When a truck driver’s negligence leads to an accident that leaves another person injured, the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. The injured party can claim compensatory damages through negotiations with the legally responsible driver’s insurance company or by filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Find out more about the damage you may recover for an injury in a truck accident in Ohio.
Compensatory Damages
In Ohio, injured individuals can receive compensatory economic and non-economic damages for reckless, negligent, or intentional actions committed by at-fault parties.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are tangible, out-of-pocket costs or financial losses a victim suffers due to a truck accident. These damages endured in a truck accident in Ohio include recovery for:
- Hospital bills
- Ongoing medical care and treatment
- Ambulance bills
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Ongoing nursing care
- Future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Future earning potential
- Property damage
Victims also can seek compensation for additional expenses, such as:
- Renovations made to accommodate their disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps and bathroom handrails
- Insurance co-pays
- Prescription medications
These damages are assessed and proven by submitting copies of bills and medical records to insurance companies or courts.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are less concrete than economic damages. A court or jury subjectively determines the value of these damages.
However, some of the victim’s greatest losses may be non-economic damages following a traumatic injury. Following a serious injury, a victim feels a loss of satisfaction and enjoyment of life.
Commonly referred to as pain and suffering, possible non-economic damages that can be sought following an Ohio truck accident include:
- Pain
- Emotional distress
- Humiliation
- Disfigurement
- Reputational damage
- Worsening of pre-existing injuries
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment
Non-economic damages are more difficult to prove since emotional damage and suffering are intangible injuries. To place a value on intangible injuries, courts often are asked to consider:
- Statements the victim has made about his/her pain and suffering.
- Testimony from friends and family members.
- Demonstrations of how the injuries affected a victim’s quality of life.
- Objective evidence showing inability to pursue hobbies, favorite pastimes, and other recreational activities.
For a free legal consultation, call (614) 538-1116
Factors That Impact a Claim’s Value
The amount of compensation an injured party receives depends on the specific circumstances of a case and a variety of other factors. Some of the common factors that can impact the value of a truck accident case include:
- Liability of all responsible parties.
- Nature, duration, and severity of injuries and medical conditions.
- Age and occupation of the injured person.
- Pre-existing injuries or medical conditions.
- Total cost of medical expenses, including hospitalization, ongoing treatment, and therapies.
- Quality of the supporting evidence collected to build up the claim.
Most importantly, every case has its own unique set of circumstances, so attorneys can never pin an exact amount on a claim. Instead, the factors previously mentioned are used to value a truck accident case.
Get a Free Truck Accident Case Evaluation
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries following a truck accident which are typically more severe than regular auto accidents, then you may be entitled to fair compensation for your injuries and suffering. Turn to a firm like ours to find out what you can recover for an injury in a truck accident in Ohio and allow us to fight for justice on your behalf.
Call Bressman Law at (614) 538-1116 today to discuss the specifics of your truck accident case in Ohio. We are passionate about pursuing justice for victims and their families. There is no charge or obligation for a case consultation.
Call or text (614) 538-1116 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
