Accidents have become common in San Diego, and the government is trying to confront and reduce its chances. However, suppose you have already been in an accident or suffered from personal injuries. In that case, you must learn about the special damages you can claim to compensate for specific economic losses.
These damages are quantifiable and occur due to the direct impact of the injury sustained in the accident. It covers the medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. Along with this, you can also include the itemizable damages, such as rehabilitation and travel expenses.
Now, let’s learn more about the common types of special damages whose compensation can be claimed through bills and records.
- Medical Expenses
Medical expenses include hospital stays and future treatment requirements. They cover a wide range and can be significant. Special damages include the immediate expenses necessary for emergency care, physical therapy, medication, and future surgeries.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If the victim’s injury makes him temporarily disabled and he/s he is unable to work, then it would have a direct impact on his income. Thus, you need to include this in the criteria for special damage and calculate the income loss that has to be borne during the time off work. This can be significant if the individual is involved with a demanding physical job and has to go through a long-term recovery phase. When a person loses the ability to work permanently, the extraordinary damage claim will compensate for “lost earning capacity.”
- Rehabilitation and Therapy Costs
An accident can have an intense effect on the victim, and they might have to go through extensive therapy to recover, such as physical or occupational therapy. If they want to regain function, they must join a rehabilitation center, and the costs would be compensated through the special damage. Thus, it is essential to recognize the expenses associated with professional treatments to help regain the victim’s physical capabilities.
- Travel Expenses
During the treatment phase, being the victim, you must visit the doctor frequently, which also involves traveling. Thus, you must consider the travel costs, appointments, and treatment costs. In case of special damages, it includes travel expenses, parking fees, and public transportation tickets that one has to bear during medical visits. If the situation seems overwhelming, you can seek help from a personal injury lawyer to guide you.
- Property Damage
Any accident would cause property damage, be it major or minor, i.e., damage in an accident or damage in a slip-and-fall case. Thus, the costs of repairing or replacing these items are included under special damages. You must maintain proper documentation to claim these damages, such as records, repair estimates, and receipts.
Summing it Up
Special damages include household and personal care services where the injury limits the victim’s mobility or ability to handle daily tasks. However, the claim should be made within the specific time frame to get the compensation. You can also seek help from a lawyer who can produce this evidence in court. Moreover, it is essential to calculate the accurate claim amount, which would protect the victim’s rights and grant them a fair settlement.
