What Damages Can I Recover With a Burbank Personal Injury Lawyer?

The answer depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries, who was at fault, and how the accident has affected your life. At Babaians Law Firm, our experienced legal team is here to walk you through the legal process, fight for your rights, and help you pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Economic Damages: Tangible Financial Losses

Economic damages refer to quantifiable costs that result from your injury. These are the most straightforward recoverable damages, typically supported by documentation such as bills, receipts, and pay stubs.

Medical Expenses and Ongoing Medical Care

The most common form of compensation in a personal injury lawsuit includes medical expenses. This can cover:

• Emergency room visits – Immediate treatment following the accident, including diagnostic tests and stabilization efforts.
• Hospital stays – Inpatient care for monitoring and treating injuries sustained in the accident.
• Surgery – Operative procedures necessary to repair damage such as fractures or internal injuries.
• Physical therapy – Rehabilitation to restore strength, mobility, and function after an injury.
• Medications – Prescription drugs needed to manage pain, prevent infection, or aid in recovery.
• Assistive devices (like crutches or wheelchairs) – Equipment that supports mobility and independence during healing.
• Long-term medical care for chronic conditions – Ongoing treatment for lasting injuries that require continuous attention.

If you suffered from traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or other serious conditions, the cost of long-term care can be staggering. A skilled attorney will ensure these costs are properly calculated and included in your claim.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

Injuries often mean time off work. Whether you missed a few days due to minor injuries or had to leave your job entirely, you may be entitled to recover:

• Lost income during recovery – Wages you could not earn while healing from your injuries.
• Future lost income if your injury affects your ability to work – Compensation for earnings you’ll miss out on due to long-term or permanent limitations.
• Loss of earning potential – A reduction in your ability to earn income at the same level as before the accident.

Our legal team works with financial experts to project long-term losses so you can receive fair compensation for what you’ve lost and may continue to lose over time.

Non-Economic Damages: Emotional and Psychological Impact

While harder to quantify, non-economic damages are just as important in a personal injury claim.

Pain and Suffering

Accidents can cause physical injuries that lead to intense pain and long-term discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with broken bones, nerve damage, or chronic pain, the effects on your daily life can be significant. These physical burdens impact your health and ability to engage in normal activities.

Pain and suffering are valid forms of compensation in a personal injury case. A personal injury attorney can help you accurately assess the extent of your pain and present it effectively in your claim. With the right legal support, you can seek fair compensation for the physical and emotional toll of your injuries.

Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish

Injuries don’t just affect your body; they affect your peace of mind. Many clients report ongoing emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, or depression following accidents, especially in cases involving:

• Pedestrian accidents – Traumatic experiences where victims are especially vulnerable and often left with lasting psychological effects.
• Life-altering or disfiguring injuries – Severe injuries that change a person’s appearance or abilities, leading to emotional and psychological trauma.
• Wrongful death of a loved one – The devastating emotional toll of losing a family member due to someone else’s negligence.

These emotional and mental consequences are often just as impactful as physical injuries. A skilled attorney can help you seek compensation for the psychological toll your injury has taken, ensuring your emotional distress is recognized and addressed.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Injuries that impact your ability to participate in hobbies and activities or spend quality time with loved ones can result in the loss of enjoyment of life. This can include an inability to engage in activities that once brought you joy or fulfillment. As a result, you may be entitled to compensation for these non-economic damages.

A skilled personal injury attorney will work closely with you to understand the full extent of your losses. They will help you gather evidence and present a strong case for your injury’s emotional and lifestyle impacts. With their support, you can seek fair compensation for how your life has been altered.

Punitive Damages: Holding the Wrongdoer Accountable

In rare cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish especially reckless or malicious behavior. These are not meant to compensate the victim directly but to deter similar conduct in the future.

Examples include:

• Drunk driving – Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs with blatant disregard for others’ safety, often leading to car accidents with severe consequences.
  
• Intentionally dangerous conduct – Actions taken knowing they could cause serious harm, showing willful disregard.
• Severe negligence by a business or employer – Failing to address known hazards or violations that put others at significant risk.

If your case qualifies, your Burbank personal injury lawyer will argue for these damages to help hold the at-fault party accountable.

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics

After an accident, the insurance company representing the other party will likely contact you. Keep in mind:

• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts – Their goal is to protect the company’s bottom line, not to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• They may try to get you to settle quickly for less than your claim is worth – Early settlement offers are often lowball attempts to close the case before all damages are known.
• They may attempt to use your statements against you – Anything you say can be twisted to reduce or deny your claim.

Before speaking to the insurance company, speak to a skilled attorney who can protect your rights and advocate for a favorable outcome. Our legal team at Babaians Law Firm handles all communication and negotiations on your behalf.

Proving Recoverable Damages

To secure financial compensation, your attorney must prove your damages were directly caused by the accident and accurately value them. This involves:

• Collecting medical bills and treatment records – These documents show the extent and cost of your medical care due to the injury.
• Gathering pay stubs or employment documents – These help establish the income you’ve lost from being unable to work.
• Working with experts to assess long-term needs – Expert testimony can estimate future medical costs, rehabilitation, and reduced earning potential.
• Presenting photographs and witness statements – Visual evidence and firsthand accounts strengthen your case and clarify the circumstances of the accident.
• Proving liability through evidence and investigation – Your legal team will collect and analyze all relevant facts to demonstrate who was at fault and why.

Accurate and thorough documentation is key to recovering the compensation you deserve. Your attorney can build a strong case with the right evidence to ensure you are fairly compensated for your damages.