What Type Of Compensation Could I Receive For My Back Injury?

Back injuries caused by accidents, whether in car crashes, workplace incidents, or slip-and-fall accidents, can be debilitating, often requiring extensive medical treatment and long-term care. When someone suffers a back injury due to another party’s negligence, they may be entitled to financial compensation. If you have been injured, a Columbus, OH back injury lawyer can evaluate your case to see what damages you may be entitled to. Call Brenner Hubble LLC to learn more.

Medical Expenses

One of the most direct forms of financial compensation for back injuries is coverage of medical expenses. This can include:

Emergency care: Immediate treatment received in the hospital following the accident, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and other urgent care needs.
Ongoing medical treatment: Long-term treatment includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, pain management, prescription medications, and any required surgeries.
Rehabilitation: If the injury requires rehabilitation to restore movement or function, therapy, and rehabilitative services costs are covered.
Future medical costs: If the back injury results in long-term or permanent disabilities, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for future medical care that may be necessary, such as additional surgeries or assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs.

Lost Wages And Loss Of Earning Capacity

Back injuries can significantly impact a person’s ability to work, especially if the injury causes chronic pain, mobility issues, or temporary disability. Compensation for lost wages includes:

Lost income from missed work: If the injured person cannot work due to the injury, they can claim compensation for the wages they would have earned during the recovery period.
Loss of future earning capacity: If the injury results in permanent disability or a reduced ability to work in the future, compensation can be awarded for the difference between what the injured party would have earned had they not been hurt and what they can realistically earn going forward.

Pain And Suffering

Pain and suffering are non-economic damages that are meant to compensate the victim for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the back injury. This type of compensation addresses the subjective experience of the injured party and includes:

Physical pain: Ongoing or severe pain resulting from the back injury, which may include discomfort from surgeries, physical therapy, or chronic conditions like sciatica or nerve damage.
Emotional distress: The psychological toll of living with a debilitating injury, which may include anxiety, depression, frustration, or a reduced quality of life.
Loss of enjoyment of life: If the back injury prevents the injured party from engaging in daily activities, hobbies, or recreational pursuits that they previously enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for the loss of these activities.

Disability And Impairment Compensation

In cases where a back injury results in permanent disability or impairment, the injured person may be entitled to compensation for their inability to perform normal activities. This compensation includes:

Permanent disability: If the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability, compensation may be awarded based on the severity of the injury and the loss of function.
Impairment: If the back injury limits the person’s ability to work or perform essential tasks, impairment compensation may be awarded to reflect the long-term effects on their life.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases where the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or intentionally harmful, punitive damages may be awarded. Unlike compensatory damages, which are designed to make the victim whole, punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. For instance, if a back injury was caused by reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence or intentionally unsafe work practices, punitive damages may be imposed.

Contact Our Law Firm For Legal Assistance

Back injuries from accidents can significantly impact a victim’s life, and financial compensation plays a crucial role in helping the injured party recover. If you or a loved one has sustained a back injury due to an accident, it is important to seek legal counsel to ensure you receive the appropriate compensation for both the immediate and long-term effects of the injury. Call Brenner Hubble LLC today to schedule a confidential consultation and find out what legal recourse you may have for the losses your injuries have caused you.