When you suffer a personal injury because of someone else’s negligence, you deserve to have the wrongdoer pay for your damages. Holding another party accountable for a careless act can provide a sense of justice and help you with recovery. However, obtaining compensation can be difficult on your own.
At The Law Offices of David W. Holub, we are committed to assisting you or your loved one with identifying the at-fault party. We can help you explore your remedies and develop a strategy to pursue a favorable financial recovery. Schedule a consultation with a Starke County personal injury lawyer today to discuss your case.
What Qualifies as a Personal Injury?
The state defines personal injury as an injury caused by a party’s negligent, reckless, or intentional behavior. It also includes strict liability actions, in which someone is responsible for the consequences of an action, even without any proof of wrongdoing.
Any mishap can lead to a personal injury. However, some events are more likely than others to form the basis of a personal injury claim, including the following:
- Vehicle wrecks
- Bicycle crashes
- Pedestrian accidents
- Property liability claims
- Medical malpractice
Personal injuries are often physical. However, an individual does not need a bodily injury to bring a claim. For instance, the damage can be emotional, based on trauma related to the incident. A Starke County attorney who handles these cases could help assess whether an accident gives rise to a personal injury claim.
Damages Available in Personal Injury Cases
Three types of damages are available in personal injury claims: economic, non-economic, and punitive. Economic damages compensate people for direct or indirect financial losses, such as:
- Lost wages
- Lost or reduced earning capacity
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-economic damages cover subjective losses, including the following:
- Loss of companionship
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of services
- Emotional trauma
Punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer rather than compensate the injured party.
One of the most essential things a plaintiff can do is consider the lifelong costs of an injury and calculate their damages accordingly. Even a large settlement amount may be insufficient to cover every expense resulting from an accident. A personal injury lawyer familiar with Starke County cases can help injured parties understand whether a settlement offer is fair.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations (SOL) is two years for most personal injury actions. Generally, the time begins to run on the date of the accident or injury, though there are exceptions.
Additionally, specific actions can toll the running of the statute. While injured parties in Starke County should strive to bring a claim within the deadline, no one should assume that the case has expired without consulting a personal injury lawyer first.
Speak With a Personal Injury Attorney in Starke County Today
After a personal injury, you may seek compensation from the wrongdoer or their insurer. However, an at-fault party may deny liability to try to avoid financial responsibility. Insurance companies are in the business of saving money, not looking out for you.
Our compassionate legal team at The Law Offices of David W. Holub is on your side. We could explain all of your potential remedies and the pros and cons of each approach. Schedule an initial consultation with a Starke County personal injury lawyer today.