Bodily Injury vs Personal Injury: What is the Difference?

When most people think of personal injury, they think of car accidents or slips and falls. While these are certain types of personal injuries, there are many different kinds. We will explore the difference between bodily injury and personal injury, and provide some examples of each. We will also discuss the steps you need to take if you have suffered any type of personal injury. So, let's get started!

Personal injuries vs bodily injuries

The first thing to understand is the difference between personal injuries and bodily injuries. According to FindLaw, "Bodily injury refers to physical harm that a person suffers as a result of an accident or attack. It can include broken bones, cuts, bruises, and burns." Personal injury, on the other hand, "covers a wide range of injuries that can occur due to the negligence or intentional acts of another person or entity." Consulting with a personal injury lawyer Orange County you can determine which type refers to your specific case. In other words, bodily injury is any physical harm that is caused by an accident. Personal injury goes beyond this and also includes emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. 

Example of a bodily injury claim

For example, if you are in a car accident and suffer a broken arm, that would be considered a bodily injury. If the other driver was at fault, then you could file a bodily injury claim against their insurance company to receive compensation for your medical bills and other damages. Such a claim will include a demand for payment of your medical bills, as well as pain and suffering damages. On the other hand, if you are injured by a defective product, that would be considered a personal injury. In this case, you could file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer.

What to do if you have suffered a personal injury

If you have suffered a personal injury, there are a few steps you need to take to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve. First, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This is important for your health, and will also create a record of your injuries. Second, you should contact a personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible. 

Insurance claims

When it comes to insurance claims, the distinction between bodily injury and personal injury can be important. That’s because most insurance policies exclude coverage for personal injuries, but provide coverage for bodily injuries. So, if you are injured in a car accident, your automobile insurance policy will likely cover your bodily injuries (up to the policy limits), but if you are injured by a defective product, your homeowner's insurance policy will not provide coverage. That’s why it’s important to understand the difference between these two types of injuries and to have the right insurance coverage in place to protect you if you are injured.