When we think of personal injury, it’s easy to focus on obvious medical expenses. However, there are many hidden costs that can impact your financial stability after an injury. Even with insurance and savings, prolonged negotiations during personal injury lawsuits can sometimes leave injured parties without many options. That’s why contacting experienced Florida personal injury attorneys like Probinsky & Cole is so important to begin your case as soon as possible.
Some of the most common—and surprising—hidden costs and financial burdens that can accompany an accident in Florida include:
Medical Costs Beyond the Initial Treatment: While initial emergency medical attention may be covered by insurance or anticipated by victims, the ongoing medical expenses can be a shock. Physical therapy, specialized treatments, ongoing doctor consultations, prescription medication, and even surgeries required months after the injury can add up quickly. The impact of these unexpected and hidden costs on injured parties’ mental health is also becoming more widely understood, and mental health care costs can result in an additional strain that insurance companies may argue is not necessary. Plus, if the recovery period turns out to be longer than initially estimated, already established financial plans might be insufficient.
Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity: Being injured often means missing work, and the extent of lost wages can very quickly turn a stable financial situation into a dangerous situation. Many injuries require weeks or even months away from work. Later, if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous role or forces you into a lower-paying job, this reduced earning capacity can have long-term consequences. Experienced personal injury attorneys should use this info to fight for greater compensation in your case.
Transportation Costs: Mobility can be a major challenge after a significant PI injury, and regular visits to specialists or physical therapy appointments require reliable transportation on a routine basis. For those unable to drive or lacking family members with the ability to help, repeatedly hiring a driver or using ride-sharing services can become a recurring burden. In some cases, the cost of modifying your vehicle to accommodate new physical limitations can also be significant.
Home Modifications: Just like vehicle accommodations, injuries that lead to permanent or long-term physical impairments often necessitate changes at home. Ramps, wide doorways or hallways, and grab bars help injured parties maintain independence after their accident.
Childcare and Household Help: If you have young children, your injury may affect your ability to care for them. As a result, you may need to hire additional childcare services or even find short-term housing accommodation.
Regardless of whether these financial concerns are short-term or long-term, the best way to protect your financial future after a personal injury in Florida is by pursuing the maximum compensation possible for your case. Experienced attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies to prevent you from accepting a settlement that falls short of covering your needs and hidden costs – and take the matter to court if negotiations aren’t working.
Sometimes, it may be worth accepting a settlement just for the immediate financial stability it can bring. But, if the other side uses your financial hardship as a bargaining chip, your attorneys can identify their strategy and fight for a fair settlement amount that doesn’t rely on underhanded tactics. With your medical and financial future on the line, never accept a substandard settlement, and always speak with experienced Florida personal injury attorneys. Contact Probinsky & Cole today to learn more about how we can help.
