Boston Car Accident Disability Lawyer
While some car accident injuries are relatively minor, and the individual eventually makes a full recovery, other car accident injuries are far more serious. In some cases, the individual never recovers and the injury develops into a lifelong disability.
A disability can dramatically affect quality of life. It can prevent you from engaging in activities you once enjoyed, prevent you from working, and necessitate major modifications to your home and vehicle.
If you have been in a car accident and have become partially or fully disabled, a Boston car accident disability lawyer can represent you and hold those responsible accountable.
What Qualifies as a Disability?
According to the Social Security Administration, you are disabled if you are not able to engage in any substantial gainful activity due in part, or fully, to a physical or mental ailment.
In other words, if you are unable to earn a livelihood because of your accident-related injuries, you can file a claim for disability benefits so that you will still have a source of income.
Before the Social Security Administration will consider your claim, you must be unable to work for at least twelve months due to your disability.
Applying for disability benefits can be confusing, and sometimes you will need to appeal a denial. Difficulties such as these can be easier when a Boston car accident disability lawyer is working on your case alongside you.
Disability and Personal Injury Lawsuits
Social Security benefits aside, you may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for your disability if someone else was at fault for its cause.
Financial compensation in these lawsuits can include any expenses or damages incurred as a result of your injury. A Boston car accident disability lawyer can ensure you receive compensation for these items. As disability injuries are long term, this can include a long list of possibilities:
- Medical bills and related expenses
- Physical, emotional, or mental therapy
- Modifications to your home or vehicle made to accommodate the disability
- Lost wages due to time off from work
Statute of Limitations
Massachusetts has a three-year statute of limitations in which you may file a personal injury lawsuit.
It is critical that you work with a Boston disability car accident lawyer to file suit as soon as possible. It can take a significant amount of time to collect evidence and build a case.
Comparative Negligence and Boston Lawsuits
Under Massachusetts comparative fault laws, the judge will award compensation based on the comparative negligence of the involved parties determined during the trial.
Fault will be distributed in percentages, and any fault assigned to you will reduce your settlement by that same percentage. For example, if you are found to be 10 percent at fault and you receive a $10,000 settlement, your final financial award will be reduced by $1,000.
Speak with a Boston Attorney
When you’re left disabled because of another’s negligence or wrongdoing, there are options available that will allow you to pick up the pieces and get your life back on track.
A Boston car accident disability lawyer from the Law Offices of Joel H. Schwartz can provide you with the sound legal advice you need to proceed. Get the process started by calling us at 617-742-1170.