Financial Compensation Options After a Personal Injury

Car accidents, medical malpractice, slips and falls, defective products, and other accidents can cause personal injuries. These sustained injuries may result in various forms of physical, emotional, and financial distress.

With help from a personal injury attorney, you can explore and navigate your available options for injury compensation. Here are several financial compensation options to consider after a personal injury:

Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a government-mandated program designed to benefit workers who become injured or disabled during their employment. This compensation can cover medical bills and a portion of lost wages.

Depending on various factors, employees may receive a one-time lump sum payment or a structured payment plan as a settlement. Influencing factors can include state laws, case negotiations, injury severity, and estimated future care.

Accepting workers’ compensation may also mean waiving your right to sue your employer for negligence. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to review your options and help you make an informed decision.

Disability Insurance

Disability insurance can offer short or long-term financial assistance if a personal injury prevents you from working. It provides a portion of your income, aiding with daily living expenses while you recover.

Disability benefits may not affect personal injury settlements, though receiving a personal injury settlement might impact eligibility for means-tested programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on your work history rather than current income, typically remains unaffected. Understand the potential effects of a personal injury settlement on your disability benefits, and consider seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney to help protect your financial well-being.

Health Insurance

Health insurance covers a portion of your medical bills, providing financial relief during recovery. If you receive a settlement or court award from a personal injury claim, your health insurance company may seek reimbursement for the medical costs they covered, a process known as subrogation.

This is to avoid double compensation for the same expense. Health insurance can cover car accident injuries, though you may consider making a legal compensation claim using a personal injury attorney.

Auto Insurance

Some auto insurance plans can provide financial tools following a car accident-related personal injury. They may offer various types of coverage designed to compensate for medical expenses and property damage.

Personal injury protection plans can cover your medical costs, regardless of who caused the accident. Bodily injury liability insurance aids with the other party’s medical expenses if you’re at fault. Compensation amounts generally vary based on factors like injury severity, policy limits, and specific laws in your state.

Settlements

In some cases, the party responsible for the injury may offer a settlement to avoid a lawsuit. Settlements can be paid out as a lump sum or a structured settlement. A lump sum provides the entire settlement amount at once, which benefits individuals with good financial discipline or immediate significant expenses.

Structured settlements offer a series of payments over time, providing sustained financial support and potential tax advantages. The structure can be tailored to meet specific needs, such as medical bill due dates, providing increased flexibility.

An experienced attorney can help guide you through the settlement process while protecting your rights and promoting a fair settlement.

Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating a personal injury can require working with various insurance companies and legal entities, from lawyers to health insurance companies.

Hiring a personal injury attorney can help you understand the different avenues for financial compensation. Consult a legal professional today to explore your options and help you receive the compensation you deserve.