Personal Injury Cases: 5 Types Of Damages That Can Be Claimed
If you are injured in an accident because of another person's negligence, you may be considering a personal injury claim. Whether your compensation is awarded by a settlement or ordered by a judge, the compensation for your injuries will be based on your damages. Here are some of the damages that may be recovered through your personal injury case:
Medical Costs
The cost of the medical care that you have received for your injuries is reimbursable, but so is the cost of your anticipated care. If you have not fully healed from your injuries, you may remain under a doctor's care long after your case has been settled. The projected cost of this future treatment, which is based on the extent of your injuries and your current treatment plan, is payable.
Wages
Wages that are lost during your recovery are payable. However, you can also seek compensation for wages that you could have been eligible for in the future if you had not been injured. This reduction in future wages is called a "loss of earning capacity."
Pain
If you have had to endure serious pain and suffering from your accident, a monetary value can be assigned to it. There are two categories of pain and suffering:
Physical
Physical pain or suffering is the discomfort that is directly related to your body's injuries. It can include the pain you have already suffered, but it also takes into account the pain that you are apt to have in the future.
Mental
Psychological pain or suffering is still related to your physical injuries, but the relationship is indirect. You may feel depressed, fearful, angry, moody or humiliated because of your injuries. Any negative emotion that you have encountered or are expected to encounter due to the physical harm from the accident is considered mental pain.
Property
If you damaged your vehicle during an accident, you can include compensation for its repair or replacement among your damages. Likewise, problems with clothing, jewelry or other possessions can also be claimed. Nevertheless, damaged items are only reimbursable for their fair market value. Projected increases in value are usually not considered.
Relationship Damages
If your injuries have negatively affected your relationship with your spouse, you can claim "loss of consortium" damages. These damages often include the inability to function sexually or the inability to provide the level of companionship you provided before the accident.
If you have suffered harm because of an accident, you may be eligible for compensation that covers your injury-related damages. Contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss the details of your case.
Share
