Many people ask how to prepare financially for a personal injury lawsuit. Typically, a personal injury results without warning but, in some cases, long-term exposure to toxins and carcinogens results in the development of life-threatening illness. In either scenario, it is important for the injured victim or family to contact a personal injury lawyer right away to determine the merits of his or her claim. Personal injury lawsuits may take years to settle.
Long-Term Exposure to Health Risks
Millions of Americans suffer mental or physical harm each year as the result of accidents, occupational and workplace hazards, or negligence. Filing a personal injury claim seeks financial compensation for injuries sustained by the victim and related treatment expenses.
Many personal injury claims result from car or work accidents, assault, occupational danger, or faulty products. When the worker repeatedly suffers strains at work or develops serious long-term physical damage, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, hearing loss, asthma, or emphysema, a personal injury claim is likely to seek substantial financial damages.
Employer Offers of Settlement
If a sick worker’s illness is the result of long-term exposure to asbestos, loud noise, or toxins, the employer may offer a settlement before the patient or family files a personal injury lawsuit. A personal injury lawyer is still recommended to assist the worker or his heirs in negotiating a fair settlement (Source: Pritzker Law).
Sudden Injuries, Medical and Disability Insurance
A serious car accident is seldom imagined by the victim. Lost wages and medical bills pile up quickly. If the patient did not previously elect or purchase short and long-term disability insurance, cash on hand, savings and retirement plans quickly evaporate.
Some states, including Rhode Island, California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and New York have employer-mandated short-term disability programs. A hurt worker in one of these states can get short-term disability assistance.
The injured person’s car insurance or employer health care may be used to pay for his or her medical care until an injury claim is settled. In some cases, the policyholder’s car insurance or the car insurance of the driver who caused the accident agree to pay the injured person’s lost wages.
It is essential to engage a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss financial matters, especially if he or she becomes permanently disabled.
Other Financial Options
Although Social Security disability is not a short-term solution, injured workers without financial resources may decide to file for benefits as soon as possible. In many states, short-term transitional financial assistance can help to support the worker and family until a personal injury settlement is reached.
This article is from Lizzie Weakley, a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. She enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her three-year-old husky Snowball.
