When you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s natural to focus on immediate out-of-pocket expenses—like vehicle damage or medical bills. However, these costs are just the beginning. Often, the full scope of financial losses from a personal injury can be far greater than you initially realize. Understanding the complete range of damages can help ensure you’re fully compensated for your losses.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the hidden costs of a personal injury claim that many people overlook and explain why they are so important to include in your claim.
1. Wage Loss: Not Just Time Off
You might assume that only the days you missed work right after the injury count toward lost wages. But wage loss can extend beyond the immediate aftermath. For instance, if you had to use paid time off (PTO) or sick leave, you may not have felt a direct financial impact—but those days off are still compensable.
Additionally, as medical treatment progresses, you may need to take more time off for follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or even surgeries. Since many healthcare providers operate during business hours, you may be forced to adjust your work schedule to accommodate medical visits.
Wage loss isn’t limited to the days directly after the injury—it’s a long-term consideration that can affect your overall income.
2. Loss of Earning Capacity: Beyond Your Paycheck
Loss of earning capacity refers to the reduction in your ability to earn income over time due to the injury. This is especially significant for those in sales or commission-based jobs, where income depends heavily on performance. If you miss work or can no longer perform at your previous level, the loss of income can be substantial.
Even if you’re not in sales, performance-based bonuses or raises may be impacted by your injury. If your performance declines because of your physical limitations, this loss in earning capacity can add up to a significant amount.
Tracking this ongoing loss is vital to ensure you’re compensated for your future financial losses.
3. Household Services: The Cost of Extra Help
Many people overlook the household services they require after an injury. If you typically manage your own household tasks—like grocery shopping, cleaning, or lawn care—and are now unable to do so, the costs of hiring help should be factored into your claim.
This can include paying for services like:
- Housekeepers
- Landscapers
- Grocery delivery
Over time, these costs can add up, especially if your recovery is prolonged. Be sure to track any expenses related to household help to ensure they are included in your injury claim.
4. Diminished Vehicle Value: The Hidden Loss
After a car accident, it’s easy to focus on the repair costs. However, there is another often-overlooked financial loss: diminished vehicle value. Even after your vehicle is repaired, it may be worth less on the resale market because the accident is recorded on its vehicle history report.
For many people, this loss is substantial—especially for newer or high-value vehicles. The diminished value of your car can be a significant financial loss that should not be ignored in your claim.
5. Mileage: Travel Costs for Medical Appointments
Another cost that often goes unnoticed is the mileage associated with medical appointments. If you have to travel to see specialists, physical therapists, or for follow-up visits, you are entitled to be reimbursed for the distance you travel.
The mileage reimbursement rate is generally set by the IRS, and depending on the number of appointments and the distance, these costs can quickly add up.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
These five hidden costs represent just a few of the damages that can accumulate during your personal injury claim. Unfortunately, many people fail to account for all the financial losses they’ve sustained. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify these damages and ensure they’re properly documented in your claim.
At Spencer Injury Law, we are dedicated to helping clients recover the full value of their claim. If you’ve been injured, don’t let hidden costs go unaccounted for. Contact us today at (425) 300-1955 for a free consultation to discuss your case and how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
