What Damages Can You Receive For Permanent Disabilities Due to a Truck Accident?

Truck accidents can forever alter the course of your life. When a collision with an 18-wheeler or commercial truck results in permanent disability, the physical, emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. These catastrophic injuries impact every aspect of daily life, from personal relationships to one’s sense of independence. In Missouri, the law recognizes that victims of truck accidents who suffer permanent disabilities deserve comprehensive compensation that addresses both their immediate needs and their long-term challenges. Brydon, Swearengen & England, P.C., is committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Damages available in Missouri truck accident cases involving permanent disability include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium for spouses

What Economic Damages Are Available in Permanent Disability Cases?

Economic damages represent the measurable financial losses you’ve suffered as a direct result of the truck accident. These damages are designed to restore you to the financial position you occupied before the collision.

Medical expenses and ongoing care costs form the foundation of economic damages in permanent disability cases. Your claim can include emergency room visits, hospitalization costs, surgical procedures, specialist consultations and rehabilitation services. Physical therapy sessions, prescription medications and medical equipment all qualify as recoverable expenses.

When permanent disability requires long-term adjustments, you can seek compensation for:

• Home health care services
• Nursing assistance
• Modifications to make your home wheelchair accessible, including ramps and grab bars
• Bathroom modifications for safety and accessibility
• Medical equipment such as wheelchairs, braces and assistive devices
• Ongoing medical monitoring and future procedures

Lost wages and reduced earning capacity are critical economic damages. If a permanent disability prevents you from returning to your previous job or earning the same income, you deserve compensation. This includes lost wages during recovery, diminished earning capacity for your previous work, lost employment benefits (like health insurance and retirement) and retraining costs for new opportunities. Missouri courts use vocational and financial experts to calculate the difference between your pre- and post-accident earning potential, ensuring your claim accurately reflects the economic impact of permanent limitations.

Additional economic losses might include vehicle repair or replacement costs, transportation expenses for medical appointments, personal assistance services for daily tasks and adaptive equipment needed for your new circumstances.

What Non-Economic Damages Can You Recover?

Non-economic damages compensate for the intangible ways your life has been affected by permanent disability. These damages recognize that your losses extend far beyond medical bills and paychecks.

Pain and suffering damages address the chronic physical discomfort and limitations you now face. Permanent disabilities often involve ongoing pain that affects your ability to perform routine activities. The severity and permanence of your condition directly influence the value of these damages, which may include:

• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Physical limitations in movement
• Loss of mobility and independence
• Emotional distress related to your injuries
• Mental anguish, anxiety or depression

Loss of enjoyment of life recognizes that your disability has robbed you of activities that once brought meaning and joy to your life. Whether you can no longer participate in hobbies, engage in recreational activities, travel freely or maintain your previous level of independence, these losses matter. Your relationships with family members may have changed, and your ability to participate in social interactions may be diminished.

Loss of consortium provides compensation for spouses whose lives have been affected by their partner’s permanent disability. This includes changes to the physical, emotional and practical aspects of your relationship, from lost companionship and affection to the burden of additional caregiving responsibilities.

How Do Permanent Disabilities Influence the Value of Your Claim?

Several factors determine the compensation amount in permanent disability cases following Missouri truck accidents.

• Severity and Type of Disability: The more your disability impacts your daily activities and independence, the higher your claim’s value will be.
• Pre-Accident Lifestyle and Income: Your previous income level and lifestyle are used as a baseline to calculate your economic and non-economic losses.
• Strength of Available Evidence: Strong evidence, including medical records and expert testimony, is crucial for substantiating your claim and maximizing its value.

Contact Brydon, Swearengen & England, P.C. for a Consultation

Permanent disabilities from truck accidents create challenges that extend far beyond the initial collision, but you don’t have to face them alone. Brydon, Swearengen & England, P.C. is committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve, both for your immediate needs and your long-term care. Contact our experienced Jefferson City attorneys for a free consultation and let us help you secure the support you need for the road ahead.