Many erroneously believe that bodily and personal injury claims are interchangeable. However, they have differences that impact the type and amount of damages you are capable of receiving. If you have experienced an injury due to another's negligence, understanding the difference between these terms will help you better communicate with your attorney. 

What Is a Bodily Injury?

Bodily injuries are used in the context of insurance claims regarding car accidents. Alabama drivers must carry a minimum of $25,000 bodily injury insurance per person per accident and $50,000 bodily injury insurance for all persons per accident. 

It's possible that the responsible driver only carries the minimum bodily injury liability insurance. When car accidents occur, it's rare for the minimum to be enough to pay for the injured party's expenses. While the insurance claim will allow injured parties to be compensated to the plan's limit, the provider won't cover costs beyond it.

If the injured party requires more money, they'll have to file a personal injury suit against the at-fault party. 

What Is a Personal Injury?

Bodily injury is used under the strict insurance guidelines regarding car accidents. However, personal injuries are a legal matter used in civil law. It covers injuries sustained through slip and falls, car accidents, dog bites, medical malpractice, and defective products. They can also be filed against those who have injured a person's reputation through libel, slander, and character defamation. 

To recover damages in a personal injury case, an attorney needs to prove several elements. First, they must establish that the at-fault individual owed the injured party a level of safety. Attorneys must then confirm that the defendant didn't provide that safety, which directly caused the injuries. 

What Damages Can Be Awarded? 

A bodily injury insurance liability claim will only cover the medical aspect of the situation. Even with high coverage levels, the at-fault party may not provide the necessary financial compensation. That's why many individuals file both an insurance and a personal injury claim. 

Personal injury damages cover a more comprehensive range of factors. Damages can be awarded for past and future medical bills and lost wages. They can also cover lost earning capacity if the injured party cannot return to work or must take a lower-paying position. Injured parties can also be reimbursed for the repair or replacement of their damaged property. 

The compensation often includes non-economic damages under pain and suffering. Injured parties can also receive recompense for sustaining post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and related depression. 

Whether you've sustained a bodily or personal injury, the responsible party needs to be held accountable. For over 20 years, Bennett Law Firm has served injured persons throughout the state of Alabama. The compassion they show their clients is matched only by the rigorous representation they provide. As dedicated attorneys, they will only accept payment if their clients are awarded damages. For more information on their practice areas, visit their website. To schedule a free consultation, call (334) 261-4400.