What types of damages can I recover?

In a personal injury case, there are typically two categories of damages that you may be able to recover: economic and non-economic. Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses you have incurred as a result of your injury, such as medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, refer to the intangible losses you have suffered, such as emotional distress and pain and suffering. The specific types of damages you may be able to recover depend on the facts and circumstances of your case. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can help you understand the types of damages that may be available to you and help you seek fair compensation for your losses.

Economic Damages that You Can Recover:

Economic damages refer to the financial losses you have incurred as a result of a personal injury, and they can be recovered in a personal injury case. Some examples of economic damages include:

1. Medical expenses: This can include the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, therapy, and any other treatment you have received for your injuries.
2. Lost wages: If you have had to miss work due to your injury, you may be able to recover the wages you have lost, including any future lost income if you are unable to return to work.
3. Property damage: If your property, such as your car, was damaged in the accident that caused your injury, you may be able to recover the cost of repairing or replacing it.
4. Home care and domestic services: If your injury has left you unable to perform household chores or care for your children, you may be able to recover the cost of hiring someone to help you.
5. Future medical expenses: If your injury requires ongoing medical treatment, you may be able to recover the cost of that treatment.
6. Loss of earning capacity: If your injury has left you unable to earn the same income you were earning before the accident, you may be able to recover compensation for the loss of your earning capacity.

The specific economic damages that you may be able to recover will depend on the specifics of your case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify and calculate the economic damages that you may be able to recover.

Non-Economic Damages:

Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that you have suffered as a result of a personal injury, and they can also be recovered in a personal injury case. Some examples of non-economic damages include:

1. Pain and suffering: This includes the physical pain and emotional distress that you have experienced as a result of your injury.
2. Emotional distress: This includes psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
3. Loss of consortium: This refers to the loss of companionship or the ability to have a sexual relationship with a spouse or partner.
4. Loss of enjoyment of life: This refers to the loss of the ability to enjoy hobbies, sports, and other activities that you previously enjoyed.
5. Disfigurement or scarring: If your injury has left you with permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be able to recover compensation for the emotional distress associated with this condition.
6. Loss of reputation: If your injury has caused damage to your reputation, such as in cases of defamation, you may be able to recover damages for the harm caused to your reputation.

Non-economic damages can be difficult to quantify because they are not as tangible as economic damages. They are meant to compensate you for the emotional, psychological, and social impact that your injury has had on your life. The specific non-economic damages that you may be able to recover will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case.An experienced personal injury attorney can help you identify the types of non-economic damages that may be recoverable in your case. They can also work with you to calculate the value of these damages, taking into account the severity of your injuries, the extent of your pain and suffering, and other factors that may be relevant.