In many situations, when a negligent party unintentionally or accidentally causes physical harm to an innocent person, the injured party can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party so he or she can recover compensation for their damages. When we say “damages,” we’re referring to losses incurred because of an injury, such as pain and suffering, lost income, physical damage to a vehicle (car accidents), and medical bills.
Sometimes injured parties are hesitant to file a civil lawsuit or personal injury suit against the liable or negligent party because they know that person does not have any money. They automatically think, “He doesn’t have any money, so there’s no point in filing a lawsuit,” when in fact this type of thinking can be quite mistaken.
While it’s true, most of the time one person (or business) is behind an accidental injury, but that does not mean that the injured party does not have a way to recover compensation if the at-fault party is strapped for cash. How could this be? In a word – insurance.
We Live in an Insurance-Friendly Society
Believe it or not, many types of personal injury accidents are covered by insurance, whether it’s auto insurance, homeowners’ insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, medical malpractice insurance, or property insurance.
Since homeowners and businesses are generally required to carry some form of property insurance, this requirement ensures that accidental injuries are covered by these policies. On the rare occasion that a required insurance policy was allowed to lapse, the property owner is usually still liable for accidents and injuries that occur on their property.
Here are some examples of the types of accidents that are typically covered by an insurance policy:
- Car accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Boating accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Nursing home abuse
- Slip and fall accidents
- Dog bites and attacks
- Medical malpractice
- Swimming pool accidents
If you were injured in an accident and you’re hesitant to file a lawsuit because you’re confident the at-fault party cannot afford to compensate you, don’t be discouraged. Depending on the facts of the case, there is a very good chance that there is an insurance policy that may help you recover much-needed compensation.
To find out if you have a right to compensation for your injuries, contact our firm to meet with a Columbia injury lawyer for free!