Plaintiffs are intended to receive compensatory damages to make up for their losses. They are meant to restore plaintiffs to their pre-injury state to the extent possible. Compensation damages can be split into two main groups: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are a type of compensation awarded to victims of accidents to help them recover financial losses. These include past and future medical expenses, property damage, and lost wages. They are often included in any personal injury claim. The amount of these damages depends on the accident’s severity and injuries.
Economic damages are usually proven with documentation from doctors and repair shops. These can include bills for diagnostic testing and treatments, hospital stays, and medications. However, certain damages are more difficult to prove and require expert testimony. For example, damages for pain and suffering may be hard to calculate. These damages are characterized by extreme physical discomfort and mental trauma. They can also be emotional and are sometimes accompanied by sadness or anger.
In addition to economic damages, other kinds of compensation are available for injury victims. These are called compensatory damages, meant to provide money for a victim’s physical, emotional, and financial hardships. To maximize the value of these damages, you should keep a detailed record of your expenses and costs. This will increase the chances of getting a larger settlement with the help of SLG Accident Attorneys.
Those injured in an accident should be prepared to spend months recovering. While some of these injuries are relatively minor, others can result in permanent disabilities. This can include brain injury, chronic fatigue, and loss of coordination. These can interfere with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, limiting their ability to work or engage in everyday activities with their family. If you have been hurt, you should get the medical care you need as soon as possible. If you cannot work, you should consult with an occupational expert to learn more about the financial and personal impacts of your disability.
Keep track of your expenses if you suffer a severe injury. These expenses include all bills, including follow-up treatment, medical expenses, and travel. Writing all your medical costs is essential, as these will be used to support your claims. Keeping copies of your invoices and receipts will ensure you receive full reimbursement.
The costs of medical care, including surgeries, therapies, and other treatments, are generally the most substantial component of most injury awards. In catastrophic injury cases, this can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. The more severe the injury, the more extensive the medical treatments.
Other economic damages include damages for out-of-pocket expenses. This includes everything from prescription medicines to household services. For instance, you might need to hire an automotive specialist to repair your car if it is damaged in an accident. The cost of a cast or other replacement item is also considered part of economic damages. This is usually calculated at the fair market price for the item at the time of the accident.
Another type of damage is punitive damages. This is a form of financial retribution intended to punish the at-fault party for the wrongful conduct in causing the injury. You should be aware that a jury may not award this damage. It’s also important to remember that New Jersey law restricts the amount of damage awarded in medical malpractice cases.
Non-Economic Damages
Special damages are more accessible to quantify than general damages, also known as “non-economic damages.” They are designed to compensate for plaintiffs’ intangible losses resulting from an injury, such as “pain and suffering.” General damages examples include:
- Suffering and pain.
- Physical impairment or deformity.
- Reputational damage.
- Loss of life’s enjoyment.
