When it comes to legal matters, understanding the difference between personal injury vs bodily injury. Both may seem similar at first glance, but there are specific distinctions that differentiate them.
In this guide, we will explore these differences in detail to help you better understand each term and make informed decisions when dealing with such cases.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the world of personal injury and bodily injury.
Scope of Coverage
Personal injury refers to physical, mental, or emotional harm caused by someone else’s intentional act or negligence. On the other hand, bodily injury covers only physical injuries that result from an accident or event caused by someone else.
It’s essential to note that personal injury cases may include bodily injury. Yet, not all bodily injury cases fall under the category of personal injury.
In simpler terms, personal injury encompasses a broader scope of harm than bodily injury. For instance, if you trip and fall while visiting someone’s property, your injuries would be considered as both bodily and personal injuries.
Bodily because you have suffered physical harm due to an accident. Personal because it happened because of someone else’s negligence.
Insurance Coverage
Personal injury claims are covered under liability insurance. Bodily injury claims fall under medical coverage. Liability insurance usually covers damages resulting from property damage or physical injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
On the other hand, medical coverage takes care of expenses related to medical treatment and lost wages due to bodily injuries. However, medical coverage is often limited. Thus, it may not cover all the costs associated with an injury.
Legal Context
Personal injury cases are typically resolved through a civil court. This is when the victim sues for compensation from the party responsible for their injuries. On the other hand, bodily injury falls under criminal law and is usually handled by prosecuting attorneys in criminal court.
In such cases, the consequences for causing bodily harm may include fines, imprisonment, or both.
In contrast, in personal injury cases, the responsible party is usually ordered to pay monetary compensation to the victim.
Damages Awarded
In personal injury cases, the victim may be awarded compensatory damages for both financial and non-financial losses. These may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
On the other hand, in bodily injury cases, damages are often limited to medical expenses related to physical injuries only. This is because the focus is on punishing the person responsible for their actions rather than compensating the victim.
Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
In personal injury cases, it’s highly recommended to seek legal representation from a personal injury lawyer from reliable firms like dlelawyers.com. These lawyers specialize in handling such cases and can help you navigate the legal system to get the compensation you deserve.
On the other hand, hiring a bodily injury attorney may not be necessary as these cases are usually handled by the prosecuting attorney on behalf of the state.
Know the Distinctions Between Personal Injury vs Bodily Injury
Personal injury and bodily injury may seem similar, but they have significant differences. Knowing these distinctions can help you make better-informed decisions when faced with such situations. So next time you come across these terms, you’ll know exactly what they mean and which type of legal assistance is required for each.
Keep this guide handy for reference when comparing personal injury vs bodily injury. Make use of your newfound knowledge to protect yourself and your rights in any personal injury or bodily injury case.
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