Getting hurt is physically painful, but it can also hurt your finances. In the United States, medical bills contribute to 66.5% of personal bankruptcies, even for people who have healthcare insurance. When medical bills arise from injuries, bankruptcies can sometimes be avoided by pursuing legal action.
The harsh truth is that when someone else causes your injury – whether it’s an employer, a friend, or a business – you shouldn’t get stuck with the bills. In this article, we’ll dive into all the reasons you should stand your ground to get compensated. Not to seek revenge, but to hold the responsible party accountable and protect yourself against financial ruin.
- You are not responsible for other people’s negligence
Think back to when you were a kid. If you threw a baseball that broke a neighbor’s window, your parents probably would have made you pay for the repair. Being injured as an adult is no different. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, they should pay for your medical bills.
Unfortunately, medical bills can be much higher than what most people can afford, and that’s why you need to file a lawsuit to get compensated. If you hesitate to take action because you don’t want the other person to be put out, don’t worry. The responsible party’s insurance policy will cover your payout.
Just don’t make the mistake of accepting a settlement offer directly from an insurance company without talking to a lawyer. They’re going to lowball your offer, and you may not get enough to cover your bills. A personal injury attorney can help you recover compensation for your injuries without selling you short.
- Taking on debt you didn’t create isn’t smart
It doesn’t make sense to take on a bunch of medical debt you didn’t create. If you were injured, you’re the victim, and you shouldn’t have to pay a dime. If you can’t afford to pay your medical bills, don’t go into debt over someone else’s legal responsibility. Hold them accountable.
- The law is on your side
If you’re afraid to pursue action against someone who hurt you because you think you won’t win, know that the law is on your side. You’ll want to consult with an attorney first, but if you have a valid personal injury case, the odds are on your side. More than 95% of all injury cases settle out of court and avoid trials, which means insurance companies are used to negotiating settlements.
While the average settlement varies depending on the type of accident, the average car accident case settles for $26,501. Settlements are typically kept private, but an experienced personal injury attorney will know what your case is worth. Get a consultation to see what your next move should be.
- Compensation covers more than medical bills
If you’re thinking about just ignoring your medical bills, consider that getting compensation through a lawsuit can cover more than medical expenses. You might qualify for additional damages, like lost wages, lost future wages, pain and suffering, and possibly even punitive damages. If you’ve been unable to work because of your injury and your household bills are piling up, getting compensated through a lawsuit is your best option.
- You’ll motivate better future behavior
Filing a lawsuit doesn’t just protect you. It motivates the responsible party to change their behavior. For instance, a business that doesn’t take safety seriously will be forced into accountability, leading to safer conditions in the future. When companies know they’ll have to pay for their negligence, they’ll tighten their standards to avoid the consequences. By refusing to stay quiet and walk away, you’re creating change that will protect countless other people.
- It’s not hard to file a lawsuit
A lawsuit doesn’t have to be challenging if you hire a good attorney. You’ll need to do some of the work, like gathering evidence, getting your medical records, and taking good photos of your injury. However, they’ll do all the hard work. All you need to do is show up for your required appointments and listen to their advice. It’s not as daunting as it may seem. And if it gets your medical bills paid, it’s worth pursuing.
Don’t stand down when you’ve been hurt
Seeking compensation through the legal system isn’t revenge – it’s justice. You’re not punishing anyone by seeking fairness. You’re ensuring the responsible party bears the cost of what they caused. Being injured is painful enough. You shouldn’t have to take the financial hit for your recovery.
