Many people focus on the big-picture damages after being injured, such as medical bills or lost wages. However, there is another category of damages that may quickly add up: out-of-pocket expenses. These are costs you pay yourself because of an accident, and they can play a crucial role in the compensation you may seek in a personal injury case.
This makes it crucial to understand what qualifies as an out-of-pocket expense, how to track them, and how they may impact your legal claim, which can significantly affect your financial recovery.
What Are Out-of-Pocket Expenses?
Out-of-pocket expenses are costs you pay due to injuries. They are common in many personal injury cases, including medical malpractice cases, and refer to the expenses you pay out of your own funds. These expenses are typically not reimbursed upfront through insurance or another source.
These expenses may be small individually, but together, they can create a heavy financial burden. Fortunately, they are typically recoverable under Georgia law in a personal injury claim.
Common Examples of Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Out-of-pocket costs can vary widely depending on the nature of your injuries. However, certain categories are commonly seen in personal injury cases. Knowing what counts can help ensure you keep accurate records from the beginning.
Common examples of out-of-pocket expenses include:
- Transportation costs: These include mileage, tolls, and parking fees for travel to and from doctor appointments, physical therapy, or hospital visits.
- Medical devices and supplies: Insurance does not fully cover the costs of crutches, braces, walkers, wheelchairs, and similar assistive devices.
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications: Copays and out-of-pocket costs for both prescribed and non-prescribed medical products.
- Home modifications: Costs for installing ramps or handrails and making other accessibility changes to accommodate your injury.
- Childcare or home assistance: Costs for hiring help with childcare, housekeeping, or personal care when you are unable to do these tasks yourself.
- Temporary housing: Costs for lodging or hotels if you need to travel for treatment or cannot remain in your home during recovery.
These expenses are typically considered part of your economic damages and can be claimed if they are reasonable and necessary.
How Do I Prove Out-of-Pocket Expenses?
Tracking and documenting out-of-pocket expenses is one of the most important things you can do after being injured. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to recover these costs without proper proof.
Be sure to keep the following documentation:
- Receipts and invoices: Save all original receipts for purchases and payments.
- Mileage logs: Record dates, destinations, and distances traveled for medical care.
- Photos: Take pictures of damaged personal items or any home modifications made.
- Medical justifications: Obtain documentation from healthcare providers that explains the need for certain devices, medications, or other out-of-pocket expenses.
Detailed records will support your claim and demonstrate the legitimacy and necessity of your incurred costs. This strengthens your position when negotiating with insurance companies.
Is There a Cap on Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Georgia?
You may incur significant out-of-pocket expenses due to someone else’s negligence in Georgia. Thankfully, Georgia law puts no limit or cap on economic damages in personal injury cases, which include out-of-pocket expenses.
This means you can pursue full reimbursement for any legitimate costs you paid out of pocket, as long as they are necessary and properly documented. Some states limit economic losses, but Georgia allows full recovery for all direct financial harm from an injury.
How an Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Managing a personal injury case while recovering from your injuries can be incredibly stressful. An experienced personal injury lawyer can provide support and fight for the out-of-pocket expenses you may be entitled to.
They can assist with:
- Identifying and tracking expenses so they are properly documented
- Collecting medical records, receipts, and expert testimony to use as evidence
- Preparing demand letters to liable parties and their insurers
- Negotiating with insurance companies for fair compensation that includes out-of-pocket expenses and other damages
- Building the strongest possible claim to maximize your compensation
- Handling legal deadlines and litigation, if necessary
Insurance companies often undervalue or ignore out-of-pocket expenses, especially in early settlement offers. They may focus only on medical bills and lost wages, leaving you stuck with the smaller costs you paid yourself. Working with an Atlanta personal injury lawyer can leave you better positioned to recover the money you deserve and avoid leaving anything on the table.
Contact Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Today for a Free Consultation
Out-of-pocket expenses may not make headlines in personal injury cases, but they can make or break your financial recovery. Understanding what qualifies as an out-of-pocket expense and maintaining detailed records can give you the best chance of recovering every dollar.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our lawyers at Malone Law Medical Malpractice and Severe Injury Lawyers to discuss the out-of-pocket damages you may be entitled to. Contact us today for a free consultation at (770) 390-7550.