Being part of an accident leads to various repercussions. In a car crash, motorcycle collision, or truck accident, your vehicle might suffer damage or be deemed a total loss, necessitating the use of a rental car.
Extensive medical treatment and therapy spanning months may be essential in amusement park accidents, slips, falls, or bicycle mishaps causing injuries. This can result in missed work and the potential need to enlist assistance for household tasks.
The extent of damages from an accident is contingent upon the accident's specifics, with their valuation influenced by various factors. Familiarizing yourself with the damages you can recover in a personal injury case can be beneficial during settlement negotiations. Below, we'll examine each category more carefully to explain what is included in a personal injury claim. Knowing the types of damages can help in calculating the damages in a personal injury claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are often known as "special damages" since they are losses that are easily quantified or estimated. These losses include
- Property damage
- Unpaid medical expenses
- Lost pay
- Loss of earning potential
Economic damages can be quickly quantified and demonstrated in a personal injury settlement by submitting bills and receipts as proof.
Economic damages are the monetary losses incurred by an accident victim. Medical expenses include hospitalization, diagnosis, medication, and therapy expenses. Loss of income or earning capacity compensation is provided when the injury prevents the victim from working, hence their ability to earn.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that are difficult to quantify. They include
- Discomfort
- Suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loneliness
- Diminished quality of life
- Disfigurement
Non-economic damages are typically based on how severely and for how long the victim has been impacted by the accident or injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are paid to the injured party as retribution from the defendant for their careless or malicious activities that led to the mishap. Punitive damages' main objective is to penalize the offender and discourage them from committing the same offenses again.
On the other hand, punitive damages are not generally granted and are only given in extreme circumstances where the court deems the defendant's conduct undesirable.
These damages are intended to punish the defendant and deter them or others from acting similarly. The amount is determined based on the severity of the misconduct and acts as a deterrent for others.
Wrongful Death Damages
When victims die from their injuries, their families or beneficiaries may seek wrongful death damages. These damages may cover
- Burial costs
- Loss of support and income
- Medical costs
- Loss of companionship
Wrongful death damages may differ depending on the state laws, the accident's circumstances, and the relationship between the beneficiaries and the victim.
Future Damages
In some situations, victims may sustain wounds that necessitate lifetime or long-term medical treatment, causing more expenses in the future.
Future damages are recoverable in these situations and used to pay for any future medical costs, rehabilitation costs, and equipment requirements. Future damages require expert medical advice and assessment that must be proven in court because they cannot be precisely calculated at the time of settlement.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while many types of damages are included in a personal injury settlement, it is essential to remember that legal options and eligibility vary depending on the injuries sustained.
To gain the best possible outcome for such claims, it is worth considering hiring experienced attorneys who understand personal injury law and can handle matters like filing necessary paperwork, understanding information related to insurance companies, and representing individuals during trial proceedings.
With specialized collaboration between parties, victims can be assured that they will receive maximum compensation for pain and suffering or any other damage caused by the incident.
For this reason, consulting a lawyer may be the most beneficial decision for victims of personal injury settlements. Remember: having a legal representative by your side is invaluable when filing a claim. Seeking legal assistance is highly recommended if you need help navigating these complex processes.
