Can You Be Compensated for Your Spouse’s Injuries?
A car crash can turn your entire family’s life upside down. Between the loss of income and providing spousal support, your family’s financial situation may take a big hit. If your spouse is in a serious auto accident, you may be wondering if you can be compensated for your spouse’s injuries.
A husband and wife may be the strongest advocate for an injured spouse. Interceding with medical providers, insurance providers, and attorneys can test the patience of even the most faithful spouse. On top of the advocacy, you may also need financial support as you help your spouse heal. The good news that you can often be personally compensated for your spouse’s injuries.
Attendant Care Benefits for Spouses
After your husband or wife is released from the hospital, there may be a period when he or she should not be home alone. Your spouse may need help with, hygiene, medications, mobility, or even personal safety. All of this falls within the realm of attendant care. The Michigan No-Fault Act requires PIP auto insurance providers to pay for up to 3 years of attendant care costs. While there are professional attendant care providers who can do this work, many spouses and relatives choose to provide the care themselves.
If you or a family member are providing attendant care services to your spouse, you may be entitled to compensation in the form of no-fault benefits. You can be paid the professional rate for time spent caring for your spouse.
Loss of Consortium and Loss of Support From Your Spouse’s Injuries
Your spouse’s injuries can do more than just make you a caregiver. They can effect the way you, personally, live your life. If your spouse’s injuries are serious enough to file a Third Party lawsuit, you may have the right to be compensated for those changes. These claims take two forms:
- Loss of Consortium is the legal term for the way your spouse’s injuries interfere with his or her behavior as a spouse. It includes changes in your romantic relationship, common enjoyment of hobbies, and even the emotional support that a spouse normally provides.
- Loss of Support is a legal claim for the financial contribution your spouse gives to you and your household. It can include the extra work you have to do to make up for your husband or wife’s disability. Common loss of support claims includes child care, household chores, and taking on a second job.
Survivor Damages for Wrongful Death Claims
If your husband or wife is killed in a fatal car crash, your spousal rights are slightly different. You can file a wrongful death lawsuit and receive compensation for your spouse’s injuries, as well as your spouses’ rights as a survivor. This can include the loss of your spouse’s future income, as well as several related damages.
If your husband or wife was seriously injured or killed in an auto accident, the attorneys at Christensen Law can help you get compensated for your loss. Contact Christensen Law for a free consultation.
