If you’ve been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of someone else, you may have a personal injury case. You are entitled to seek compensation for the losses you suffered. This includes economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to the financial losses you have incurred, like medical bills and lost wages. Out-of-pocket expenses can also be included in this category.
Out-of-pocket expenses are costs you pay directly due to your accident. They aren’t covered by your insurance or included in your initial medical bills, but they can quickly add up.
Here’s an overview of out-of-pocket expenses you may face and how you can recover compensation to cover them.
Common Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Personal Injury Cases
Out-of-pocket expenses are costs you pay upfront or as they arise, often while waiting for a settlement or for your case to go to court. Below are common out-of-pocket expenses in personal injury cases.
Medical Expenses
After a serious injury, you will likely have medical expenses. Some medical costs are out-of-pocket, which means they need to be paid upfront.
This includes:
- Health insurance deductibles and copays
- Prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medications
- Crutches, a wheelchair, or other assistive devices
- Braces, such as a knee brace
- Medical services and treatments not covered by insurance
For necessary or emergency medical care, you might not need to worry about upfront costs, as the provider will typically send a bill. Your health insurance may provide coverage with the right of subrogation, which means the insurer will seek reimbursement for payments they made on your behalf from your settlement or the at-fault party.
Even with insurance, these out-of-pocket expenses can be a burden.
Travel Costs
You may need to travel for medical appointments, including for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.
You are entitled to seek reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses, such as:
- Mileage to/from medical appointments
- Cost of public transportation or rideshare services
- Parking fees
- Overnight accommodations and meals if you need to travel far from home
- Rental car costs
Travel costs can add up, especially if you need to travel frequently or live far from the providers you need.
Personal Care and Household Services
While you are recovering, you may be unable to manage basic personal care and household tasks. You may need to hire someone to help with activities of daily living, such as eating, dressing, and bathing. Assistance with household chores like cleaning and laundry may also be necessary.
Be sure to keep track of any expenses related to hiring the help you need.
Childcare
While you’re recovering, taking care of young children may be impossible. If you were the primary caregiver before your accident, you may need to pay for childcare until you are well enough. Of course, this can be expensive and a cost you will need to pay out of pocket until you can reach a settlement agreement.
Home or Vehicle Modifications
If your home is inaccessible to you after your injury, you may need to pay for modifications to accommodate a permanent impairment. This may include a wheelchair ramp or more extensive work. You may also need modifications to your vehicle that allow you to drive after your accident.
Temporary Living Arrangements
In severe cases, you may need to relocate to temporary housing, especially if your injuries make your current home inaccessible.
Can I Recover Compensation For My Out-of-Pocket Expenses?
When filing a personal injury claim, you can pursue compensation for all accident-related losses, including out-of-pocket costs. A personal injury lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for reimbursement for these expenses as part of a settlement agreement.
However, you’ll need evidence to prove these expenses. Keeping detailed records and receipts is critical.
- Save invoices and receipts for prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and other expenses. Scanning and storing digital copies may be helpful.
- Track mileage to and from appointments. Note the date, reason for the appointment, the provider, and the address in your notes.
- A spreadsheet may be helpful for tracking expenses. You can maintain separate tabs for travel costs and medical expenses, for instance.
- Document payments for household services and childcare. Save any invoices you receive, and always get a signed receipt if you are paying with cash.
Without this documentation, it can be harder to recover the money you have spent.
Documentation is also important to demonstrate that your expenses were “reasonable and necessary.” During negotiations, the insurance company will consider whether your out-of-pocket costs are really related to your accident, necessary, and reasonable. This is why it’s important to note the purpose of any costs like childcare or travel.
Unfortunately, insurance adjusters often undervalue injury claims. Determining whether expenses were necessary and reasonable can be subjective. Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to recover a fair settlement that compensates you for your losses. Contact our Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers at (636) 519-0085 for a free consultation.
