Types of Personal Injury Compensation
If you suffered an injury because of the negligence of another person or their wrongdoing, you may be entitled to compensation. Talk to a personal injury lawyer near you to find out more about the possible damages you can receive.
There are two major types of damages that can be awarded in personal injury lawsuits which are economic and non-economic damages. This article will explore these two categories and explain how they affect the amount that you are entitled to for compensation.
Economic Damages
If a person is injured in an accident, they may be entitled for financial damages. These damages could include medical expenses, lost earnings, and property damage.
In most cases, these types damage can be very costly especially in the case of serious injuries. Since they require an extensive medical treatment. In addition to hospitalization, the victims could be required to pay for prescription medicines and mobility equipment while they recover.
The cost of these expenses can be astronomical quickly, and it is essential to keep receipts for these expenses. Receipts from these expenses can help you establish the true value of your losses and increase the value of your compensation.
In personal injury cases, the loss of wages and future income are typical forms of economic damage. personal injury lawyer overland park is due to the fact that victims could be out of work for a period of weeks, months and even years after an accident. In these instances, the victim should receive the amount they would have earned if they were able to work.
A person who is disabled or lost loved ones because of an accident could be entitled to compensation for life-care services. These include home health care, nursing and physical therapy, among others.
Many people also require help doing the things that they did prior to their accident. This includes house chores, driving a vehicle taking care of the outdoors as well as taking care of a dependent family member.
An attorney could be able to provide receipts, bills, or other evidence to show the value of these items in these cases. They may also hire experts to testify regarding the value of these damages.
The amount of these damages can vary greatly based on the circumstances surrounding the accident as well as the needs of the victim. Typically, a jury will take into consideration a variety of factors when determining an economic damages award.
These damages could include:
The two most painful aspects of life are pain and suffering.
This is typically given to those who are victims of serious accidents who suffer emotional or physical injuries as a result of the accident. These awards can be very small (a few dollars for suffering) or substantial (millions in a case of wrongful death).
Emotional distress
This type of damages compensates victims for emotional trauma caused by an injury. This includes anxiety, depression, and loss in enjoyment.
Disfigurement
A person who is injured and has suffered permanent damage as a result of an accident may receive this. It is costly as many require surgery and other treatments to correct or remove disfigurements.
Loss of companionship or consortium
The purpose of this damages award is to pay for the loss of a loved person due to the loss. This is particularly relevant when the victim has children or other dependents.
Non-economic damages are a separate part of the legal system that is distinct as is economic damage, and are much less common. Non-economic damages may be subject to a greater burden of proof, but they are often more difficult to assess than economic damages and aren't subject the same restrictions.