Alberta has a problem with accidents, especially traffic accidents. The year 2021 saw over 100,000 accidents. This is concerningly high for a province that is considered one of the most affordable in Canada.
Victims of car accidents are entitled to compensation for their injuries and any property damage they have suffered under personal injury law. Experienced personal injury lawyers in Alberta can be beneficial in such situations, as they can provide clarity on your rights and the damages you are entitled to.
What is a personal injury claim?
A personal injury claim is a legal process where one person who has suffered injury or other damages due to the actions of another (either negligent or willful) files for compensation for those damages.
Personal injury law covers a wide variety of injuries, including:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites
- Medical malpractice
What damages are victims entitled to?
Personal injury law provides victims with a range of compensation, covering medical bills and emotional trauma. The categories of damages under personal injury are discussed below.
Medical bills
The first thing that personal injury claims cover is medical costs. Accidents typically result in injury, ranging from sprains to permanent damage to the spine, etc. This can include costs for doctor’s visits, prescriptions, surgeries, and any future treatment or rehabilitation.
You will have to present medical bills, prescriptions, or any doctors’ notes as evidence to obtain this compensation.
Property damage
Personal injury claims also cover the costs for any property that was damaged in the course of the accident. This includes damage to your car, any repair work that needs to be done on it, and in some cases, the cost of any valuables that were present in the car at the time of the accident, like jewelry or a laptop.
Loss of wages
Another important category that personal injury claims cover is lost wages. People may have to take time off to heal from an accident, and this can range from a couple of days to a couple of months.
While employers are required by law to provide some assistance in such situations, victims can claim damages from defendants for such cases as well.
Emotional distress
The final category of compensation that we will discuss in this article is emotional distress, otherwise called “pain and suffering”. This refers to any psychological damage that the victim suffered as a result of the accident.
People can suffer from long-term trauma as a result of an accident, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. These mental health issues can have a significant impact on people’s lives, affecting their ability to work or enjoy themselves.
Personal injury law entitles victims to compensation for such distress, and while it can be difficult to put a price tag on such trauma, a number that’s approximately close to the level of distress can be agreed upon, at least providing the victim with financial relief.
Conclusion
Accident costs can quickly mount, so personal injury claims are a real lifesaver. Knowing your rights and hiring a good lawyer is key to getting adequate compensation. The compensation for personal injury can cover medical bills, lost wages, psychological trauma, and the cost of property damage.
