Personal injury cases often include a claim for potential damages. These damages can be recoverable in cases where you were injured, lost property, or had injuries to your reputation. A lawyer can help you claim damages for:
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost income
- Punitive damages
- Attorney fees and court costs
Emotional Distress
In personal injury claims, the plaintiff can be compensated for emotional distress. These damages help cover the emotional distress and anxiety experienced after the accident. If you seek mental health care to address your well-being, you may recover money for your past and future bills.
The amount of recoverable money will depend on whether or not you have a physical injury and the severity of your emotional distress. These damages are not included in other types of claims like property damage because they do not involve physical harm to you.
If you have a bodily injury, you can also receive compensation for your emotional distress as part of your overall claim. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove emotional distress.
Property Damage
If you had property damage due to the accident, you could receive damages for your lost or destroyed belongings. If your property was damaged and there is no way to fix it, then you may be able to receive money for the value of the property.
Past and Future Medical Care
To be considered eligible for money for medical bills, the claim must show that someone else’s negligence caused the injuries. An attorney can help you investigate the accident and gather evidence to help prove fault. If your claim is successful, the following may be covered:
- Hospital bills
- Ambulance cost
- Medical treatment
- Prescription drugs
- Physical therapy
Lost Income
Most states allow claims of lost earnings as part of a personal injury case. If you wish to file for workers’ compensation, you will have to prove that you were injured while on the clock or that you were working for your employer when the accident occurred.
You will also have to show that you sustained severe injuries to prevent you from working. If this is the case, you can receive money for lost income and any other financial losses associated with your inability to work.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes awarded in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault party caused severe injury and pain to victims. These damages are meant to punish a defendant who has acted maliciously or with willful disregard for the rights of others.
Just like some of the other types of damages that can be included in your case, you must prove that you sustained harm by the defendant’s actions (or lack of actions). If you are considering a personal injury claim, it is best to talk with an attorney because they will understand all the types of damages that can be awarded during a case.
Attorney’s Fees and Court Costs
In most states, attorneys fees and court costs are considered part of any successful personal injury claim. Personal injury lawyer fees are calculated based on your work hours and overall compensation. The court costs you will be responsible for will depend on the laws in your state.
Seek Legal Guidance
The calculation of damages varies greatly by state and the type of claim. However, every jurisdiction will allow for certain damages in personal injury cases. These damages can be instrumental in helping you recover if you have suffered a financial loss due to someone else’s negligence.
It is important to talk with an experienced attorney to explain all possible damages that may apply to your case. They will guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected. Many law firms offer a free initial consultation, therefore you have nothing to lose by reaching out to a lawyer to discuss your case.
Mark Scott
With a law degree under his belt, Mark Scott understood very early that law communication was a relatively neglected area. He decided to help people by “translating” the language and offering information and advice in a clear, useful, and actionable manner. For this reason, instead of finding him in court, you will most likely find his name online, where he is very active and thriving as a legal columnist. His part of making the world a better place is to make the law a less convoluted maze. He aims to make it easier for people to understand when and how to seek legal counsel, how to proceed in a significant number of legal matters, and to find the proper resources so they can stand up for their rights.
