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Understanding Medical Expenses and Compensation in Personal Injury Cases
Being injured due to someone else’s negligence can be a difficult and overwhelming experience. You’re hurt, but it wasn’t your fault, and now you have to live with the consequences. This not only includes the physical and emotional toll of your injury, but you also have to navigate the legal process of filing a personal injury lawsuit to deal with the financial toll. One important and difficult aspect to understand about a personal injury case is the compensation, for both medical expenses and personal suffering, which can greatly impact the outcome of your case.
To help you understand everything you need to know about medical expenses and compensation, the personal injury attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. are here to explain.
How Do We Determine Medical Expenses?
The first step in determining medical expenses in your personal injury case is understanding what is considered a medical expense. This can be direct and indirect costs to you and your loved ones, such as:
- Hospital bills
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
- The cost of in-home care
- Physician fees
- Diagnostic tests
- Physical therapy sessions
- Parking fees
- Lodging
It’s important to keep detailed records of all these expenses as they add up over time. These are expenses you would not have if it weren’t for your injury, so the person(s) responsible should have to cover each expense, not you.
Direct costs are ones you have to pay directly – such as surgeries and medications – that treat the injury. Indirect costs would be the cost of in-home care and transportation – fees you incur as you treat your injury.
Calculating Medical Expenses
The process of calculating medical expenses begins with aggregating all bills related directly to your medical care. This means it is essential to ask for itemized bills from every medical provider for accuracy.
Lastly, if your doctor believes you will need continual care and future surgeries past the initial procedures, these costs can be estimated by medical professionals. These estimations can be included in the overall calculations of your medical expenses, though expect the defendant to have their own calculations.
Evidence in Personal Injury Cases
Aside from determining compensation, medical expenses also serve as crucial evidence in personal injury cases. They help prove the severity of your injuries and thus, the potential impact they will have and have had on your life. It’s important to keep accurate records and documentation of all medical expenses related to your injury, as this can greatly strengthen your case. Make sure you have multiple companies for each record.
Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies play a pivotal role in personal injury cases. They are primarily responsible for compensating the injured party for their medical expenses, especially in medical malpractice cases.
That being said, it’s crucial to understand that their primary aim is to minimize the payout. They do this to protect their bottom line before the one they are representing. They may scrutinize your medical bills, question the necessity of certain treatments, or even challenge the severity of your injuries. It’s not uncommon for insurance adjusters to offer a quick, low settlement early in the process when they know you can get more.
Working with a seasoned personal injury attorney can help you navigate these issues. At Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., we have the experience to negotiate with insurance companies effectively so our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Contact the Personal Injury Attorneys at Scartelli Olszewski, P.C.
Understanding medical expenses and compensation is crucial when filing a personal injury lawsuit. These expenses not only impact the amount of compensation you may receive, but they also serve as important evidence in your case. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation and ensure that your medical expenses are properly accounted for.
Our team has a deep understanding of the legal system and can help you accurately calculate your medical expenses and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Scartelli Olszewski, P.C. today to schedule a consultation. Let us fight for your rights and the compensation you deserve.
