Types of Personal Injury Compensation
If you've been injured due to the negligence or misconduct of another party, you may be entitled to compensation. Learn about the types of damages you could get by speaking with a personal injury attorney near you.
In personal injury cases there are two kinds of damages that could occur both economic and non-economic. This article will explore these two categories , and also explain how they affect the amount that you are entitled to for compensation.
Economic Damages
A person may be entitled to financial damages if they are injured in an accident. These damages can include medical expenses, lost earnings and property damage.
These types of damages can often be very costly, especially if there are serious injuries. Since they require extensive medical treatment. In addition to being hospitalized, victims may have to pay for prescription drugs and mobility equipment while they recover.
personal injury law firm salinas can quickly add up and it is crucial to keep receipts. These receipts will help you establish the value of your losses and increase your compensation.
Other types of economic damages in personal injury cases comprise loss of earnings and future earnings. This is because the victim could be out of work for weeks, months, or even for years following an accident. In these cases the victim is entitled to the amount they could have earned if they could have worked.
A person who is disabled or has lost a loved one because of an accident could be entitled to compensation for life-care services. These services include home health, nursing and physical therapy.
Many people also require assistance doing the things they did prior to their accident. These could include household chores, driving as well as taking care of the outdoors, and assisting the family member who is dependent.
An attorney might be able to provide receipts, bills, or other evidence to prove the cost of these items in these instances. They may also hire experts to testify regarding the worth of these damages.
The amount of damages awarded can be determined differently based on the specific needs of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the incident. Typically, a jury will consider a wide range of factors when making an economic damages award.
Some examples of these damages might include:
Pain and suffering
This is typically awarded to victims of severe accidents who have suffered physical or emotional injuries as a result of the accident. These awards could be small (a few dollars for suffering) or even substantial (millions in the case of wrongful death).
Emotional distress
This type of damage compensates victims for emotional stress caused by an injury. It covers things like depression, anxiety and a loss of pleasure in daily life.
Disfigurement
An injured person who has been permanently damaged by an accident may be eligible for this. It is costly as many require surgery and other treatments to correct or remove imperfections.
Loss of companionship and consortium
The purpose of this award is to pay for the loss of the loved one as a result. This is especially relevant for victims who have dependents or children.
The awarding of non-economic damages is an independent part of the legal system that is distinct from economic damages, and it is much rarer. While they may be subject to the burden of proof higher, non-economic damages are usually more difficult to quantify and are not subject to the same restrictions as economic damages.