Whether you and your family live in Hawaii or are tourists on vacation from the mainland, suffering automobile accident injuries can be devastating. You and your family will likely experience emotional trauma along with the mounting medical bills and other financial damages. Fortunately, the civil justice system will allow you to pursue financial relief if another party’s negligence caused the accident.
You can file a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court and potentially claim documented economic and noneconomic damages. The circumstances and losses of each crash victim are unique, and legal counsel is available to assist with the documentation of the claims for adjudication by the court.
Which damages can you claim?
Car accident injuries can range from only bruises and lacerations to catastrophic injuries that leave victims with permanent disabilities. Your most substantial financial losses will likely be medical expenses, which could include the following and more:
- Ambulance fees
- Consultations with various medical professionals
- Physical therapy
- Cognitive therapy if you suffered a brain injury
- Medical accessories such as heat pads or crutches
- Permanent disability
- Disfigurement
If you need in-home care or services after your release from the hospital, you could include those costs in your claim.
Loss of income
Your injuries could adversely affect your earning capacity. You might lose wages for the time you spend in a hospital and follow-up therapy sessions. You might even have mobility problems that will prevent you from returning to work for an extended period. If you can prove that the injuries will diminish your earning ability in the future, the court will consider past earnings, occupation, age, experience, skills and life expectancy to calculate compensation.
Pain and suffering
These damages are for your physical and mental distress and trauma. The court will consider the type and severity of your injuries, the level of pain they caused, and the doctor’s prognosis for the amount of time the suffering will continue in the future to determine a monetary value for this type of claim. The mental part of the suffering involves the stress and anxiety that stemmed from the accident.
Loss of companionship or affection
If you are married, your spouse can file this part of the claim — only if your claims are successful. He or she can claim damages for the loss of consortium, which refers to your inability to partake in sexual activity and show affection as the result of your injuries.
A daunting task
Navigating a civil lawsuit might seem overwhelming, but help is available. An experienced Hawaii personal injury attorney can provide the necessary support and guidance from immediately after your accident, and throughout your recovery and the ensuing legal proceedings.
