Personal Injury vs Bodily Injury
Both are similar terms but have distinct meanings depending on the context in which they are used. In the insurance industry, bodily injury refers to the coverage for injuries or fatalities resulting from a car crash caused by a driver with insurance.
On the other hand, personal injury refers to a legal claim filed when someone suffers harm due to another person's negligence. Knowing these terms can be beneficial, as in such cases, the person who got hurt can ask for money to cover their injuries and other things they lost.
These terms may also be used differently outside of insurance and legal contexts. For example, in criminal cases, bodily injury can describe injuries sustained in an assault, while in civil court, personal injury encompasses all damages resulting from wrongful death or accidents. While these terms are related, they are used distinctly in various legal and insurance contexts.
Understanding Bodily Injury Insurance Coverage
Bodily injury insurance is required in most states, with minimum coverage limits varying. In Virginia, for instance, you need at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries. This covers other people injured in an accident, not just yourself. Sometimes, it can also pay for lost wages of the injured parties and legal fees if you're sued. Unlike personal injury claims, it typically doesn't cover non-monetary damages like pain and suffering.
Understanding Bodily Injury
Bodily injury refers to physical damage caused to a person, encompassing injuries like cuts, bruises, broken bones, and more severe conditions ranging from minor to catastrophic.
In car accidents, injuries can be complex and severe, often resulting in significant medical expenses that may exceed insurance coverage limits. This underscores the importance of understanding personal injury claims and the potential need to pursue a claim against the responsible parties, including their insurance company, if necessary.
Common Situations Leading to Personal Injury Cases
Individuals can seek legal action in personal injury cases when they suffer injury or property damage due to someone else's fault. A Personal injury lawyer assess whether negligence caused the accident and who is liable. Typical situations where personal injury attorneys are involved include:
- Premises liability, such as slip-and-fall accidents at stores.
- Injuries from defective products like malfunctioning appliances or medical devices.
- Another driver or entity causes car accidents.
- Workplace accidents involving third-party liability.
- The harm caused by dangerous drugs or medical malpractice.
- Abuse in nursing homes.
Personal injury claims may cover more than just medical costs, aiming to compensate for various losses caused by the injury.
Damages Sought in a Personal Injury Case
When you suffer a bodily injury and seek compensation through a personal injury claim, various damages are considered to make you whole under the law. These include:
Medical Expenses: This covers all treatment costs, including hospital bills, doctor visits, prescriptions, and ongoing medical care.
Property Loss: Compensation for damaged or lost property, such as vehicles, electronics, or personal belongings affected by the accident.
Loss of Income: Reimbursement for wages lost due to injury, including potential future earnings, promotions, or bonuses missed during recovery.
Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological effects such as anxiety and depression as a result of the accident.
Pain and Suffering: Return for physical pain and emotional distress caused by an injury does not include financial loss.
Each case varies, and the compensation sought reflects the unique circumstances and losses experienced by the injured party.
Understand the Distinction Between Personal Injury and Bodily Injury
If you've been hurt because someone else was negligent, a personal injury lawyer can assist you in seeking compensation. The Law Offices of Clinton O. Middleton has helped thousands of clients like you. Please contact us today to find out how to get compensation for your injuries through personal injury.
