When someone is injured due to the negligence of another person, company, or entity, they may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. In a personal injury case, damages refer to the amount of money the injured party can receive to cover their losses. There are different types of damages available in personal injury cases. Understanding these damages is essential if you or someone you know has been injured and is considering filing a claim. This article will explain the main types of damages available in personal injury cases.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the most common damages awarded in personal injury cases. They have a clear and direct financial value and cover expenses and losses that can be calculated and documented.
Medical Expenses
One of the most critical economic damages is medical expenses. This includes all costs related to the injury, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical treatments. If your injury requires ongoing care, the damages can also include future medical costs.
Lost Wages
If the injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. This includes your lost wages and those you may fail due to your injury. For example, suppose your injury causes permanent disability and prevents you from returning to work. In that case, lost wages can cover the income you would have earned.
Property Damage
In some cases, personal injuries may also involve property damage. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident, and your vehicle is damaged. In that case, you can claim compensation for repairs or the total loss of the car. Property damage is economic damage because it involves a direct financial loss.
Economic damages are designed to help victims recover the costs of their financial losses caused by the injury, ensuring they don’t have to bear the burden of these costs alone.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate for an injury’s more personal and emotional impacts. These damages are not as easy to calculate as economic damages. However, they are still an essential part of personal injury cases.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering are among the most common non-economic damages awarded in personal injury cases. They refer to the physical pain and emotional distress that a victim experiences due to their injuries. This includes both past pain and suffering and future pain if the injury is expected to cause ongoing discomfort or distress.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is another type of non-economic damage. It accounts for the psychological impact of the injury, such as anxiety, depression, and fear. This can be especially relevant if the injury causes long-term emotional struggles, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Suppose an injury prevents a person from participating in activities they once enjoyed. In that case, they may be awarded compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life. This could include an inability to engage in hobbies, sports, or social activities due to the injury’s effects.
Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate for the more intangible and emotional suffering caused by the injury, which cannot be easily quantified but is nonetheless significant.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are a special type of damages designed to punish wrongdoers and deter others from committing similar acts. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate the victim, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or malicious behavior.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Punitive damages are typically only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were highly reckless or malicious. For example, if the defendant intentionally caused harm, was driving under alcohol, or acted with gross negligence, punitive damages may be awarded in addition to the other damages.
Purpose of Punitive Damages
The goal of punitive damages is not to compensate the injured party but rather to discourage others from engaging in similar harmful behavior. These rare damages are usually only awarded in the most severe cases.
Punitive damages serve as a punishment for the wrongdoer and a deterrent to others, but they are not commonly awarded in every personal injury case.
How Do Personal Injury Lawyers Help?
Personal injury lawyers ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their damages. They help by gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court if necessary. A skilled attorney can help determine which damages apply to your case and ensure you are fully compensated for your losses. Hiring a personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, as they ensure that you pursue all available types of damages.
Contact Our Personal Injury Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Suppose you’ve been injured in an accident or have lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, it’s essential to understand your legal rights and the damages available to you. We offer a free consultation at Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law to help you understand your case and the potential for compensation.
Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every step of the process and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation at (407) 801-3000.