Calculating Damages in Personal Injury Cases
When you or a loved one have suffered injuries in any type of accident caused by another person’s negligent actions, you may want to file a personal injury case. Taking this action can help you recover the financial losses and other damages you’ve incurred in this difficult time.
It’s not always easy to determine the worth of damages in personal injury cases. There are many factors that will have an impact on the value of your compensation. You may have minor injuries that will eventually heal, or your injuries may affect you for the rest of your life.
Here is more on what to expect when calculating the damages in your personal injury case.
What Damaged Am I Entitled to Receive in My Personal Injury Case?
Since every case has its own variables and unique factors, the amount you’ll receive in damages can drastically vary. If you work with an attorney, they will help analyze the severity of your injuries, the extent of your financial losses through lost income and medical expenses, and how your injuries have changed your life.
These damages will include compensatory damages, which are composed of economic and non-economic damages. They may additionally include punitive damages, however, these are awarded in rare circumstances and are meant to punish the defendant for their malicious behavior.
Economic Damages
In personal injury cases, economic damages are related to your tangible financial losses.
Medical Bills
Most personal injury cases will seek medical bills in the damages. It includes both your past and future medical expenses related to the injuries you’ve sustained. Examples of these expenses are the fees for the ambulance, hospital stay, surgeries, and rehabilitation to help you recover.
Lost Wages
Your injuries may cause you to miss work in the short term or for an extended amount of time. These can be calculated by looking at your past earnings along with the projected amount for future earnings.
Property Damage
Certain personal injury cases, such as car accidents, will include property damage. In these situations, you can seek compensation for the cost of your vehicle repairs or vehicle replacement.
Non-Economic Damages
While economic damages are tangible and easy to quantify, non-economic damages are more challenging to prove. These types of damages can involve emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.
There is no exact method for calculating non-economic damages. It is best to work with a lawyer who can help you prove that you deserve compensation for these intangible damages. They will likely advise you to keep a daily journal to show how your injuries have affected your life, both physically and emotionally.
Additionally, you may have had hobbies prior to this incident that made your life feel fulfilling. If you are unable to participate in these hobbies, showing evidence of this may help you recover non-economic damages.
How to Prove Damages in Personal Injury Cases
Proving your damages can be difficult, especially if your injuries are painful. Instead of adding more stress in the aftermath, you should obtain legal advice from a personal injury attorney.
Visit this website to find out more about calculating your damages in your personal injury case.