Available 24/7
Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Georgia, you may have already started to feel the financial pressure. Medical bills, missed work, and car repairs are just some of the unexpected costs that can add up quickly.
One of the most important terms you’ll hear during this time is “out-of-pocket expenses.” Understanding what they are and how they affect your personal injury case can make a big difference in how you recover both physically and financially.
Out-of-pocket expenses are costs that you have to pay with your own money after an accident, before any reimbursement from insurance or legal settlements. These costs are not always covered by your health insurance, auto insurance, or any other type of coverage.
These expenses can include:
These costs can be small at first, but quickly build up over time. That’s why it’s important to keep track of every expense related to your injury. Out-of-pocket expenses are personal costs you pay after an accident and can include a variety of everyday needs related to your recovery.
When you file a personal injury claim, the goal is to recover compensation for all losses related to your injury. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, but also your out-of-pocket expenses. You have a legal right to ask for these costs to be reimbursed.
In Georgia, personal injury law allows injured victims to pursue damages for economic damages, which include out-of-pocket costs. This means that any reasonable expense that you paid directly as a result of the accident can be included in your case. Out-of-pocket costs matter because they’re part of the total compensation you may be entitled to in a Georgia personal injury case.
Here are some of the most common out-of-pocket expenses people face after an accident in Georgia:
Even with health insurance, many victims have to pay co-pays every time they visit a doctor or fill a prescription.
If you have to travel to another city for specialized care or even just drive across town regularly for therapy, you can count gas, mileage, parking, and even hotel stays as out-of-pocket costs.
Wheelchairs, walkers, braces, or home medical equipment often aren’t fully covered by insurance.
Sometimes injuries require help at home. Whether it’s a professional caregiver or someone to help with cleaning or cooking, this is a valid expense.
Clothing, eyeglasses, cell phones, or other personal items damaged in the accident are also considered recoverable out-of-pocket expenses.
Understanding the different types of costs you may face will help you keep better records and ensure you get reimbursed later.
The key to getting reimbursed for out-of-pocket costs is to document everything. Here’s how:
A personal injury attorney can help you build a case by organizing this evidence and ensuring all valid expenses are included. Good record-keeping is essential if you want to recover your out-of-pocket costs in a personal injury claim.
Under Georgia law, out-of-pocket expenses can be reimbursed as part of a personal injury lawsuit or insurance settlement, which includes your overall economic and non-economic damages. This is especially important in serious injury cases where medical treatment and daily disruptions last weeks or months.
There’s no exact formula for how much you can recover, but the law allows you to claim any “reasonable and necessary” expense related to your injury. That’s why it’s important to show:
A lawyer can help prove these points and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. Out-of-pocket expenses are recoverable under Georgia law, but you need proof and a strong legal case to claim them successfully.
Out-of-pocket expenses may seem like small costs at first, but they can add up to a major financial burden after an accident. The good news is that in Georgia, you may be able to recover these costs through a personal injury claim.
By tracking your expenses carefully, understanding what qualifies, and working with a knowledgeable attorney, you can protect yourself financially and focus on healing. Contact our experienced Augusta personal injury lawyers at Nicholson Revell Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free case review. Call us today at 706 722-8784.