Are There Law Firms Specializing in Both Physical and Financial Harm Cases?
Yes, personal injury law firms will look at physical harm as well as financial losses that were caused by an accident or act of negligence. Personal injury and wrongful death lawyers will account for a combination of economic and non-economic losses you experienced, and this will determine the amount of compensation sought in a case.
Let’s look at examples of physical harm and financial loss after an accident. We’ll then note some other kinds of damages a person can seek in a legal claim.
If you’ve been seriously hurt or have lost a lot of money due to medical bills, the bros are here to help. To request a free consultation with the team at Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, contact our law firm today. We have West Virginia offices in Charles Town and Martinsburg, and we also have an office in Winchester, VA.
Examples of Physical Harm in a Serious Accident
When you think about a car wreck or a serious fall, you likely think about the physical trauma people experience. Here are some examples of serious injuries after people have been in an accident.
Broken Bones and Joints
Fractures sustained in falls and high-impact collisions can range from simple breaks to complex compound fractures requiring surgery and hardware. Joints like the knee, shoulder, and hip are particularly susceptible to long-term damage in motorcycle or pedestrian accidents. These injuries often require extensive immobilization and months of physical therapy. Our attorneys work to ensure your settlement covers the full scope of orthopedic care and any future risk of post-traumatic arthritis.
Damage to Internal Organs
The blunt force trauma of a car or big rig accident can cause life-threatening internal bleeding or damage to the lungs, spleen, or kidneys. Because these injuries are not always visible immediately, they require emergency diagnostic imaging and often invasive surgery. The recovery process is grueling and can leave a victim with permanent health complications. We meticulously document these hidden injuries to demonstrate the severity of the trauma you endured to the insurance adjusters.
Second-Degree and Third-Degree Burns
Burns are among the most painful injuries a human can experience. Whether caused by a vehicle fire, chemical exposure, or friction (road rash), deep tissue burns often lead to severe scarring, infection, and the need for skin grafts. Beyond the physical agony, the psychological impact of permanent scarring can be devastating. We seek compensation that accounts for both the intensive medical treatments and the long-term emotional toll of physical disfigurement.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
A TBI can occur even without a direct blow to the head, often resulting from violent movement in a crash. Symptoms range from persistent headaches and memory loss to permanent cognitive impairment or personality changes. Because the effects of a brain injury can be subtle at first, we work with neurological experts to establish the full extent of the damage, ensuring you have the resources needed for ongoing cognitive rehabilitation and support.
Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI)
Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or total paralysis, forever changing a victim’s independence. These catastrophic injuries require a lifetime of specialized medical care, including wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24-hour nursing assistance. Our legal team understands the high stakes of SCI claims; we fight for maximum compensation to provide you with the best possible quality of life and long-term financial security following such a life-altering event.
Loss of Hearing or Vision
The deployment of an airbag, flying debris, or severe head trauma can lead to the permanent loss of one of your primary senses. Losing your sight or hearing impacts every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your personal safety and social interactions. We advocate for victims facing sensory loss, ensuring that the settlement reflects the profound loss of independence and the cost of adaptive technologies and lifestyle changes.
Examples of Financial Losses After a Serious Accident
Physical injuries are just part of the harm caused by a major accident. Treating injuries and dealing with the financial repercussions can take a toll on your household. Here are some examples of financial losses from a serious accident.
Medical Expenses
From the moment the ambulance arrives at the scene to the final follow-up appointment, medical costs add up rapidly. This includes emergency room fees, surgeon costs, anesthesia, diagnostic tests, and prescription medications. Our law firm can gather all medical records and billing statements to build a comprehensive view of your financial expenditures, ensuring that the at-fault party is held responsible for every dollar spent on your immediate and ongoing clinical care.
Future Medical Care Needs
A serious injury rarely ends when you leave the hospital. Many victims require future surgeries, long-term medication, or periodic check-ups with specialists. Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers works with medical professionals to estimate the cost of the care you will need for years (or even decades) into the future. By projecting these costs now, we prevent you from being left with out-of-pocket expenses long after your legal case has been closed.
Cost of Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
The trauma of an accident often leaves deep psychological scars, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Professional counseling and psychiatric care are essential for many victims to regain their mental well-being. We believe that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our team pursues compensation for the costs of therapy sessions and any necessary mental health treatments, acknowledging that emotional recovery is a vital part of your overall healing.
Damage to Property in an Accident
Your motorcycle or car is often your primary means of transportation, and its loss can be a major hurdle to recovery. Beyond the vehicle itself, we seek reimbursement for any personal property damaged in the crash, such as expensive riding gear, electronics, or jewelry. We use professional appraisals to ensure you receive the fair market value for your items, helping you replace what was lost without additional financial strain.
Home Renovations Due to Disability
If an accident results in a permanent disability, your home may need significant modifications to remain accessible. This can include installing ramps, widening doorways, lowering countertops, or adding specialized bathroom fixtures. These renovations are essential for maintaining your independence, but they are incredibly expensive. We include these necessary “lifestyle transition” costs in your claim to ensure your living environment is safe and accommodating for your new needs.
Loss of Income While Recovering
When you are too injured to work, the loss of a paycheck adds immense stress to an already difficult situation. We seek compensation for the wages you have already lost due to your inability to perform your job duties. This includes your base salary, as well as lost bonuses, commissions, and any paid time off (PTO) you were forced to use while healing from your injuries sustained in the accident.
Lost Future Earning Potential
If your injuries are severe enough to prevent you from ever returning to your previous career, you have suffered a loss of future earning potential. This is especially critical for younger victims who had decades of earnings ahead of them. Our lawyers in Charles Town, Martinsburg, and Winchester work with vocational experts and economists to calculate the total value of the lifetime income you have lost, protecting your family’s future financial stability.
Wrongful Death Damages
In the most tragic cases, an accident results in the loss of a loved one. Wrongful death damages cover funeral and burial costs, the loss of the deceased’s financial support, and the loss of emotional guidance, companionship, and consortium for the surviving family members left behind.
Financial Harm and Bad Faith Insurance Claims
In addition to the above financial losses, you may encounter additional financial setbacks if an insurance claim is denied or delayed. After an accident, you were likely counting on these benefits to help with your recovery.
When insurers wrongly deny your claim or cause serious delays when paying out benefits, you may be able to seek damages in a bad faith insurance claim. These claims will help you recover your benefits and address legal fees and other financial losses that resulted from the insurer’s actions.
Other Types of Damages You Can Seek
In addition to damages for physical trauma and financial losses, you may also be able to seek compensation for non-economic losses. These are subjective changes in your overall quality of life. While these kinds of damages can be more difficult to calculate, they’re still an important part of any accident or injury claim.
Pain and Suffering
This compensation addresses the physical agony and daily discomfort you have endured since the accident. It recognizes that being in pain is a burden that deserves financial acknowledgement, even if it doesn’t appear on a standard medical invoice or billing statement.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
When you can no longer participate in hobbies, sports, or family activities that once brought you happiness, you have lost a significant part of your identity. This damage category seeks to compensate you for the intangible loss of life’s pleasures and experiences.
How Much Is My Case Worth?
This depends on a wide range of factors. We cannot provide an estimate of the value of your claim without reviewing the full extent of your injuries and the lasting impact it’s had on your life.
When you meet with the team at Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers, we can discuss your injuries and the lasting impact they’ve had on you. We can also discuss changes in your daily life and hobbies. This interaction with our team is essential for figuring out how much your case may be worth.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in West Virginia or Virginia?
In West Virginia and Virginia, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims is typically two years from the date of the incident or death.
While two years may seem like a long time, it is vital to act quickly. Evidence can be lost, and witnesses’ memories fade over time. Consulting with attorneys early ensures that your rights are protected and that a thorough investigation can begin immediately.
Why Choose Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers
- We’re an Established Law Firm in the Region: The Skinner name has been part of the region’s legal landscape since 1969. John C. Skinner, Jr. was a partner at a law firm until he retired in 1981. His sons, attorneys Stephen Skinner and Andrew Skinner, have since carried on their father’s legacy.
- Our Lawyers Have Decades of Combined Experience: The bros have more than five decades of combined legal experience. The attorneys at our law firm collaborate and bring more years of knowledge to every case.
- More Than $100 Million Recovered for Our Clients: Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers has secured more than $100 million for families in West Virginia and Virginia over the years. We encourage you to look at our past verdicts and settlements to get a sense of what we can do for clients.
- We Can Travel to Clients Who Are Injured or Recuperating: Injuries could leave you stuck at home or the hospital and unable to travel. Our attorneys can travel to meet you wherever is most convenient. The team at Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers is comfortable going out into the community to make sure our neighbors are well-informed.
- Free and Confidential Legal Consultations: You don’t have to worry about another bill if you want to speak with a personal injury or wrongful death attorney. Our law firm offers free and confidential legal consultations so you can get the answers you need.
- You Don’t Pay Unless We Win: Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers handles cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that clients pay no legal fees unless and until we win. If we can’t secure a pre-trial settlement or damages in court, you pay nothing.
Contact Our Law Offices in West Virginia and Virginia
If you’ve been hurt or lost a loved one in an accident, you need Skinner Accident & Injury Lawyers. We can seek compensation to address the physical harm and lasting financial repercussions of an accident. To request a free consultation with our attorneys in Charles Town, Martinsburg, and Winchester, contact our law firm today.