Bodily Injury Vs. Personal Injury: How Are They Different?
You’ll sometimes hear “personal injury” and “body injury” used interchangeably. However, they each have different meanings in legal situations that can potentially impact your claim. Understanding the difference between these two terms will be extremely helpful as you navigate your case. Learn more about how these terms apply in the courtroom and how each type of case can affect your compensation.
What Is A Personal Injury?
Also known as tort laws, personal injury laws protect victims harmed due to negligence or wrongful conduct. The scope of personal injury law is broad and covers a wide range of cases, including:
- Car accidents
- Slip and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Product liability
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Sidewalk Injuries
In every personal injury case, the main goal is for a plaintiff to receive compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, or pain and suffering.
What Is A Bodily Injury?
On the other hand, bodily injury is a common term that auto insurance companies use and specifically refers to any physical damages a person suffers because of an accident. Most bodily injury claims will generally be against the defendant’s insurance company so it can cover costs related to permanent disability, rehabilitation, or medical care.
Some states may require drivers to carry bodily injury insurance coverage to cover the victim’s damages. For example, New York drivers must have a minimum of $25,000 to cover bodily injuries that do not result in death.
How Are Personal Injuries And Bodily Injuries Different?
Despite sharing a few similarities, personal and bodily injuries differ in crucial ways. Personal injury lets you seek compensation for both physical and non-physical harm. On the other hand, bodily injury is usually limited to covering the costs of treating physical injuries and relevant pain and suffering. Bodily injury is also primarily used in car insurance policies, while personal injury applies to many types of incidents.
When To Pursue a Bodily Injury Or Personal Injury Claim
The type of claim you’re pursuing depends on your case’s details. A bodily injury claim against the other driver’s insurance company may be the best option if you were in a car accident and mainly suffered physical damages. But if your case has a wide range of damages, such as emotional distress, a personal injury lawsuit may be a more appropriate choice.
File Your Claim With Our Attorneys Today
While bodily injury and personal injury claims may sometimes overlap, these two legal terms have distinct meanings. Understanding these differences and the type of claim you wish to pursue is crucial when seeking compensation.
If you’ve been injured and unsure whether to pursue a personal injury or bodily injury claim, we are here to help you take the next steps. Our New York personal injury lawyers can help you file the correct claim and ensure you win the benefits you deserve. Please contact us if you have any questions or call us at (800) 469-7429 to schedule a free case review today.