Personal injury lawsuits serve to compensate plaintiffs for injuries that are sustained as the result of defendants’ negligent behavior. The compensation that is awarded can be crucial to injured parties who are simply trying to get their lives back on track.
Fortunately, you can sue for any type of injury in Pennsylvania, so long that it stems from the defendant’s negligence. Still, in order to recover compensation, you must be able to prove the damages caused by the injury at issue. Support from our legal professionals can be highly important when gathering the evidence needed to obtain maximum payment in your case.
Get help from our Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers at the Reiff Law Firm today by calling (215) 709-6940.
Suing for Minor Injuries in Pennsylvania
You can sue for minor injuries in Pennsylvania. The states personal injury laws allow for plaintiffs to pursue compensation for any injury, regardless of its severity. Even seemingly minor injuries can produce substantial expenses and inconveniences.
As previously mentioned, in order to recover payment for a minor injury, you must present evidence that proves it was sustained because of another party’s negligent conduct. Furthermore, you must show that the injury caused you to incur damages, such as medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering.
Our Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys are prepared to guide you through the process of pursuing a claim. We will help document your injuries and calculate the damages you have sustained. Furthermore, we will help file your case against the at-fault party and negotiate for the full extent of compensation you deserve.
Examples of Injuries You Can Sue for in Pennsylvania
There are a wide range of seemingly minor injuries that can cause significant damages. In reality, every injury should be treated seriously. The following are all examples of injuries that may be accounted for in your personal injury claim:
Whiplash
Many car accident victims suffer whiplash when their necks are suddenly jolted back and forth. This type of injury usually involves damage to muscles and ligaments. While whiplash may initially seem minor, it can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and headaches. These symptoms can significantly inhibit a person’s ability to work and perform daily activities.
Sprains and Strains
Strains and sprains are another type of seemingly minor injury that you can sue for in Pennsylvania. These injuries involve stretching or tearing of ligaments or muscles, leading to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Although they might appear insignificant at first, sprains and strains can require extensive medical attention and physical therapy to heal properly.
Cuts and Bruises
Cuts and bruises from accidents can lead to serious complications if not properly treated. Deep cuts might require stitches and could leave scars, while severe bruises can indicate underlying tissue damage. These injuries can cause pain and might prevent a person from performing their usual tasks. Thankfully, damages for any complications caused by cuts and bruises may be accounted for in a personal injury claim.
Burns
Burn injuries can lead to excruciating pain and, in severe cases, substantial scarring and disfigurement. Even first-degree burns can cause discomfort and require medical treatment to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Compensation for burns can cover any necessary follow-up care and cosmetic treatments as well as the physical pain caused by the injuries at issue.
Dental Injuries
Dental injuries, such as chipped or broken teeth, may result from falls, collisions, and strikes from falling objects. In addition to causing serious pain, these injuries can affect victims’ abilities to eat and speak properly. Moreover, the cost of dental repairs can be very high.
Eye Injuries
Eye injuries can result in irritation, pain, and temporary vision impairment. While these injuries might seem minor, they can lead to more severe issues if not treated promptly. Compensation for eye injuries can cover medical care, including visits to eye specialists and any necessary treatments to restore or protect vision.
Psychological Impact of Injuries
Even minor injuries can have a psychological impact, causing stress, anxiety, or depression. The trauma of an accident or the frustration of dealing with an injury can affect a person’s mental health. Seeking compensation for the psychological impact can help cover therapy and counseling costs. These treatments may significantly improve the overall recovery process.
Damages You Can Recover for Minor Injuries in Pennsylvania
There is a wide range of damages that may be acquired through a personal injury lawsuit. Even if your injury seems minor, you may be able to recover compensation for any of the following damages:
Medical Expenses
As previously discussed, you may obtain payment for any medical expenses related to your injuries. For minor injuries, this might involve emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, diagnostic tests like X-rays, and any necessary medication. Additionally, medical expenses can cover follow-up care, physical therapy, and any medical supplies needed for recovery. Ensuring that all medical costs are covered helps reduce your financial burden.
Lost Wages
Another type of damage recoverable for minor injuries is lost wages. If an injury causes you to miss work, even for a short period, you can seek compensation for the income lost during that time. This includes not only your regular salary or hourly wages but also any overtime, bonuses, or other earnings you might have missed.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket expenses refer to costs that you incur as a direct result of the injury but are not covered by medical bills or lost wages. Examples include transportation costs for medical appointments, over-the-counter medications, medical equipment, and any modifications needed at home to accommodate your injury.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical and emotional distress caused by the injury. Even minor injuries can lead to significant pain, discomfort, and emotional impact. These damages aim to address the non-economic aspects of your suffering, such as ongoing pain, anxiety, depression, and any loss of enjoyment of life.
Call Our Attorneys for Help Suing for Seemingly Minor Injuries in Pennsylvania
Get support from our Chester County, PA personal injury attorneys by calling the Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940.
