What Are Compensatory Damages?
Compensatory damages are meant to compensate an accident victim with enough money to cover the amount of the injury or loss. Economic and non-economic damages are the two basic types of compensatory damages. Pursuing the full value of these damages can be challenging for an accident victim, especially if they have no experience with personal injury law. When you hire a personal injury lawyer at Friedland Law, they can handle every aspect of your case, including exploring all avenues of compensation and assessing the value of your compensatory damages.
What Are the Different Types Of Compensatory Damages?
Learning about compensatory damages can give you a better idea of what your case may be worth and which types of damages you may be entitled to.
The two types of compensatory damages include economic and non-economic damages.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are meant to repay monetary losses the victim suffered as a result of the accident.
Also referred to as special damages, economic damages can include:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Funeral expenses
- Burial expenses
Economic damages can easily be quantified since the plaintiff can use medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, and other forms of documentation to prove these damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also referred to as general damages and are subjective and not quantifiable by documentation.
Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Because general damages are subjective, some states may have damage caps. These caps vary by state.
Proving General Damages
Proving non-economic damages can be challenging. When you work with a personal injury lawyer, part of their job is to help you gather evidence that can strengthen your case and prove your demand for compensation. To prove your demand for non-economic damages, your attorney may gather evidence such as:
- A journal you document in regarding the pain, discomfort, and emotional distress you experience throughout the day.
- Statements from family, friends, coworkers, and your employer regarding how the accident has impacted your life, your ability to care for yourself, and your ability to work.
- Documentation from psychologists
- Medical records and medical bills
- Photos and videos of your injuries and the recovery process
- Documentation from treating physicians
And more.
Your attorney will work tirelessly to prove your demand for these damages to ensure you recover every penny of compensation you’re entitled to for the harm you have suffered.
Compensatory vs. Punitive Damages
Compensatory damages are meant to help the plaintiff, while punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their reprehensible actions while deterring the public from acting similarly in the future.
Punitive damages can be awarded in a variety of personal injury cases caused by the negligence of another person or entity.
Some common types of cases in which punitive damages are awarded include:
- Auto accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Boating accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Construction site accidents
And more.
Should I Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Help Me Recover Compensatory Damages?
A personal injury lawyer at Friedland Law can help you pursue compensatory damages for your accident-related losses. They can also accurately calculate these damages to ensure you pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to. If you have no experience with the law, you may end up pursuing compensation in court that is far less than what you deserve. When you work with a personal injury attorney on our legal team, they will consult with experts, including your treating physicians, to ensure you fight for the compensation you deserve for an accident that was caused by the negligence of another.
Contact Us Today
If you were involved in an accident and suffered injuries, pain and suffering, and other losses, contact Friedland Law today. Our experienced personal injury lawyers offer free consultations. They can meet with you to discuss your case, go over your legal rights and options, and explain how they can help you recover the compensation you deserve for an accident that was not your fault.
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