are aware of the fact that you can seek compensation for medical bills, property damage, and lost income in an injury lawsuit. However, there are several other damages that many car accident victims may be unaware of. After being in a serious car crash, it is important to understand the various types of damages you can recover.
Here are seven “other” losses you can claim as part of a personal injury lawsuit in Columbus:
1. Costs for traveling to and from doctor appointments/ visits
Many people do not realize that they can actually seek compensation for their traveling expenses and time to and from doctor appointments and visits. The reason why this is a possibility is because if it weren’t for the car accident, you would never have to use the time, fuel, rideshare service, or public transportation to get to and from the appointments. If you are required to attend continuous follow-up appointments or surgeries, save copies of your receipts and costs; you can claim them later.
2. Medical devices
Some people also may not realize that they can seek compensation for any medical devices they need to make their lives easier. For example, if you need a wheelchair, walker, prosthetic limb, or cane to help you get around after your accident, you can seek compensation for them. Moreover, you can seek compensation for the future costs associated with replacing them.
3. Hired services to help you carry out your duties and obligations
When individuals are involved in serious car accidents, there is a high likelihood that they will not be able to perform the same tasks, duties, and obligations that they did before the accident. Therefore, they may need to hire certain people and services to help them out throughout the day or night, which is a damage for which they can seek compensation. Some examples of hired services that victims of car accidents frequently need to hire are caregiving, housekeeping, daycares, tutoring, dog walking, cooking, and more. These types of services can either help the victim themselves or their children and family members who depend on them every day.
4. Home modifications
Car accident victims who suffer from mobility issues after the crash may need to make home modifications. For example, if an individual is now confined to a wheelchair, they may need a wheelchair ramp to get into their home, lower cabinets and countertops to help them reach their items, and wider space in their hallways to get to the rooms they need. Individuals who are now prone to fall may need rail guards installed outside and inside their homes. Some folks who sustain serious burn injuries may need to have high-end HEPA filters and climate control systems. You can seek compensation for these modifications in your lawsuit.
5. Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional
A lot of people are unaware that they have the ability to seek compensation for their pain and suffering. Columbus car accidents cause chronic pain, depression, and anxiety as individuals must go through a tough recovery process and learn to cope with their permanent injuries. They will likely have some form of pain and suffering for several weeks, months, or even years after the accident.
In fact, some car accidents can be so traumatic and devastating for victims that they develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or amaxophobia. The Mayo Clinic defines PTSD as “a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event.” Therefore, if the car accident was frightening, the individual may experience frequent nightmares and flashbacks about it. Amaxophobia is when people develop a fear of driving. An individual with amaxophobia may be unable to travel to work or to obtain basic necessities.
6. Counseling fees
Most people know that they can seek compensation for their doctor bills and hospital fees, but may not know that they can also seek compensation for their counseling fees. If you need to visit a counselor or psychologist because of anxiety, phobias, depression, or any other feelings you have developed since the accident, this can be considered a loss, which means you can recover compensation for it.
7. Loss of enjoyment/ quality of life
Your accident and injuries may diminish your quality of life and enjoyment of activities. This means that you may not be able to do the same things that you once enjoyed. For example, you may no longer be able to play sports, exercise, go for a walk, garden, and more. Some folks can become isolated after a traumatic event like a car accident. This diminished quality of life is compensable under Ohio law.
If you suffer injuries and other losses from a car accident that was another person’s fault, reach out to Soroka & Associates at your earliest convenience. Our Columbus car accident attorneys are ready and available to listen to your experience, provide the appropriate legal advice, and help you pursue compensation for your damages. We will stand up and fight for the maximum compensation that you deserve as well as prepare to handle any hurdles and challenges that arise from your case. While you continue healing, you can count on our team to do everything they can to protect your rights. Call our office or submit our contact form today to schedule your free case review.