Being injured due to the fault of someone else can cause a ripple effect in your life. There are families to take care of, bills to pay, and jobs to attend to. While the law provides relief through personal injury claims, it is important to understand how such a claim can affect your ability to work, especially in Utah.
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The Types Of Personal Injury Claims In Utah
Utah recognizes various types of personal injury claims, which include car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, product liability, and many others. A successful personal injury claim can provide compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
Lost Wages
One of the direct impacts of a personal injury is the loss of earnings. Many times, a person may be unable to work during recovery or on a long-term basis. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, this can be a huge blow, and while lost wages may be included in a personal injury settlement, it may not be the same as having a steady paycheck.
Reduced Earnings Potential
However, the effects of a personal injury can go beyond the initial time off of work. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may potentially lead to a loss of earnings over the long term. This is particularly true if the person is unable to perform the same job at the same level after the injury.
Work Restrictions
In other cases, a person’s ability to perform the necessary tasks for their job may be impacted by an injury. For an employee in a physically demanding job, the physical limitations from the injury may prevent them from performing certain activities. In these situations, the injured person may need to be given lighter, more restricted duties or may need time off to completely heal, which can impact their employment status.
Healthcare Restrictions
Personal injury victims may need to attend multiple appointments with their healthcare providers for treatment and monitoring progress. These appointments can interfere with work schedules, cause missed time and lost wages.
The Workers’ Compensation System
Utah has a no-fault workers’ compensation system that provides benefits such as medical treatment and wage replacement for employees who are injured at work. However, applying and receiving these benefits can be a complex process. While workers’ compensation laws provide a remedy, they may limit the potential to pursue personal injury claims against negligent parties.
Getting Back To Work
After an injury, individuals may have difficulty in getting back to work, particularly if you suffer from a long-term impairment. Some work that a nearby area of injury, like the shoulder, may be difficult in the long term. Legal assistance may be required to find the appropriate accommodation to return to work.
Conclusion
Personal injury claims in Utah can have an enormous impact on one’s ability to work. Missed time from work, reduced earning capability, and physical limitations are all commonly seen when an individual has been injured. Experts in personal injury claims and workers’ compensation can provide necessary guidance and insights to help navigate and manage the impact of such a claim on one’s work capacity.