Financial Implications in a Personal Injury Case

Suffering an injury due to someone else’s negligence is not only painful, but it can also be financially overwhelming. From medical bills and missed paychecks to emotional distress and future care needs, the financial impact of an injury can affect every area of your life. 

At the Law Offices of Michelle Choe, helping clients understand the real value of their case is a critical part of the legal process. If you’ve never been through a personal injury claim before, this guide breaks down what you need to know about the types of compensation available, how damages are calculated, and what to expect when it comes to receiving a payout. 

Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To 

When you file a personal injury claim, the goal is to recover damages, which is the legal term for the money awarded to compensate you for your losses. Ms. Choe carefully evaluates each case to ensure clients receive full and fair compensation across a range of categories, including: 

Medical Expenses 

This includes everything from emergency room visits and hospital stays to ongoing treatments, such as physical therapy, surgeries, or prescription medications. All medical bills directly related to your injury are recoverable. 

Lost Wages 

If your injuries kept you from working, you may be compensated for the income you missed during your recovery. 

Loss of Earning Capacity 

If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, whether by changing your job duties, reducing your hours, or forcing you into a different career entirely, Ms. Choe calculates the long-term financial impact and includes it in your claim. 

Pain and Suffering 

This refers to the physical pain and emotional distress you’ve experienced as a result of your injury. Ms. Choe places a special focus here because she knows that injuries affect more than just the body; they also impact one's life. She takes time to listen carefully and ask how your daily life, relationships, and mental health have been affected. 

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are the intangible losses that don’t come with a bill or receipt, but are just as real. This includes: 

• Pain and physical discomfort 
• Emotional distress and anxiety 
• Depression or PTSD 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Disruption to personal relationships 

Because these damages aren’t easy to quantify, Ms. Choe uses her legal experience, your medical records, personal stories, and case law to assign a fair and accurate value. She’ll also ask questions like: 

• “What can’t you do now that you used to enjoy?” 
• “How has your injury changed your day-to-day life?” 
• “Has your injury impacted your ability to be present with your family?” 

This approach ensures your whole story is told, not just the numbers on a hospital bill. 

How Insurance Coverage Affects Your Compensation 

One of the most significant factors influencing how much compensation you can receive is insurance coverage, both yours and the other party’s. 

As of January 1, 2025, in California, the minimum required liability insurance is: 

• $30,000 per bodily injury liability per person 
• $60,000 per bodily injury liability per accident 

This means if the person who hit you only carries the minimum, the most their insurance might pay is $30,000, even if your damages are worth more. 

In those situations, Ms. Choe explores other avenues to get you compensated: 

• She may negotiate directly with the insurance company to seek more than the minimum. 
• If you carry uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage on your own policy, she can pursue compensation through that coverage as well. 

Insurance limits can be complicated, but Ms. Choe knows how to navigate them to get you every dollar you’re entitled to. 

When (and How) You Receive Compensation 

Once your case is resolved, whether by settlement or trial, the compensation is typically paid in a lump sum. This means that one payment covers everything, rather than being paid out over time. 

Here’s what happens next: 

• The insurance company sends a check. 
• Ms. Choe distributes the funds in accordance with the terms of your settlement agreement. 
• Medical providers are paid for any outstanding bills. 
• Attorney’s fees and costs are deducted. 
• The remainder goes directly to you. 

This process is transparent and explained clearly in advance. Ms. Choe makes sure you understand how much you’ll receive, when to expect it, and why. 

Financial Clarity from Start to Finish 

Understanding the financial side of your injury claim is critical. You deserve to know what you’re fighting for, how your compensation is calculated, and what your options are if the insurance company won’t pay fairly. 

Ms. Choe takes the time to explain every aspect of your case, from pain and suffering to policy limits, so there are no surprises and no confusion. Her mission is to put you in the strongest position possible, both legally and financially, so you can move forward with confidence. 

Start Your Financial Recovery Today  

If you’ve been injured and don’t know what your case is worth, or what compensation you may be entitled to, you don’t have to guess. Reach out today by scheduling a consultation and allow Ms. Choe to evaluate your situation, identify the damages that apply, and walk you through the following steps to pursue financial recovery. 

You’ve already been through enough. Let the Law Offices of Michelle Choe handle the process while you focus on healing.