If you or a loved one has recently been injured in an automobile accident, you are likely dealing with many different, yet challenging issues. These typically range from your injuries and recovery, to whether your insurance will cover your medical expenses, to your future employment prospects (depending upon the nature of your injuries), and the necessity to file a lawsuit to recover damages to which you are entitled. If you have talked to anyone who has ever been through a similar experience, or read anything about such matters on the web, you many have run across the term “specials” in the discussion of damages to which you might be entitled.
The law firm of Barrett Law PLLC has been representing individuals injured as a result of automobile accidents for decades. We are, therefore, very familiar with what the term “specials” means and have written this short article to help you understand the concept.
Generally speaking, there are two major types of damages awarded in an automobile accident, both of which are forms of compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are designed to compensate someone for actual losses, as opposed to punitive damages, which are designed to deter similar future conduct by both the defendant in question and other individuals or companies in society. The two types of compensatory damages are general damages and special damages. Despite the use of the term, special damages are not really “special”. That is, “specials” are standard damages awarded in personal injury lawsuits, including motor vehicle accident cases.
“Specials” include three main components: medical expenses; property damage; and loss of earnings. Given high deductibles, co-pays, out-of-network concerns, and the like, medical costs are soaring. Medical bills can quickly amount to tens of thousands of dollars and can easily climb in excess of $1 million. These costs are, quite simply, insurmountable for most individuals. Luckily, your medical expenses are one key portion of “specials” that are recoverable. Navigating the maze of dealing with insurance companies, both yours, including your health insurance and automobile insurance, and the other driver’s insurance in such matters is difficult. You need an experienced attorney to help guide you through the process in order to maximize the amount of your medical expenses that you recover for. The professionals at Barrett Law PLLC have been working for individuals injured in automobile accidents for decades, and we can help you understand the ins and outs of recovering for your medical expenses.
Undoubtedly, if you were involved in an automobile accident, your vehicle was damaged. You are also entitled to recover these damages. As with your medical expenses, dealing with the various insurance companies in order to maximize your recovery for damage to your vehicle can be difficult. Again, having an experienced attorney represent you through this process is important. Having an attorney in your corner allows you to focus on your personal recovery, while your attorney focuses on your financial recovery.
Finally, you are entitled to recover for lost wages. This includes past and future lost wages. Figuring out the amount of future lost wages that you may be entitled to is difficult and includes considerations of age, wage increases, and number of years of future work. To maximize your ability to recover, you should retain an experienced attorney who understands when experts are necessary for determining these damages and who knows what experts to hire.
Barrett Law PLLC has been representing the rights of individuals injured in automobile accidents for decades, and will continue to do so for decades into the future. If you or someone you love has been injured in an automobile, please contact our firm today. We can be reached at (800) 707-9577 to schedule an initial, no-cost consultation.
