Personal injury law is a complex area of law that deals with cases in which an individual has been injured due to the negligence or intentional act of another person, company, or entity. In such cases, the injured party may be entitled to compensation for their losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In order to determine the amount of compensation that is due, it is important to understand the types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are those that are intended to compensate an injured party for their financial losses. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and any other costs associated with the injury.These damages are typically easy to calculate, as they are based on actual costs incurred by the injured party. In some cases, economic damages may also include future medical expenses or lost wages if the injury is expected to have long-term effects.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injured party for losses that cannot be easily quantified. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and other intangible losses. These damages are more difficult to calculate, as they are based on subjective factors such as the severity of the injury and its impact on the injured party’s life.In some cases, non-economic damages may also include punitive damages, which are intended to punish a defendant for particularly egregious conduct.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are a combination of economic and non-economic damages that are intended to make an injured party “whole” again. This means that they are intended to compensate an injured party for all of their losses, both financial and non-financial. Compensatory damages may also include punitive damages in some cases.Conclusion
When it comes to personal injury law, it is important to understand the types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury case. Economic damages are those that are intended to compensate an injured party for their financial losses, while non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injured party for losses that cannot be easily quantified.Compensatory damages are a combination of economic and non-economic damages that are intended to make an injured party “whole” again. If you have been injured due to the negligence or intentional act of another person or entity, it is important to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
