Understanding the Differences Between a Personal Injury and Bodily Injury

If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, you may consult a Melbourne personal injury attorney about taking legal action. Legal claims could include the terms “personal injury” and “bodily injury,” which some plaintiffs believe are the same thing. Understanding a personal injury vs. a bodily injury is key for anyone filing a claim after an accident.

What exactly is the difference between these two terms? Discover the answer in this guide from the team at Alpizar Law, LLC.

How Legal Professionals Define Personal and Bodily Injuries

A car crash, slip and fall, workplace accident, or other dangerous incident may lead to bodily injuries and personal injury claims. If your injury is due to someone else’s negligence, you could consult a lawyer about pursuing financial compensation. But how does an attorney define a personal injury vs. a bodily injury?

Bodily injuries refer to any type of physical harm stemming from an accident, such as broken bones, head injuries, cuts, and soft tissue injuries.

A personal injury is the term used for a legal claim citing harm often due to negligence, though other legal principles may be at play. Personal harm may include physical injuries as well as psychological trauma.

Imagine someone sues their neighbor after their dog attacks them. The incident leaves the victim with various bite wounds as well as PTSD symptoms and severe anxiety around dogs. In their personal injury lawsuit, they can cite the bite wounds as a bodily injury and seek compensation for their psychological trauma, too.

How Liability Coverage May Differ for a Personal Injury vs. Bodily Injury

Suppose you cause an auto accident by going over the speed limit and looking at your phone while driving. You collide with another vehicle and cause the other motorist to suffer a head injury. If they file a claim against your insurance provider, your coverage impacts the types of damages they can pursue.

In some states, particularly no-fault jurisdictions, many insurance providers offer personal injury protection coverage for drivers. These plans help cover one’s medical expenses for an accident-related injury, as well as replace some lost income. If someone’s injuries are fatal, this insurance protection could also include payment for funeral expenses, depending on the policy.

Bodily injury liability coverage typically covers the cost of another party’s medical expenses stemming from an accident. Your policy’s specific terms may offer additional coverage.

Understanding Your Legal Options as an Injured Individual

Are you interested in filing a lawsuit, but aren’t sure how to navigate the process? Meet with a lawyer who can help you distinguish between a personal injury vs. bodily injury and review your options. Legal professionals will look for the four main elements of negligence in order to proceed with a lawsuit.

Filing a claim against a negligent party is possible if they have some duty of care and breach that duty, which causes an accident and losses. They’ll need to gather evidence that further supports the claim and calculate damages. Personal injury plaintiffs may seek both economic and non-economic damages, depending on their unique circumstances.

You may decide to pursue compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses: Medical costs can be extensive for anyone with a bodily injury, and may include ambulance rides, hospitalizations, and rehabilitative care.
• Property damage: Many auto accident claims cite repair estimates in economic damages, though other injury cases can include property damage claims.
• Lost income: If an accident prevents you from earning income, you may be able to claim lost wages in your lawsuit.
• Pain and suffering: You may be able to receive compensation for your pain and suffering stemming from an accident or injury.

Supporting Your Claim With Evidence

Proving a personal injury vs. bodily injury looks different. Medical records can confirm any bodily injuries you may sustain after an accident, so it’s crucial to seek medical treatment right away.

Proving non-physical harm can be slightly more challenging. Healthcare professionals may support your pain and suffering claim through various diagnoses and treatment plans. Loved ones may also provide witness statements attesting to your emotional distress.

Consult a Professional Attorney About Your Injury Claim

Whether you want to sue a negligent party for a personal injury vs. bodily injury, have a seasoned lawyer represent you. At Alpizar Law, LLC, our team has over 65 years of combined legal experience and understands the complexities of filing claims, gathering personal injury evidence, and litigation. Contact us if you’re hoping to take legal action after an accident leaves you hurt.

Schedule a free consultation by calling (321) 676-2511. You can also send us a message online, and we’ll be in touch with you shortly.