Experienced Crestview Personal Injury Lawyer
Injured plaintiffs (in the accident context) are entitled to recover for the losses they suffered as a result of another party’s negligence.
For example, suppose that a plaintiff fractures their arms and legs in a truck accident caused by a negligent driver. The plaintiff would likely have a number of recoverable losses, such as medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and more.
Medical expenses may encompass a broad set of costs related to healthcare: diagnostic testing, check-up appointments with physicians, surgical treatment, physical rehabilitation, pain management work, pharmaceutical medication, medical device purchases, home care assistance, and much more. In some cases, plaintiffs may even recover for medical expenses related to alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and chiropractic treatment. As such, a claim for medical expenses tends to comprise quite a significant chunk of one’s total damages amount.
Medical Expenses are Recoverable Even with Insurance Coverage
Medical expenses are a critical component of personal injury damages claims, but many plaintiffs are confused by what such losses entail and whether they are entitled to recover those losses despite having comprehensive health insurance coverage.
Let’s clarify.
Suppose that you are injured in an accident, but all your medical expenses are covered by your health insurance provider. You have no out-of-pocket costs for medical care. Does that mean you cannot recover damages for medical expenses?
No! Under those circumstances, you “can” recover for medical expenses, even if those expenses were not paid out-of-pocket by you.
In Florida, and in other jurisdictions, plaintiffs may sue and recover for medical expenses that they did not actually have to pay (i.e., that their insurer covered in accordance with their insurance plan). This may seem as though it gives a financial windfall to the plaintiff, but in truth, this recovery is intended to shift the burden onto the defendant — the law contemplates that it would be unfair to “punish” a plaintiff for having the good sense to purchase comprehensive health insurance.
Contact Our Crestview Personal Injury Lawyer for Assistance
Powell Law Firm is a Florida personal injury firm that was founded over 69 years ago. Over the decades, our attorneys have been committed to the provision of leading legal representation to injured plaintiffs throughout the state of Florida. The insights we have gained from litigating a volume of claims have given us a more comprehensive understanding of how to secure a favorable result for our clients.
We are litigators with a history of taking cases all the way through to trial. This willingness and ability to advocate at trial ensures that we can apply pressure to defendants early on, often resolving the case in the pre-litigation phase.
Ready to speak to an experienced Crestview personal injury lawyer? We encourage you to call us at 850-682-2757 or send us a message online to schedule a free consultation today.