Updated on: 11/1/2021
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Making a claim for loss of essential services can cover more damages than you may have initially realized. In fact, it’s one of the most overlooked damages in a personal injury case.
If you are seriously injured in an accident to the point where you require medical treatment, there is a good chance that you will need to take some time to recover from your injuries. Taking time off of work can lead to significant wage loss, which is fortunately recoverable in a injury cases.
But if you can’t make it to work, chances are that mowing the lawn or preparing meals for your family are difficult tasks as well. Thankfully, car accident victims have the option of making a claim for a loss of essential services.
There are different types of insurance coverage that protect claimants from wage loss and a loss of essential services, and it is important to understand the differences between these types of coverage.
Loss Of Essential Services
If a person is injured in an accident and has to miss work, chances are they are going to have trouble performing everyday tasks and chores around the house as well. In a personal injury claim, this is called a loss of essential services, and victims can be reimbursed for these services under the right circumstances.
It is important to understand that a loss of essential services claim is not warranted simply because an accident victim feels pain or discomfort after the accident. The claimant must provide documented evidence that the injuries they are suffering prevent them from performing the duties they would otherwise be able to perform.
In most cases, claimants can be reimbursed for a loss of essential services for up to $40 per day with a $5,000 total limit. Many people don’t know that everyday responsibilities can be included in a personal injury claim as a loss of essential services.
These essential services may include, but are not limited to, any of the following:
- Mowing the lawn and gardening
- Routine cleaning of the home
- Preparing meals for the family
- Running regular errands
- Home repairs and maintenance
Unfortunately, the insurance companies are likely to fight tooth-and-nail with claimants over these claims. If you find yourself in the position of going to battle with an insurance company over the compensation that you deserve after an accident, it may benefit you to consult with a personal injury attorney.
PIP and Loss of Essential Services
Perhaps the most significant difference between Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and other types of auto liability coverage is that PIP is a no-fault type of coverage, meaning that the policyholder’s medical bills and other losses will be covered no matter who was at fault for causing the injuries.
Following an accident, a victim may make a claim to their insurer for medical expenses and wage loss whether or not they were negligent and at-fault for the accident. While other types of coverage will typically be included in a settlement that is determined later on, no-fault PIP coverage is available as soon as the policyholder makes the claim.
Contact an Attorney to Secure Your Legal Rights
Your attorney will help you determine what type of damages you are entitled to recover and if loss of essential services is applicable in your case. Your attorney will also tell you what documentation you will need to support such damages.
For a free case evaluation and to request a legal consultation with the team of experienced car accident attorneys at Davis Law Group, call (206) 727-4000.
