When you buy a product, you expect it to be safe and effective. But, unfortunately, sometimes products can have defects that lead to injuries.
The good news is that you may be entitled to compensation if you suffer an injury due to a faulty product. However, it is best to work with a personal injury lawyer to help you recover all the damages you deserve.
This article highlights various types of compensation you can claim if a defective product has caused your injuries.
Recoverable Damages When Injured by a Defective Product
Medical Expenses
The most common type of compensation you can claim after being injured by a defective product is reimbursement for your medical expenses. This includes the cost of emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, medication, and any other medical care necessary to treat your injuries.
It is vital to keep track of all your medical bills and any receipts for out-of-pocket expenses, as you’ll need them to support your claim. In addition, when calculating medical expenses, remember to include any future costs that may result from your injuries.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to medical expenses, you can also claim compensation for the pain and suffering experienced from the effects of using the defective product.
Compensation for pain and suffering doesn’t have a definite figure, as accidents can result in different levels of physical, emotional, and psychological injuries to victims. However, the insurance may use factors, such as the severity of injuries, the length of the recovery period, and disfigurements sustained, to quantify these damages.
Lost Wages
Injuries resulting from defective products may sometimes cause you to miss work. If this occurs, you could be entitled to compensation for your lost wages during recovery.
The recovery period after a defective product injury could include any time you had to take off for medical appointments or due to disability caused by your injuries. When claiming lost wages, however, you will need documentation from your employer showing your regular pay rate, the number of hours you typically work, and the time you missed due to your injuries.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Sometimes, injuries from a defective product can have a long-lasting impact on your ability to enjoy the activities and hobbies you once loved. If this is the case, you may claim compensation for losing the enjoyment of life.
This type of compensation aims to compensate you for your injuries’ negative impact on your overall quality of life. However, you must keep a journal detailing how your injuries have affected your daily activities to strengthen your claim. You may also gather testimony from friends and family members who can attest to the changes they’ve noticed in your life.
Getting Maximum Compensation with the Help of an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
While you can handle a defective product injury claim yourself, things can get a bit overwhelming if you live in a state like Oregon, where personal injury laws are complex. Fortunately, you can find many experienced lawyers for personal injury cases in Oregon to help you make this process seamless.
An experienced attorney understands the ins and outs of the legal system and is familiar with local personal injury state laws. They can help you gather the necessary paperwork, negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary, allowing you to focus on your recovery and rebuild your life.
Conclusion
If you have suffered an injury due to a defective product, it’s essential to understand the types of damages you can claim. However, consider working with an experienced personal injury lawyer to boost the chances of securing maximum compensation.
