If you got injured in a South Portland accident, you probably have one big question on your mind: what money can you actually get back? Maine law lets injured people recover several kinds of compensation, but the exact amount depends on your injuries, your bills, and how the accident happened. Many victims focus only on medical bills and miss out on money they deserve for lost income or lasting pain. If you are unsure which losses may count, a South Portland personal injury lawyer from Joe Bornstein can help explain the compensation that may apply.

Medical Bills And Treatment Costs

Medical costs are usually the largest and clearest part of a personal injury claim. South Portland victims can recover money for care they already received, and for treatment they will still need down the road. This covers hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and medication. Even mileage to and from appointments can count toward your total.

• Emergency care
• Hospital stays
• Physical therapy
• Prescription costs
• Future treatment

Keep every receipt and medical record tied to your injury. Insurance adjusters often try to shrink these numbers, so detailed proof protects your claim. A clear record of your treatment also shows how the injury changed your daily life.

Lost Wages And Reduced Earning Power

An injury can take away more than your health; it can take away your paycheck too. Maine law allows injured victims to recover wages lost while they could not work. This covers missed shifts, missed overtime, and lost self-employment income. If your injury limits the type of work you can do going forward, you may also recover for reduced earning power.

Fault plays a role in this number. Maine follows a modified comparative negligence rule under 14 M.R.S. §156, which reduces your payout by your share of fault and bars recovery if you are equally or more at fault than the other party. This is why an honest look at how the accident happened matters for every wage-loss claim.

Pain And Suffering Damages

Not every loss shows up on a receipt. Pain and suffering damages cover the physical pain, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment of life caused by your injury. Maine law does not use a fixed formula for this category, so the amount depends on the severity of your injury and how long recovery takes. Chronic pain, anxiety after a crash, and the inability to do hobbies you once enjoyed can all factor into this number.

Insurance companies often push back hardest on pain and suffering because it is harder to measure. Strong medical documentation and a clear injury timeline help support a fair number. The longer and harder your recovery, the more this category tends to matter to your overall claim.

Property Damage And Daily Expenses

Personal injury claims are not only about your body; they also cover damage to your property and extra costs tied to the accident. If a crash damaged your car, you can seek repair or replacement costs. Everyday expenses that pile up during recovery count toward your claim as well.

• Vehicle repairs
• Rental car costs
• Household help
• Home modifications

These smaller costs add up fast, especially if your injury keeps you out of work for weeks or months. Save receipts for anything you paid for because of the accident. A complete list of expenses makes your claim easier to support.

Compensation After A Wrongful Death

Some South Portland accidents sadly end in death, and Maine law gives grieving families a path to compensation. Under 18-C M.R.S. §2-807, families can recover funeral costs, lost income the person would have earned, and lost support and guidance. Maine also allows damages for loss of comfort, society, and companionship, capped at around $1 million and adjusted for inflation, along with a separate cap on punitive damages.

Families should also know that time limits apply. Maine gives most injury victims six years to seek compensation under 14 M.R.S. §752, but wrongful death claims must generally begin within three years of the death under 18-C M.R.S. §2-807. Acting early helps preserve evidence while memories and records are still fresh.

Reach Out to a Lawyer Sooner Rather Than Later

You do not have to sort out your compensation alone. A free case evaluation gives you a clear picture of what your South Portland injury claim may be worth, with no cost and no pressure to move forward. Reach out to an attorney near you, share what happened, and get honest answers about your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, or a wrongful death loss. The sooner you ask, the sooner you can focus on healing while your claim moves forward.