Exploring the Three Main Types of Personal Injury Damages

Jeremy Schiowitz

Understanding personal injury damages is crucial for anyone involved in an accident. Knowing the types of damages available can ensure you pursue fair compensation. Here, we'll explore three key types of damages one might be eligible for: Economic, Non-Economic, and Punitive.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages serve to punish the defendant for particularly egregious misconduct and deter future wrongdoing. While rare, these damages might be awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, such as a corporation selling defective products knowingly. Punitive damages typically accompany economic and non-economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These are subjective and may require legal expertise to determine fair compensation due to the complexity in quantifying such impacts.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are tangible costs directly tied to an injury. They include medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation therapy, property damage, lost earning capacity, and future expenses like ongoing treatment. These damages are straightforward to prove with documentation, making them easier to quantify.

Knowing these damages helps individuals seek the compensation they deserve. If you're dealing with a personal injury case, consulting a legal expert can provide you with the guidance needed to navigate this process effectively.