One negligent act has the potential to cause an injury that follows you for the rest of your life. No one should be forced to bear the financial, physical, and emotional cost of a serious injury caused by another party’s carelessness. That is where the support of a compassionate personal injury lawyer comes in.

You may be eligible to seek justice and recover a monetary award from the party who injured you. Seek the guidance of an Orange personal injury lawyer at Lathrop Law Firm for help holding the responsible party accountable.

Recoverable Damages in an Injury Case

The key to recovering damages in a personal injury case is establishing that negligence occurred. When successful, these cases can result in a variety of financial compensation. An Orange personal injury attorney could pursue damages, such as:

Medical Bills

The cost of medical care can be overwhelming, even for injuries that at first seem relatively minor. The cost of ambulance transportation or visits to an emergency room can be substantial. That said, these costs are often only a fraction of the expenses for ongoing treatment.

With the help of a legal professional, it could be possible to recoup past and future medical bills through a personal injury lawsuit.

Lost Wages

A frustrating aspect of suffering a severe injury is that it can take time to heal before returning to work. The sudden, unexpected loss of income can lead to serious financial strain. In some cases, it can take months or even years before a person is able to return to the workforce after an accident. Recovering lost wages for that period may be possible through a personal injury settlement.

Pain and Suffering

A major part (if not the most important one) of these cases is the physical and mental pain endured by the injured person. While pain cannot be objectively measured, there are ways to show a jury how it has impacted a person’s quality of life. Insurance companies often rely on the extent of a plaintiff’s medical bills to determine the value of a claim. However, economic damages—like medical bills—typically end up going to someone else, such as doctors or hospitals.

The injured person would trade places with their doctor in an instant if it meant regaining their health. That’s why non-economic damages exist: to compensate the victim for what was truly taken from them—their health, their peace of mind, and their quality of life. At our firm, we understand that each case is unique and requires a personalized approach to achieve justice.

Time Limits on a Lawsuit

No matter how strong the evidence of negligence might be, there is a limited amount of time to pursue legal action after an injury. This deadline—known as the statute of limitations—is one of the major pitfalls that can impact a personal injury case. If the plaintiff waits too long to file suit, they could lose their chance at compensation forever.

In general, an injured party has two years to file a lawsuit or settle their case. This two-year period usually begins on the day of the injury. In cases involving conditions that are not immediately detectable, there may be exceptions.

When a plaintiff files their lawsuit after the deadline expires, the defense will prepare something known as a motion to dismiss with prejudice. A dismissal with prejudice ends a lawsuit and prevents any future re-filing, which is a worst-case scenario for civil action. Thankfully, an Orange personal injury attorney could help manage this deadline.

Additionally, waiting to see a doctor or consult with a lawyer, while not necessarily fatal to a case, can still significantly weaken it. Delays in seeking medical attention may allow the defense to argue that the injuries were not serious or unrelated to the incident. Similarly, waiting to speak with a legal professional can result in lost evidence, fading memories, and difficulty tracking down key witnesses. Taking prompt action not only strengthens the case but also helps the injured person create a more accurate record of the harm caused.

Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney in Orange

If you sustained injuries because of the actions of another person, you may have a strong case for compensation. Getting the damages you deserve can be a challenge without the support of legal counsel. Reach out to an Orange personal injury lawyer today to learn more.