Car accidents can lead to various injuries, with broken bones being one of the most common. In addition to being painful, broken bones can also inhibit your ability to work or engage in household responsibilities.
Filing a lawsuit against a negligent driver can help you recover the funds you need after suffering a broken bone. Read on to find out when you should settle a broken bone lawsuit, including what compensation you should expect to receive.
Why Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit?
If you suffer broken bones or fractures in a car accident, you may seek compensation from the responsible driver. Negligence often causes car accidents, including speeding, distracted driving, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and fatigued driving. Drivers who engage in these behaviors may be responsible for a car accident.
Many car accident victims choose to settle their lawsuits outside of court. This can save you money and time while still allowing you to recover your damages. However, it’s important to only agree to a settlement offer if it appropriately covers the costs related to your broken bone injuries.
Important Factors That Go Into a Broken Bone Settlement
The insurance company and courts will consider many factors when determining how much compensation you should receive for a broken bone injury. Some of these factors include:
- What bone/bones are broken
- If your injury requires surgical procedures
- If you need assistive services while you heal
- The amount of pain and suffering you may have after healing
- Whether or not you can work while recovering
- If you can return to the same career after healing
- The amount of income you’ll lose due to the broken bones
- If you can engage in the same hobbies you once enjoyed
Recoverable Costs Following a Car Accident Broken Bone
There’s no set amount to accept or agree to when it comes to broken bones. Each car accident is different, so it’s essential to consider how the broken bones you suffer have/will impact your life. However, a car accident settlement should include the following costs:
Medical Bills
A car accident settlement should cover all your medical bills, including any ambulance rides to the hospital following the accident and any medical fees you incur. It should also cover all medical check-ups and appointments with any medical team members.
Anticipated Medical Costs
It’s essential to also consider anticipated medical costs. For example, broken bones often require weekly and monthly check-ups to ensure the bones are set properly. Your physician may also want to follow up with you a few months or a year after the cast is removed to ensure you regain range of movement and that you’re not experiencing any pain.
Rehabilitative Services
Depending on the injury, you may require rehabilitative services. For example, broken hips, knees, legs, or arms frequently require rehab after your doctor removes the cast. The rehab process helps you restore a full range of motion and functionality. It also enables you to regain strength in the area since it has been in a cast for many months.
Temporary Childcare
Some broken bones may interfere with your parenting responsibilities. For example, you may find it difficult to carry small children or transport strollers or car seats if your arm or hand is in a cast. You may also need childcare while attending medical appointments. Therefore, your car accident broken bone settlement should include all related costs, including temporary childcare costs.
Lost Wages
A broken bone can prohibit you from working. A car accident settlement offer should also cover your lost wages, including any hourly or salary pay plus benefits. You shouldn’t have to take vacation or paid time off to deal with a broken bone injury, especially if your injury results from someone’s negligence.
Reducing Earning Capacity
A broken bone may not only affect your ability to work temporarily, but it could also reduce your earning capability. If you experience ongoing pain after breaking your foot or leg, for example, you may not be able to stand on your feet for a long time. Likewise, if you break your arm or shoulder, you may find it difficult to work with heavy machinery again. A car accident settlement should also cover any diminished earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
A broken bone also comes with a degree of pain and suffering. Therefore, your car accident settlement should also cover the emotional distress or physical pain you experience as a result of the broken bone injury.
What is a good settlement for a broken bone in a car accident? That depends on your injury and how it affects your life physically and financially.
Choose an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury lawyer’s goal is to make sure that their client receives fair and ample compensation for all of their losses related to an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. Experienced personal injury lawyers will have the knowledge and skills to help you to understand what legal action is the best path for you.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care, empathy, and results. With our long track record of success, you can count on us to take the best strategy and work tirelessly for your quality of life. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing victims in personal injury claims. We’ve helped people just like you move forward after sustaining an injury that was caused by another’s negligence.
Locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Vermont. Contact us today for a free consultation.