If someone is injured because of someone else’s negligence, they have the right to seek compensation for the person or entity that caused or contributed to the losses incurred. The losses are officially referred to as “damages” in any personal injury claim.
The damages in a personal injury case can be divided into two basic categories: punitive and compensatory. The compensatory damages are designed to provide compensation for a person’s financial or personal losses. The punitive damages are designed to damage the person at fault for the accident to prevent them from causing a similar situation in the future. With compensatory damages, it is possible to divide them further into non-economic and economic damages.
After an injury, these compensation types are essential since medical treatment can be so expensive. If someone else disregarded someone else’s safety or health, the person injured should not be left to handle the damages or consequences alone.
Learning About Non-Economic and Economic Damages
As mentioned above, compensatory damages can be further broken down into two categories – non-economic and economic damages. They are commonly referred to as special and general damages, too. The goal of the damages is to compensate or reimburse someone after an injury caused by a car accident, medical malpractice case, slip, and fall, or wrongful death.
Economic or Special Damages
Economic damages are any losses that can have some monetary value put on them. Some of the most common examples include lost income, property damage, or medical bills. It is important to note that the medical treatment needed should be considered now and down the road. Most accidents will cause ongoing medical treatment, which should be considered when settling on a specific amount of compensation.
Another issue related to accident cases is lost income. If someone is injured, they may be forced to take time off work to receive the treatment needed. A person’s doctor may even order an accident victim to take time off, as well.
Property damage is another form of compensation provided after an accident. It doesn’t matter if a person’s property is damaged or destroyed; this is a part of the claim made against a defendant.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are considered a unique category of damages after an accident. They will only be awarded if the at-fault party’s wrongful actions were wanton, wilful, intentional, or fraudulent. These are designed to punish the at-fault party and deter them or someone else from doing the same thing down the road. Punitive damages are not awarded in all cases. It is best to Read this attorneys blog to find out if they may be a possibility for an injury case.
Remember, when it comes to recovering compensation for an accident or injury, hiring a personal injury attorney is a smart move. A legal professional can help ensure the right steps are taken and that the case has the highest likelihood of success if it goes to trial. Being informed can help anyone get the compensation they deserve after an accident.
