When you suffer a personal injury in Friendswood due to someone else’s negligence, you may quickly learn the cost is more than just medical bills. Many victims also face significant out-of-pocket expenses. But what are out-of-expenses, and how do you prove them? A personal injury lawyer can help you evaluate the compensation you may be entitled to.
What Are Out-of-Pocket Expenses?
Out-of-pocket expenses refer to the costs you directly pay after an injury. These are expenses that you would not have incurred had the accident not happened. Unlike medical expenses that may be covered by insurance, out-of-pocket costs are paid by you upfront. These can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the severity of your accident and injuries. A 2020 study noted that households with an injured family member who requires hospitalization are significantly more vulnerable to financial hardship from out-of-pocket health expenses than others.
Examples of Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Friendswood, TX
The range of out-of-pocket expenses in personal injury cases is vast. Every case is different, and the expenses will depend on different factors, such as the nature of your injury.
A personal injury lawyer can help you recover many out-of-pocket expenses, including:
- Medical costs: Costs for medical expenses not covered by insurance, such as copays, deductibles, or non-covered services and prescriptions.
- Travel expenses: Costs related to traveling to and from doctor’s appointments or physical therapy sessions, including gas, parking fees, or public transportation costs.
- Home or vehicle modifications: Costs related to modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate a short or long-term disability from your accident.
- Miscellaneous expenses: Other costs, such as hiring help to perform household chores, care for your children, or accomplish daily tasks.
Our Friendswood personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case and determine what out-of-pocket expenses you may be entitled to compensation for.
How to Prove Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Friendswood, TX
Proving out-of-pocket expenses in your personal injury case requires thorough documentation. You have to prove that you are entitled to compensation, though a Friendswood personal injury lawyer can help. Be sure to do the following to help prove out-of-pocket expenses:
Keep Receipts and Bills
Every expense related to your injury should be documented. Keep receipts, bills, and other records for all out-of-pocket expenses you pay. Whether it is a receipt for parking at a hospital, a copay for a physical therapy appointment, or a receipt for prescriptions, keep it safe. These documents will be the primary basis for claiming out-of-pocket costs as part of your injury expenses.
Maintain a Log
Start a log from the moment of the injury and note every related expense. A log may include dates, a description of the expense, and the associated cost. A well-maintained log can provide a clear, chronological account of all your out-of-pocket expenses. This will help you avoid missing expenses for which you may be entitled to compensation.
Obtain Medical Records
Request copies of your medical records, including doctor’s notes, treatment plans, and prescriptions. Your medical records will help support your injury claim and correlate your injuries with out-of-pocket expenses.
Use Expert Testimony
Personal injury lawyers can help you retain experts to testimony about your injuries and out-of-pocket expenses. Experts can explain why your out-of-pocket expenses, such as medical equipment or modifications to your home or vehicle, were reasonable and necessary due to your injury.
How a Friendswood Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Navigating a personal injury claim can be challenging, especially when out-of-pocket expenses are involved.
A Friendswood personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for all your potential expenses by:
- Providing expert guidance: A lawyer will help you understand the full scope of your out-of-pocket expenses and fight for compensation for every possible cost.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Personal injury lawyers are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies who may be inclined to minimize your compensation.
- Representing you at trial: Lawyers will advocate for you in court and present evidence and witness testimony to prove your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Charging no upfront costs: Many Friendswood personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if we win your case at trial or obtain a settlement.
If you or a loved one have been injured, schedule a consultation to review your case and discuss the out-of-pocket expense for which you may be entitled to compensation. An attorney can then help you plan your next steps.
Contact a Friendswood Personal Injury Lawyer for Help Recovering Out-Of-Pocket Expenses
If you or someone you know has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Texas, understanding out-of-pocket expenses is important. These costs can form a significant part of your compensation for medical treatment, transportation, or even home modifications. Contact a Friendswood personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation to take the first step in pursuing compensation for these out-of-pocket expenses. Give us a call at (281) 992-8633.
