Types of Damages and Losses Recoverable in a Wheelchair Injury Lawsuit

Medical expenses are one of the most significant and immediate costs following a wheelchair injury. These expenses can include:

• Emergency Room Visits: Costs for initial treatment and evaluation following the accident.
• Hospital Stays: Expenses for any required hospitalization, including surgery and intensive care.
• Medical Devices: Costs for any necessary medical devices, such as braces, casts, or new wheelchairs.
• Rehabilitation: Expenses for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other rehabilitative services.
• Medications: Costs for prescription medications needed to manage pain or other symptoms related to the injury.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Expenses for ongoing medical care and follow-up visits with healthcare providers.

Injuries from wheelchair defects can result in missed work and lost income. Recoverable lost wages can include:

• Immediate Lost Income: Compensation for the income lost due to missed work immediately following the injury.
• Future Lost Earnings: Compensation for the loss of earning capacity if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
• Lost Benefits: Compensation for the loss of employment benefits, such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other benefits.

Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional distress experienced as a result of the injury. Recoverable damages for pain and suffering can include:

• Physical Pain: Compensation for the actual physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury.
• Emotional Distress: Compensation for psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the loss of ability to enjoy activities and experiences that were part of your life before the injury.

If the injury results in permanent disability or disfigurement, you may be entitled to additional compensation. This can include:

• Permanent Disability: Compensation for long-term or permanent loss of function or mobility.
• Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent scarring, disfigurement, or other changes to your physical appearance.

In some cases, injuries from wheelchair defects may necessitate modifications to your home or vehicle to accommodate your new needs. Recoverable expenses can include:

• Home Modifications: Costs for installing ramps, widening doorways, modifying bathrooms, and other necessary home modifications.
• Vehicle Modifications: Costs for modifying a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair, such as installing lifts or hand controls.

Severe injuries may require ongoing care and assistance. Recoverable damages for care and assistance can include:

• In-Home Care: Costs for hiring in-home care providers to assist with daily activities and medical needs.
• Assisted Living: Expenses for residing in an assisted living facility or nursing home if in-home care is not sufficient.

In cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious or reckless, you may be entitled to punitive damages. These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are not based on the specific losses you have incurred.