Types of personal injury damages
Personal injury cases are legal disputes that arise when one person suffers harm from an accident or injury, and someone else may be legally responsible for that harm. In these cases, the injured party may receive compensation for their damages. Damages refer to the losses or injuries sustained by the plaintiff as a result of the defendant’s conduct. This blog will discuss the damages that can be claimed in a personal injury case. Types of personal injury damages.
Medical Expenses
Medical expenses are one of the most common types of damages claimed in personal injury cases. These damages include all medical costs related to the injury, such as hospital bills, doctor’s fees, medication, and rehabilitation expenses. In most cases, the plaintiff is entitled to recover all past and future medical costs related to the injury.
Lost Income
If the injury prevents the plaintiff from working, they may also be entitled to recover damages for lost income. This includes any wages or salary the plaintiff would have earned if they had not been injured. Lost revenue can consist of past and future wages and any lost earning capacity due to the injury.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the injury. This includes any discomfort, physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish suffered by the plaintiff due to the injury. Pain and suffering damages are challenging to quantify and are usually left to the judge or jury’s discretion. Types of personal injury damages.
Property Damage
Suppose the injury damaged the plaintiff’s property, such as a car or other personal property. In that case, they may be entitled to recover damages for repairing or replacing the damaged property. The amount of damages awarded for property damage will depend on the value of the damaged property.
Loss of Consortium
In some cases, the injury may cause the plaintiff to lose the companionship or support of a spouse or other loved one. In these cases, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover damages for loss of consortium. This damage is intended to compensate the plaintiff for losing affection, companionship, and support due to the injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or malicious. These damages are intended to punish the defendant for their actions and deter similar behavior. Punitive damages are not available in all cases and are usually only awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or intentional.
Wrongful Death Damages
In cases where the injury results in the plaintiff’s death, their family members may be entitled to recover damages for wrongful death. Wrongful death damages are intended to compensate the family members for the financial and emotional losses from the plaintiff’s death. These damages may include funeral expenses, medical expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
Emotional Distress
In some cases, the injury may cause the plaintiff to suffer emotional distress or psychological trauma. This may include symptoms such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder. If the plaintiff can prove that the defendant’s conduct caused their emotional distress, they may be entitled to recover damages for emotional distress.
Loss of Enjoyment
If the injury prevents the plaintiff from participating in activities they previously enjoyed, they may be entitled to recover damages for loss of enjoyment. This includes any hobbies or activities the plaintiff can no longer participate in due to the injury.
Legal Fees
Finally, the plaintiff may be entitled to recover their legal fees and other expenses incurred in pursuing the personal injury case. This includes any fees paid to their attorneys.
The Power of Attorneys in Personal Injury Cases
With an experienced personal injury law firm or sole practitioner attorney fighting your corner, you can quickly learn the total value of your claim. Your lawyer can gather evidence for all the harm you’ve caused, arrange expert witness testimony, prove the maximum value of your damages, and negotiate skillfully with the insurance company. They can also argue your case in court before a judge and jury.
An extensive study has found that victims who hire an attorney win three and a half times more in their final settlement than victims who try to handle their cases alone. One primary reason is that experienced personal injury attorneys fully understand the damages you deserve. They also have the skill, experience, contacts, and legal knowledge to prove the value of those damages to the full extent of the law.
Contact Houston Injury Lawyers, PLLC
Today at 713-366-HURT, learn the value of your claim in a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are well-versed in Texan personal injury law and fight hard to maximize our client’s damages and win the fair compensation they deserve.
