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Unlocking Compensation: Understanding the Damages in Your Personal Injury Claim with Expert Insights from a Personal Injury Lawyer


Shay + Associates Law Firm personal injury lawyer in Springfield and Decatur, Illinois

A car accident can change your life and leave you facing difficult financial, mental and physical circumstances. It is expensive to get care and support after a car accident, and you may find that you do not have the savings or income to pay for your medical bills, property damage and other needs you have. Your financial losses can be overwhelming, and these costs are in addition to the other ways you are suffering.

Your financial losses are not the only difficult things you are dealing with after a serious car accident. You find yourself struggling with emotional duress, mental trauma and other losses that don’t have a price tag. If you decide to move forward with a civil claim, you will find it beneficial to understand the types of damages that may be available to you, both economic and non-economic.

Your Civil Claim

The intent of a civil claim is to help you recover your losses after an accident and to hold liable parties accountable for what happened to you. Of course, you will want to account for your financial losses and the expenses you have as a result of your accident. You will also want to factor in the ways you suffered that are unseen. Some of the damages that may be available to you include:

  • Lost wages – When you are unable to work, you will have reduced income with which to pay for things and meet your most basic needs. You should seek damages to replace your lost income.

  • Medical bills – Health care is expensive, and you may continue to receive medical bills weeks and even months after your accident. You may also have expensive ongoing needs for your accident injuries, such as rehabilitation and therapy.

  • Mental duress – You may be suffering internally because of the trauma you experienced in the accident. It is appropriate to seek damages for these unseen injuries because they can have a significant impact on your life.


Every accident claim is different, and the damages you should seek depend on what you suffered, how it cost you, and what your future looks like post-accident. An assessment of your case with an experienced Illinois accident attorney can help you understand what you need to do to move forward and what types of damages may be available to you through the civil justice system.


Don't hesitate to reach out to Shay + Associates Law Firm if you require the expertise of a skilled personal injury lawyer in Springfield or Decatur, Illinois.

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