One of the most important parts of the human body is the back. When you have back pain or injuries, you may experience excruciating agony, as the back provides support for nearly all movements in the body.
When you are hurt in an accident and suffer a back injury, getting medical care quickly is very important, but you also want to make sure you are compensated accordingly so you get the treatment you are entitled to. To do that, it is important to consult legal counsel.
Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case if you were involved in an NY accident in which you sustained a back injury. If there is a party who was negligent or intentionally caused the accident that led to your injuries, you are entitled to compensation.
If you need legal help, the lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can help you. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
How Does NY's No-Fault Laws Impact A Back Injury Settlement?
Since New York is a "no-fault" insurance state, accident victims will typically receive compensation for losses from their insurance provider regardless of who caused the accident. Medical expenses and other potential losses can be covered by your own insurance policy.
Additionally, all registered vehicles in the state of New York must carry liability insurance with a minimum level of coverage:
- $25,000/$50,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000/$100,000 for death
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
No-Fault Benefits
Regardless of who was at fault for the accident, these benefits are provided by the insurance company of the vehicle you were operating, riding in as a passenger, or being struck by as a pedestrian. These benefits include medical care costs such as prescription medications, hospitalization and surgery costs, as well as lost income, housekeeping, and/or travel expenses to and from the hospital. All costs must be related to your injury and accident.
Compensation for Back Injury Cases
What a back injury claim is worth is mostly determined by your damages. Damages show how your injuries have affected your life, and are classified as non-economic or economic.
Economic damages consist of any costs or losses financially as a result of your injury, including:
- Lost wages from time away from work for medical visits or recovery time from injuries
- Medical costs related to your accident-related back injury, such as doctor visits, treatments, surgery, or medication
- Future medical costs
- Future lost wages
Although less specific, non-economic damages typically consist of:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Diminished quality of life
In the event that an auto accident results in a back injury, you are entitled to reimbursement for both economic and non-economic losses. Determining the total value of a back injury claim takes into account these types of damages, as well as the expert opinion of your NY personal injury lawyer.
Settlements for Surgery Cases
The total cost of treating a back injury can potentially exceed $100,000 if your doctor suggests surgery to correct it. In situations involving back surgery, the average payout is greater than $100,000; this amount typically rises in urban areas or in cases where the injury was caused by a truck accident.
Settlements for Strain and Sprain of the Lower Back
Sprains and strains to the lower back typically result in settlements between $10,000 and $50,000. Greater settlements are common if you have a skilled lawyer representing you. With legal counsel, you can counter the insurance company's settlement offers to maximize your settlement.
Help With An NY Back Injury Case? Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law Has You Covered
Many back injury claims can be difficult to settle. Insurance companies nearly always attempt to minimize the impact of the accident that caused the injuries or claim the injury was pre-existing. Always have a lawyer represent you when engaging with insurance. The NY personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law have years of experience in dealing with insurance companies and getting the best settlement possible.
Allow us to help you if you've been hurt in an accident. Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you.