Types of Personal Injury Compensation
If you've suffered an injury due to the negligence or misconduct of another party or wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Speak with a
personal injury lawyer near you to learn more about the potential damages you could be awarded.
There are two major types of damages that can be given in
personal injury cases including economic and non-economic damages. This article will go over these categories and discuss how they can impact the amount of compensation you are entitled to receive.
Economic Damages
If someone is injured in an accident, they could be entitled to compensation for their losses. These damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings, and property damage.
Often, these types of injuries can be quite costly particularly in the case of serious injuries. They will require extensive medical treatment. In addition to hospitalization, the victims could be required to pay for prescription medications and mobility equipment once they recover.
These expenses can mount up quickly, and it is crucial to keep receipts for them. These receipts will help determine the true value of your losses and increase your compensation.
In personal injury cases, the loss of wages and future income are among the most common types of economic losses. The reason for this is that victims can be out of work for months, weeks, and even years following an accident. In these cases the victim should be compensated the amount they would have earned if they were able to work.
If a person is disabled or someone in the family dies as the result of an accident, the victim may be entitled to damages for the services they received in life. These could include nursing home care, home health care, and physical therapy services, among others.
Many people need assistance with the same tasks that they had prior to their accident. These include household chores, driving, taking care of the outdoors, and assisting someone in the family who is dependent.
An attorney could be able to provide receipts bills, receipts, or other evidence to prove the cost of these items in these instances. They may also hire experts to testify on the worth of these damages.
The amount of damages awarded can be determined differently depending on the specific needs of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the incident. A jury will usually consider several factors when determining the amount of damages.
Examples of these damages could include:
The two most painful things in this world are suffering and pain
It is usually given to those who are victims of serious accidents who have suffered emotional or physical injuries due to the accident. These awards could be minor (a few dollars for suffering) or substantial (millions in the event of wrongful death).
Emotional distress
This kind of damages are intended to alleviate the emotional strain that an injury can cause a victim. This can include anxiety, depression, and loss in enjoyment.
Disfigurement
An injured person who has been permanently damaged by an accident may be eligible for this. It can be expensive as many require surgery and other treatments to correct or remove the disfigurements.
Loss of consortium and companionship
This damages award is intended to compensate for the loss of the loved one due to the loss. This is especially important for victims who have dependents or children.
Non-economic damages form a distinct element of the legal system, distinct from economic damage and is significantly less common. Although they may have the burden of proof higher in the case of non-economic damages, they are more difficult to assess and are not subject to the same restrictions as economic damages.