Personal Vs. Bodily Injury—What’s The Difference, And Where To Begin?

It’s a common source of confusion: how to distinguish between bodily injury and personal injury…and also why it matters.

In a general context, the term ‘bodily injury’ is used to refer specifically to physical injury to the body, such as bruises, broken bones, burns, cuts, muscle tears, and dislocations. In contrast, the term ‘personal injury’ is used to refer to a broader range of damages that can result from any type of accident, such as emotional and mental trauma (in addition to bodily injury).

Both personal injury and bodily injury lawsuits often involve property damage, but a property damage claim is not a component of either; it is a separate claim that can cover damages to both real property (e.g., fixed property, like a building) and personal property (e.g., vehicles, jewelry, clothing).

A related source of confusion is the difference between personal injury protection (PIP), bodily injury coverage, and property damage liability.

• Bodily Injury Coverage — This type of insurance covers at-fault individuals against lawsuits brought by anyone who has suffered injuries caused by the at-fault individual. Bodily injury coverage will not cover the policyholder’s own injuries.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) — In Florida, anyone with a registered vehicle is required to obtain PIP, which is designed to provide the policyholder with immediate access to $10,000 in medical coverage, no matter who is at fault for the auto accident. PIP is available prior to establishment of fault so that injured parties do not have to wait to receive proper medical care after an accident.

In addition to medical coverage, PIP can be used to compensate the injured party for lost wages related to the injury. To make use of PIP, an injured Florida driver must seek medical care within 14 days of the accident.

• Property Damage Liability (PDL) Insurance — This type of coverage can be used to compensate another person for any property damage caused by the at-fault policyholder.

Under Florida law, a person must show proof of both PIP And PDL in order to register a vehicle. A minimum amount of $10,000 is required for both types of insurance.

Types Of Personal Injury Cases

Auto accidents are a leading cause of personal injury claims in Florida, but there is a wide range of incidents and accidents that can lead to a personal injury lawsuit. These include the following:

• Slip-and-fall accidents
• Nursing home and assisted living neglect
• Construction site injuries
• Injuries resulting from defective products
• Dog bites

Three Critical Steps In The Aftermath Of An Accident

1. Seek medical care. Even if you do not know whether you are injured, it’s a good idea to be seen by a medical professional. It’s not uncommon for serious injuries to go unnoticed in the hours and even days following an accident, but certain tests and scans can rule these out.
2. Take photos at the scene of the accident or incident, and obtain contact information for any witnesses. Proving liability is critical to obtaining compensation for damages, and one of the best ways to do this is by taking photos of the area where the injury occurred, and contacting witnesses who can provide a statement.
3. Contact an attorney. At every turn, the personal injury claims process can present pitfalls and challenges for an injured party. The best option is to hire an experienced personal injury attorney who can ensure that their client’s rights are protected, and that the right parties are held responsible for the damages.

Sustaining an injury as the result of someone else’s negligence or carelessness is something for which everyone deserves compensation. Unfortunately, many people never receive the compensation they’re entitled to, whether it’s because they don’t have the time or energy to pursue a claim, they miss critical deadlines after an accident, or the insurance adjusters for the at-fault party manage to minimize or completely devalue the claim.

Damages Recoverable In A Florida Personal Injury Claim

The personal injury attorneys at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. in Florida have the experience, dedication, and compassion necessary to guide injured parties through the personal injury claims process. They’ve helped countless people obtain the compensation they need in order to get back on their feet and move on with their lives.

Compensation for the following damages may be available:

• Medical costs (hospitalization, rehabilitation, surgery, etc.)
• Prescription medications and medical equipment
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Mental distress, pain and suffering
• Punitive damages
• Property damage

Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A.—Personal Injury Lawyers On Your Side

Don’t sit around with unanswered questions about your personal injury case. Find out what you’re entitled to, and how to get it. The seasoned personal injury lawyers at Fenstersheib Law Group, P.A. are ready and eager to hear from you.

Main office location: Hallandale Beach, Florida

Secondary Florida offices located in Hollywood, Miramar, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa, & Jacksonville.

Call 800-TELL-ROBERT.