Types of Personal Injury Compensation
If you've suffered an injury as a result of the negligence of another person or their wrongdoing you could be entitled to compensation. Learn more about the types of damages you could be awarded by speaking to an attorney for personal injury near you.
In personal injury cases there are two kinds of damages that can be sustained in the form of economic and non-economic. This article will examine these categories and discuss how they might affect the amount of compensation you're entitled to receive.
personal injury lawsuit new york could be entitled to financial compensation after being injured in an accident. These can include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.
These types of damage can be expensive, particularly if there are serious injuries. They will require extensive medical attention. In addition to hospitalization, patients may need to pay for prescription drugs and mobility aids as they recover.
These costs can quickly accumulate, so it is important to keep receipts. The receipts you keep will allow you to prove the true amount of your losses as well as increase the value of your compensation.
In personal injury cases wages and future income are typical kinds of economic loss. This is because a victim may be not working for months, weeks or even years following an accident. In these cases the victim is entitled to the amount they would have earned if they could have worked.
If a person is disabled or the death of a family member occurs in the aftermath of an accident, the victim may be entitled to compensation for services related to life. This could include nursing, home health, and physical therapy services and many more.
Many people need assistance with the same tasks they did before their accident. This includes household chores, driving a vehicle, caring for the outdoors, and providing care for the family member who is dependent.
An attorney could be able to provide receipts and bills or other evidence to prove the cost of these items in these cases. They may also employ experts to testify on the value of these damages.
These damages are valued differently based on the specific needs of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the accident. Typically, a jury will consider a wide range of factors when making an award of economic damages.
These damages can include:
Pain and suffering
This award is usually awarded to those who have suffered serious injuries who are suffering physical or emotional injuries as a result of the accident. These awards could be minor (a few dollars for suffering) or huge (millions in the case of wrongful death).
Emotional distress
This type of damages compensates victims for emotional stress resulting from an injury. This includes anxiety, depression and a loss of enjoyment.
Disfigurement
This could be given to an injured person who is permanently damaged because of the accident. It is costly as many people require surgery and other treatments to correct or eliminate disfigurements.
Loss of companionship or consortium
This damages award is designed to cover the loss of a loved one in the event of an accident. 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, distinct from economic damages, and is more difficult to obtain. Non-economic damages are subject to a greater burden of proof, however they are typically more difficult to determine than economic damages and are not restricted by the same rules.