Understanding Your Legal Rights
Comprehensive Legal Support for Personal Injury Claims
At Farver, Skidmore & Hux LLP, we advocate for individuals who have suffered due to the negligence or intentional acts of others. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the complexities of injury claims, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
What is “Personal Injury” law?
A claim for personal injury generally arises when an individual has sustained an injury as a result of the negligence or the intentional act of another individual. An individual generally can pursue a claim for personal injury when said negligence or intentional act(s) results in bodily and/or emotional injury thereby causing the injured person to incur “damages.”
Personal injury claims can arise in a number of ways, such as car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, etc. The most common personal injury claim arises when an individual has been involved in an automobile accident.
If you have been injured in an automobile accident, due to no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation.
Permanent Disability
Nearly three million people in the United States are injured in car accidents every year with more than 50% of the injuries having permanent ramifications.
Insurance companies are aware of these statistics. In order to reduce the amount of money paid out in claims each year, insurers employ their own experts in order to question the extent of a claimant’s injuries and the causes of an accident.
Insurance companies are in the business of making money. The claims process is designed to close out claims as quickly as possible for as little as possible. More often than not, individuals injured in a car accident make the mistake of speaking with an at-fault carrier before speaking to an experienced attorney, which results in his or her claim being settled for much less than what the claim is truly worth.
Understanding Disfigurement Claims
Disfigurement claims address the profound impact of visible and permanent changes to a person’s appearance resulting from an injury. Such claims not only consider the physical alterations but also the significant emotional distress that accompanies these changes. Individuals may face challenges in social interactions and personal relationships, leading to a diminished quality of life. Compensation seeks to cover medical treatments, including surgeries and therapies, as well as the psychological support necessary to cope with the emotional toll of disfigurement.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering claims encompass the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced following an injury. These claims recognize the profound impact that injuries can have on an individual’s daily life, including ongoing pain, mental anguish, and the inability to partake in activities once enjoyed. Compensation aims to address these hardships by providing financial relief for both the immediate and long-term effects of the injury, ensuring that victims receive support for their recovery journey.
Mental Anguish
Injuries present themselves in ways other than physical manifestation. Any accident can have an emotional and/or psychological impact on an individual, including effects such as anxiety, depression, and fear that can arise from the traumatic experience. Compensation for mental anguish is designed to provide relief for the enduring emotional pain that accompanies a traumatic experience such as an automobile accident or other type of personal injury.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress claims address the psychological toll that injuries impose on victims. These claims recognize the deep-seated emotional challenges, such as stress, anxiety, and depression, that can result from an accident or injury. Compensation seeks to alleviate these burdens by covering costs associated with mental health care and providing financial support to help individuals rebuild their lives and emotional stability.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Quantifying Quality of Life Impacts
Loss of enjoyment of life claims address the profound impact injuries can have on an individual’s ability to engage in activities they once cherished. This type of claim seeks to quantify the diminished quality of life resulting from an injury, considering the inability to participate in hobbies, social events, or recreational activities. Compensation aims to acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll that such a loss imposes, recognizing the importance of these activities in contributing to a fulfilling and balanced life.
Loss of Consortium Claims
Loss of consortium claims focus on the emotional and relational harm experienced when a spouse or partner suffers due to an injury. This claim recognizes the profound impact on companionship, affection, and intimacy, which are integral to a healthy relationship. The compensation sought in these cases aims to address the emotional distress and relational changes that occur, acknowledging the vital role of emotional support and partnership in one’s life.
Delving into Loss of Companionship
Emotional Impact of Losing a Loved One
Loss of companionship claims highlight the deep emotional impact experienced when a loved one is lost or significantly changed due to an injury. This type of claim seeks to address the void left by the absence of emotional support and shared experiences, acknowledging the profound grief and adjustment required. Compensation aims to provide some solace for the emotional pain endured, recognizing the irreplaceable nature of close relationships and the support they provide.
Financial Claims: Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are a critical component of financial claims in injury cases. They encompass all costs associated with medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, doctor consultations, medications, and rehabilitation therapies. Compensation for these expenses ensures that victims can access necessary care without the financial burden, covering both immediate and long-term medical needs.
Financial Claims: Lost Wages & Earning Capacity
Lost wages and earning capacity claims address the financial impact of an injury on an individual’s ability to work. Compensation is sought for income lost during the recovery period, as well as any reduction in future earning potential due to permanent injury or disability. These claims aim to restore the financial stability of the injured party, ensuring they are not disadvantaged by their inability to work.
Financial Claims: Household Services
Compensation for Household Services
When an injury impairs an individual’s ability to perform household tasks, compensation for household services becomes essential. This claim covers the costs of hiring external help for duties such as cleaning, cooking, and childcare. It acknowledges the additional financial burden placed on the injured party and ensures they receive the necessary support to maintain their household effectively.
Future Medical Expenses
Future medical expenses are a critical aspect of injury claims, ensuring that individuals receive compensation for ongoing medical costs resulting from an injury. These expenses can include long-term treatments, rehabilitation, and any necessary surgeries or therapies that are anticipated. By securing compensation for future medical expenses, individuals can focus on recovery without the burden of financial uncertainty.
Understanding Punitive Damages
The Role of Punitive Damages in Legal Cases
Punitive damages serve a unique purpose in the legal system, aiming to punish defendants for particularly reckless or malicious behavior. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to cover the victim’s losses, punitive damages are awarded to deter similar conduct in the future. These damages are typically reserved for cases involving extreme negligence or intentional harm, emphasizing the legal system’s commitment to justice and accountability.
These descriptions outline various types of claims that we may pursue in personal injury lawsuits to recover damages for physical, mental, and financial harm.
Contact Us
Phone
336-349-4364
Fax
336-349-9400
Address
Physical Address
108 South Main Street
Reidsville, NC 27320
Mailing Address
PO Box 899
Reidsville, NC 27323-0899