By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Why People in Texas File Injury Lawsuits to Cover Medical Bills
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > News > Why People in Texas File Injury Lawsuits to Cover Medical Bills
NewsPolicy & Law

Why People in Texas File Injury Lawsuits to Cover Medical Bills

Texans need to understand the nuances of filing personal injury lawsuits to cover their medical bills.

Sean Mallon
Sean Mallon
Share
8 Min Read
personal injury lawsuit medical bills
Pixabay
SHARE

Medical debt is a major problem in the United States. Texas is one of the states where it is worst. One report found that 27% of Texans have at least some medical debt.

Contents
  • What Texans Must Know About Covering Medical Bills with Personal Injury Lawsuits
  • Types of Compensatory Damages
    • Economic Damages
    • Non-Economic Damages
  • Punitive Damages
  • Special Considerations in Texas
  • How to Maximize Your Damages

One of the reasons that Texas has more medical debt than most states is that it is one of 12 states that has not expanded Medicaid. This makes it particularly hard for many low-income families to pay medical bills.

People that have been in accidents are among those that have the most medical debt. They need to file personal injury lawsuits to cover their medical bills. We mentioned that car accident victims and other people that suffered injuries do so to pay their medical debts.

What Texans Must Know About Covering Medical Bills with Personal Injury Lawsuits

Personal injury claims in Texas are designed to compensate victims who have suffered harm due to someone else’s negligence. This could be a car accident, medical malpractice, or a variety of other situations. Understanding the types of damages available in these claims is crucial for ensuring that victims receive the full compensation they deserve. Keep reading to explore the various damages that can be awarded in Texas personal injury cases. You should also consider medical malpractice lawsuits to cover medical bills caused by negligent healthcare providers. We talked about that in this post.

More Read

Treating the Healthy
The Art of Negotiation in Medicine
Trends in Medical Care – Overview
Boston, Health Foo, and The Open Door
Antibiotics for a Virus? How to Just Say No

Types of Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages refer to monetary damages that aim to reimburse the injured party for losses incurred due to the injury. These damages are divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to any consequences of the injury that are easy to put a monetary value to. Serious injuries often result in a variety of major expenses, such as medical care, lack of wages due to time off work, and more. Bills and documents from these expenses can be used to calculate the settlement amount.

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses are often the most significant component of a personal injury claim. They cover past and future medical bills related to the injury. This can include hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment necessary for recovery.

Lost Wages

Injuries can result in time away from work, leading to lost income. Compensation for lost wages includes the amount of money you would have earned during the time you were unable to work. If the injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may also be entitled to compensation for future lost earning capacity.

Property Damage

If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the incident, you can claim the costs to repair or replace it. This is common in car accident cases where vehicle repair or replacement is necessary.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to losses from the injury that are harder to put a number on. After a serious injury, many victims experience emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of intimacy. During a personal injury case, monetary values are assigned to these losses.

Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages compensate for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. The amount awarded can vary widely, depending on the severity of the injury and its impact on your life.

Mental Anguish

Mental anguish covers the psychological impact of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. These damages recognize the long-term emotional toll an injury can have.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium refers to the impact of the injury on your relationships with your spouse and family. It compensates for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy that may result from the injury.

Disfigurement and Physical Impairment

If the injury results in permanent physical changes or disabilities, you may be entitled to damages for disfigurement and physical impairment. These damages account for the long-term impact on your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

The final type of damages that may be awarded, although rare, are punitive damages. In special circumstances, punitive damages are awarded for the sole reason of punishing the plaintiff. for particularly egregious behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to make the victim whole, punitive damages are meant to penalize the wrongdoer.

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were grossly negligent or intentional. The legal standard for these damages is higher than for compensatory damages, requiring clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s malice, fraud, or gross negligence.

Special Considerations in Texas

Texas law imposes limits on certain types of damages. For example, in medical malpractice cases, non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 per defendant and $500,000 overall. Understanding these limits is crucial for setting realistic expectations in your personal injury claim.

Texas also follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that your compensation can be reduced if you are found to be partially at fault for the accident. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages. This rule underscores the importance of demonstrating that the defendant bears the majority of the blame.

How to Maximize Your Damages

Strong evidence is the foundation of a successful personal injury claim. Medical records, witness statements, accident reports, and other documentation are critical for proving your case and securing the maximum compensation.

An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Their expertise can significantly enhance your chances of a favorable outcome. Reach out to a Waco injury attorney at Craft Law Firm to schedule a free consultation.

Keeping a detailed pain journal and collecting testimonies from family and friends can also help substantiate your claims for pain and suffering and mental anguish. This documentation can provide compelling evidence of the injury’s impact on your life.

Understanding the various types of damages available in Texas personal injury claims is essential for ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your injuries. By making sure you understand economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages, and the factors that can affect your claim, you can better navigate the legal process. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer is crucial for getting tailored legal advice and maximizing your recovery. For more information, consider exploring legal resources and support services available in Texas.

TAGGED:medical billsmedical debtpersonal injury lawsuit
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Health Employees Volunteer Personal Time to Help Others

June 27, 2012
Image
eHealthMedical InnovationsNewsTechnology

Top Technology Trends for 2013

November 19, 2012

National Preparedness for Catastrophic Events

April 14, 2011
healthcare high-tech
Global HealthcareTechnology

How Cutting-Edge Technology Is Shaping Healthcare

August 5, 2024
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?