The Hidden Costs of a Personal Injury: Why Acting Fast Matters

Getting hurt is not just about the pain; it disrupts your entire life, your job, your money, everything.  

“The real trouble sneaks up on you a few weeks after the accident. The bills start piling up. You are missing work, you are dealing with pain, and suddenly, even the small things you used to enjoy feel out of reach,” says attorney Peter Friedman of Friedman Schuman Layser.

Let us look at the hidden costs and find out why acting fast really matters, not just for your health, but also for your rights.

Lost Income and Career Setbacks  

Getting hurt and losing income affects your paycheck immediately. If your injury extends longer than you want, it can completely derail your entire career. People want to think that disability checks and other benefits will ease the pain, but the truth is, they do not.

And then there is the larger issue: what if you are not able to return to your old job, or what if you simply cannot do that job the way you used to? At this point, your future earning capacity is significantly affected. 

These missed chances usually end up being the biggest part of any personal injury claim, but only if you start collecting proof from the start, which includes records from your place of work and from your doctor.

Ongoing Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses

Most injuries tend to cost an individual far more than the initial ER visit. There may be physical therapy, medication, additional visits, and even equipment that an individual might need to purchase. All of this adds up before an individual knows what is even happening.

Most individuals tend to settle with an insurance company before they even know what costs they will face through the recovery process.

The thing is, if an individual is smart and begins gathering documentation from the very beginning and obtains an attorney, they can protect themselves from losing thousands of dollars in additional costs that might arise.

Emotional and Psychological Strain

Not all injuries show up on an X-ray. Sometimes, the injury is not visible at all. After an accident, anxiety starts creeping in. Depression is the next step. Post-traumatic stress can alter the way you view the world. Next thing you know, you cannot sleep. Maybe you have flashbacks about driving, or get nervous about things you used to do without thinking twice.

In Pennsylvania, the law recognizes non-economic damages. However, it is not easy to prove emotional distress, and insurance companies are always eager to minimize it. They always make you feel like you are just making it all up. If you wait too long before seeing a therapist or tracking your emotional distress, it becomes even harder to connect the emotional distress with the accident.

Family and Relationship Strain

Injuries are not just suffered by one person. The whole family is affected by the injury. Next thing you know, the spouse is taking on some of the work, the children are missing out on time with their parents, and the stress is mounting. The relationship is strained.

In Pennsylvania, you can claim a loss of consortium. This is a claim that your spouse is able to make for all of the support you are unable to provide after your injury.

But you need proof; real facts about how things changed at home. If you wait too long before speaking to a therapist and gathering facts, that part of your case could be gone for good.

Why You Need a Lawyer

A lawyer is almost always a must-have if you want to make sure you are able to recover all of the damages you are owed. They help you see the full picture of your losses, not just the obvious ones.

Find a lawyer who handles personal injury cases regularly and has a history of successful settlements. Be sure to ask about their fees upfront, as well as their ability to communicate effectively and frequently. The right lawyer is able to focus on the facts of your case and help you move forward quickly.