If you or a loved one was injured in a jet ski accident, you could be eligible for compensation. Even if you feel the accident was your fault, a jet ski attorney can investigate the accident to determine who else might be at fault. Here we look at what types of settlement you can pursue from your jetski or watercraft injury.
Special Damages for Jet Ski Settlements
There are special and general damages your personal injury lawyer might choose to pursue for your jet ski lawsuit. Special damages include:
Medical Expenses
The more serious your accident and injuries the higher your medical costs. Your personal injury lawyer will look at your injuries, how they impact your life, and the costs. They will collect evidence that shows the seriousness of our injuries and prepare a list of your healthcare costs which might include the following:
- Emergency care
- Diagnostic testing
- Treatments for your injuries
- Rehabilitation devices and services required for your recovery
- Prescription medications
- Hospital bills
Keeping copies of all your expenses is important to ensure you are fully compensated for your medical costs. Also, never settle for the amount your insurance company is “willing” to provide, as it is usually in a lump sum. While it might seem like a lot of money at first, it is often much lower than the money needed to cover all of your medical expenses.
Lost Income
Lost income is not just for the time spent recovering or for medical visits but also applies to a reduction in income due to life-altering injuries. This can be severe such as being confined to a wheelchair, or related to issues such as chronic back pain or losing full function of your hands. Your personal injury attorney will track time off work due to your recovery, and determine how much income you stand to lose due to long-term injuries. This is especially important in cases where jet ski negligence is involved.
Property Damage
If you were lucky, you might not have sustained injuries requiring medical bills. However, damage to your jet ski, or to jewelry you might have been wearing, or a cell phone you might have been carrying can also be claimed as property damage in a jet ski lawsuit. Even if you do have medical expenses and lost income, you still have a right to seek damages for your property.
General Damages for Jet Ski Accidents
General damages fall under what is known as Pain and Suffering. You have probably heard this term before, but do not understand exactly what it includes. Basically Pain and Suffering refer to mental or emotional duress caused by your accident. This can affect your ability to sleep, your relationship with your partner both sexually and emotionally, or even your love of water sports. Your pain and suffering damages might include any of the following:
- Fear and anxiety
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Losing the enjoyment of life
Your personal injury attorney will discuss the many possible outcomes of your accident that go beyond the physical to determine the level of mental and/or emotional distress you are experiencing.
If you were involved in a jet ski accident, whether you sustained an injury, damaged property, or are experiencing pain and suffering, a personal injury lawyer at Malley Law Firm can help. We’ll seek the compensation you deserve and win a fair settlement to help you cope. Contact our team for your initial free consultation.
