After you’ve been in an accident, one of the first questions you’ll be asked by any attorney is what your job is. This may seem strong on the surface but it can actually have a huge impact on what your personal injury case is worth. Why? Read on to find out and then reach out to Gilbert and Smallman for a free case evaluation.
Injuries may be worth more depending on your profession
The main reason that your job could affect your personal injury case is that your particular injury could affect your ability to continue doing your job. For example, a pianist with a crushed hand is not likely to pick up their career again without many surgeries. A professional athlete who suffers a broken back many never make it to the field again. These are just some of the things we’ll take into consideration when we look at your personal injury case.
You may be eligible for lost wages
Most everyone who wins a personal injury case is eligible for lost wages. Essentially, this refers to the hours they weren’t at work due to the accident. It can include hospital stays, taking time off work to deal with the pain and suffering, or time off of work for doctor’s appointments. Your attorney can go over your individual case to find the right options for you.
You may be eligible for loss of earning capacity
Not only are you looking at lost wages, but you may be looking at a loss of earning capacity. For example, if your job requires you to stand for prolonged periods of time, but the injury you suffered in your accident no longer allows that, then you won’t make the same amount of money in your lifetime as you would have if you hadn’t been injured. A jury can award you money for this lifetime loss of earning capacity.
You may be able to win damages that allow you to pursue another profession
In the event that you can’t continue on in your current profession at all, you may need to go to school to get training or a college degree. Your damages could award you money specifically for this cause. It allows you to open up your options and find a professional that will work with your injury.
If you’ve been injured in an accident that was not your fault then we invite you to call Gilbert and Smallman today for a free consultation.