The challenges faced by personal injury victims are often immense. Many must endure excruciating forms of physical pain and emotional distress. Further, their injuries’ impacts on their abilities to work can produce a great deal of financial hardship.
Fortunately, the compensation awarded through personal injury lawsuits can provide plaintiffs with crucial support during periods of discomfort and uncertainty. If you have a potential case, then our legal professionals will assess your situation and identify the appropriate course of action. There may be a wide range of monetary damages available to you.
Seek support from our personal injury attorneys at The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. by dialing (817) 476-1797.
Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Lubbock, TX
The time limit to file a personal injury claim in Texas is governed by Tex. Civ. Prac & Rem. Code § 16.003. Accordingly, you will typically have two years from the date of an injury to sue the at-fault party. If you do not comply with this deadline, then your case may be dismissed.
Also, as time goes on, the evidence needed to support your case can become hard to gather and preserve. For instance, an eyewitness to a car accident may forget a crucial detail pertaining to the crash. Moreover, an important piece of physical evidence may start to deteriorate.
Therefore, you should not wait to begin working on your claim. Our personal injury lawyers will help ensure that you file on time. Further, the more quickly you get in touch with our team, the more efficiently we can collect the evidence needed to recover payment from another party.
Damages that May Be Recovered in Your Lubbock Personal Injury Case
There are several types of damages that may be sought in a personal injury case. After reviewing the specifics of your claim, our attorneys can explain which of the following may be available to you:
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are a significant component of damages in personal injury cases that cover the costs associated with medical treatment. These damages may cover a range of costs including hospital bills, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, therapy, and ongoing care. Plaintiffs are entitled to compensation for past medical expenses related to the injury as well as estimated future medical costs.
Lost Income
Lost income refers to the wages or salary that a plaintiff is unable to earn because of their injury. This includes both past income lost because of time away from work during recovery and future income that may be affected by the injury. Plaintiffs may receive compensation for lost wages, bonuses, benefits, and potential career advancement opportunities.
Property Damage
Property damage refers to the loss or destruction of personal belongings as a result of the accident or injury. In cases involving motor vehicle accidents, property damage typically includes damage to vehicles, but it can also extend to other property such as clothing, electronics, or belongings damaged in various types of accidents. Plaintiffs can seek compensation for the repair or replacement of damaged property.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses encompass any additional costs incurred by the plaintiff as a result of the injury that are not covered by insurance or other sources. These expenses may include transportation costs for medical appointments, home modifications or accommodations for disabilities, medical devices or aids, and other miscellaneous costs directly related to the injury. Plaintiffs can seek reimbursement for these out-of-pocket expenses as part of their damages.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate plaintiffs for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by the injury. Unlike economic damages such as medical expenses or lost income, pain and suffering damages are more subjective and can vary based on the nature and severity of the injury, the impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life, and other factors. Courts may consider factors such as the duration of the pain and suffering, the extent of any permanent disability or disfigurement, and the emotional toll on the plaintiff and their loved ones when awarding damages.
What Not to Do After Suffering a Personal Injury in Lubbock, TX
Maintaining your composure can be difficult after suffering a personal injury. Still, there are certain things you should not do. For instance, taking any of the following actions may hurt your potential claim for compensation:
Apologize or Admit Fault
After suffering a personal injury, it is important to avoid apologizing or admitting fault. Even if you feel sorry for the situation or believe you may have contributed to the accident, admitting fault can be used against you in legal proceedings and may jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. Instead, focus on ensuring your safety and seeking medical attention, and refrain from discussing fault until you have consulted with our legal team.
Post About Your Accident on Social Media
Also, posting about your accident on social media can have unintended consequences and may negatively impact your personal injury case. Insurance companies and opposing parties often monitor social media activity to gather evidence that can be used to dispute your claims or downplay the severity of your injuries.
Avoid posting details, photos, or updates related to your accident, injuries, or recovery on social media platforms until your case is resolved. Even seemingly innocent posts can be misconstrued and used against you, so it is best to exercise caution and refrain from sharing sensitive information online.
Talk to Insurers Without Our Lawyers Present
Lastly, engaging in discussions with insurance companies without our lawyers’ guidance can be risky and may result in you inadvertently compromising your rights or accepting a settlement offer that is inadequate. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use tactics to pressure you into accepting a quick settlement or providing statements that can be used against you later. Our team can help protect your interests, gather evidence to support your claim, and ensure you are not taken advantage of by an insurance adjuster.
Contact Our Attorneys for Assistance After Suffering a Personal Injury in Lubbock, TX
Seek help from our personal injury attorneys today by calling The Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.