Can I include other costs caused by an injury?
Reviewed by Andrew (Andy) R. Gillin
California State Bar #45226 ↗ · Approval recorded November 4, 2026
How we record review approvalA claim may cover some costs you paid because of the injury. The costs must fit the legal rules. Keep proof of what you paid and why.
In this guide
Here’s an example
A person saves receipts for trips to the doctor. They also track help needed while they heal.
A made-up example to explain the idea. Your facts may lead to a different answer.How the rule works
A receipt proves a payment, but it does not prove the full legal claim. You also need to explain why the injury made the expense necessary. Keep the reason with the receipt.
Legal references: [1] Civil Code § 3333 — Compensation for harm · [2] CACI No. 3900 — Tort damages (2026 edition)
What can change the answer?
Not every cost can be claimed. The kind of case matters. You may need to show that a cost was reasonable and needed.
Court decisions behind this answer
A case can help explain a rule. Its facts and limits matter too.
Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc.
Supreme Court of California · 2011
52 Cal.4th 541, slip op., pp. 1–2
For the insured care at issue, a bill’s unpaid negotiated writeoff was not a loss the patient could recover.
This case addressed medical expenses. Other out-of-pocket costs still need proof of their own legal basis, amount, and link to the injury.
Case applicability reviewed as recorded above.
A useful next step
Keep each receipt. Note the date, purpose, and link to the injury.
If you are unsure which rule applies, a lawyer can review your facts and any deadlines. Learn about GJEL’s injury representation.
The law behind this guide
The references below support the legal discussion. Their application depends on the facts.
- Civil Code § 3333 — Compensation for harm ↗Statute · Review recorded above
- CACI No. 3900 — Tort damages (2026 edition) ↗Jury instructions · Review recorded above
- Howell v. Hamilton Meats & Provisions, Inc. (2011) 52 Cal.4th 541 ↗Case law · Review recorded above
Updated 2026-11-04. Read our editorial standards.