When you are injured due to another person’s negligence or wrongful actions, you may have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. The damages awarded in these cases are meant to make the injured victim “whole” again by providing monetary compensation for their losses. Understanding the different types of damages available is crucial to maximize the potential value of your personal injury claim.
There are two main categories of damages in personal injury cases – compensatory and punitive. Compensatory damages are further divided into economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to quantifiable monetary losses like medical bills, lost income, and loss of future earning capacity.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible harms like pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases of especially egregious misconduct, and are meant to punish the defendant rather than compensate the plaintiff.
The types of damages that may be recovered depend on factors like the type and severity of injury, the policy limits involved, and state laws. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine what damages you may be entitled to based on the specific facts of your case.
Thoroughly documenting your losses and injuries is key to obtaining full and fair compensation. Understanding the different types of damages available in personal injury cases will help you maximize your potential settlement or court award.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages make up the bulk of most personal injury awards and are intended to directly compensate the victim for their losses. These damages are broken down into economic and non-economic damages.
| Compensatory Damages | Non-Economic Damages | |
| Definition | Directly compensate the victim for monetary losses from the injury | Compensate for intangible harms like pain and suffering |
| Types | Economic: medical expenses, lost income, property damage Non-economic: pain/suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium | Pain and suffering Emotional distress Loss of enjoyment of life Loss of consortium |
| Purpose | Make the plaintiff “whole” again financially after the personal injury | Compensate for subjective, quality-of-life losses from personal injury |
| Calculation | Economic damages directly calculated from financial evidence like medical bills and lost wages Non-economic based on injury severity and jury discretion | Based on the severity of injury, treatment duration, and jury discretion |
| Key Factors | Type and severity of personal injury Amount of expenses incurred Insurance coverage limits State law caps | Injury severity Duration of suffering Plaintiff testimony Expert witness opinions |
| Limitations | Capped by some state personal injury laws | Capped by some state personal injury laws |
| Examples | Medical expenses, lost income, property damage, loss of future earning capacity | Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium |
Economic Damages
Economic damages in personal injury cases refer to tangible, quantifiable monetary losses. These include:
Medical expenses – Any costs related to medical treatment for injuries caused by the accident, including hospital bills, ambulance fees, physical therapy, prescription medication, assistive devices like wheelchairs, and more. These damages often make up the largest portion of an injury claim.
Lost income – The income lost due to missing work because of the injury and recovery time. Calculated by multiplying the number of days missed by the plaintiff’s daily wages.
Loss of future earning capacity – If the injury causes permanent disability or long-term effects that reduce the victim’s ability to work and earn as much income in the future. Calculates the difference between pre-and post-injury earning potential.
Property damage – Repair or replacement costs for any property damaged in the incident, like a car or bicycle.
Documenting these economic damages thoroughly with evidence like receipts, pay stubs, tax returns, and medical records is key to recovering full compensation.
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses that can’t be easily quantified. These include:
Pain and suffering – For physical pain caused by the injury. Factors like the type and severity of injury and the victim’s recovery time are considered.
Emotional distress – Compensation for mental anguish like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other psychological effects of the trauma.
Loss of enjoyment of life – Damages for the victim’s reduced ability to participate in activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed.
Loss of consortium – Compensation for reduced intimacy and companionship for the spouse of an injured victim.
Quantifying these subjective, non-economic damages can be challenging. Experienced personal injury lawyers use prior case evidence and settlement data to value these losses for negotiation and trial.
Punitive Damages
Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damages are not awarded as compensation for the victim. Instead, they are intended to punish the defendant for especially reprehensible behavior and deter similar misconduct in the future.
When Punitive Damages May Be Awarded
Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions went beyond mere negligence into intentional or reckless disregard for safety. Situations where punitive damages may be awarded include:
Drunk driving accidents – Drivers who choose to operate a vehicle while intoxicated show blatant disregard for human life. Punitive damages in drunk driving cases punish this reckless choice.
Intentional misconduct – When the defendant deliberately harms the plaintiff out of malice or spite, punitive damages apply. This includes assault, battery, and other intentional wrongs.
Gross negligence – Where the defendant’s actions were extremely careless and reckless to the point of disregarding the plaintiff’s rights and safety. Punitive damages for gross negligence punish and deter conscious indifference to consequences.
Defective products – If a manufacturer consciously disregards known defects or risks in a product that injures consumers, punitive damages may be imposed.
Medical malpractice – In cases of egregious medical negligence, like operating on the wrong body part or abandoning a patient in need.
Environmental contamination – Punitive damages may apply when companies pollute or contaminate land with conscious disregard for the health and property rights of others.
Civil rights violations – Punitive damages are common in cases of discrimination, excessive police force, and other willful civil rights infringements to deter violations of protected rights.
Unlike compensatory damages, punitive damage amounts are subjective and based more on the defendant’s behavior than the plaintiff’s losses. The financial means of the defendant are also considered in determining what amount will sufficiently punish and deter. Punitive damages are capped under some state laws, typically at two to three times the awarded compensatory damages.
Other Types of Damages
In addition to compensatory and punitive damages, there are a few other less common categories of damages that may be awarded in personal injury cases.
Nominal Damages
Nominal damages are a small, symbolic dollar amount awarded when the court finds the defendant is liable for the plaintiff’s injury, but there is no actual loss to compensate.
For example, if someone trespasses on your property but doesn’t cause any real damage, you may be awarded $1 in nominal damages just to acknowledge that the defendant broke the law. These damages are rare in personal injury claims since most accidents do cause tangible harm.
Property Damages
Property damages compensate for damage to physical property as a result of the incident. These may include:
Damage to vehicles involved in a car accident, like repair costs or total loss.
Damage to bicycles, clothing, glasses, phones, and other personal items.
Loss of property value due to environmental contamination.
Costs to repair damage to real property, like fences or buildings.
To recover property damages, you must provide evidence like repair estimates or appraisals. Photographing property damage right after an accident provides helpful documentation.
If possible, avoid making repairs until the claim is resolved, so the defendant’s insurance adjuster can inspect the damage. Keep damaged property in case it is needed as evidence during litigation.
Property damage claims are often resolved more quickly than personal injury claims. However, you still benefit from an attorney’s help in maximizing compensation and negotiating a full and fair settlement.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium damages compensate the spouse of an injured victim for loss of companionship and intimacy. If injuries make it difficult for a couple to engage in activities they previously enjoyed together, the spouse may recover damages for this loss.
Quantifying these highly subjective consortium losses can be difficult. Your attorney can explain the types of evidence needed, which may include testimony about how the relationship dynamic has changed.
While less common, understanding the full range of damages potentially available ensures you receive maximum compensation for all losses resulting from the accident. An experienced personal injury lawyer can thoroughly evaluate your unique situation to identify all applicable damages.
How Damages Are Calculated
Calculating and quantifying damages in a personal injury case involves complex legal and financial analysis. Several key factors affect the ultimate amounts awarded.
Type and severity of injury – More severe injuries that result in ongoing disabilities, care needs, and loss of quality of life will warrant higher damages. Permanent injuries or scarring also increase damage amounts.
Type of expenses incurred – Documented past and estimated future medical bills, lost wages, and other economic damages directly raise the damages. Higher special damages equate to higher totals.
Insurance coverage – Applicable insurance policy limits cap the amount that can be recovered. Damages exceeding limits may not be collectible from the defendant.
State laws – Some states cap certain damages like pain and suffering or punitive damages, which restricts awards even if losses exceed the caps.
Plaintiff’s own negligence – In states with comparative negligence rules, the plaintiff’s percentage of fault reduces their damage award.
Defendant’s financial resources – For punitive damages, the jury considers the defendant’s ability to pay in determining an amount that will sufficiently punish and deter.
Quantifying intangible non-economic losses like pain and suffering can be challenging:
Juries are given discretion to assign a dollar value for these subjective losses based on trial evidence.
Experienced attorneys use prior verdicts and settlements in similar cases to estimate fair compensation for non-economic suffering.
The severity and duration of physical and emotional impacts provide guidance on reasonable amounts.
Plaintiffs provide testimony about how the injury affected their lives and relationships.
Expert witnesses may offer opinions on the degree of suffering and appropriate damage amounts.
In the end, the jury has wide latitude in deciding damage amounts based on the plaintiff’s losses and their own sense of fairness. An attorney guides this complex process from documenting special damages to presenting persuasive evidence and testimony, to keeping damages in line with prior case law and community expectations. Thorough case preparation and effective presentation are key to sufficient compensation.
Limits on Damage Awards
While the losses incurred in a serious personal injury accident may be immense, there are certain limits and reductions that can substantially reduce the total damages awarded. Understanding these limitations is important for having realistic expectations about potential compensation.
Statutory Caps on Certain Damages
Many states have laws capping or limiting the amount of certain types of damages that can be recovered, even if the plaintiff’s actual losses exceed the caps:
Non-economic damages – Some states limit compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic losses to a fixed dollar amount, such as $250,000.
Punitive damages – Punitive damage awards are often capped at two to three times the amount of awarded compensatory damages, or a set maximum like $500,000.
Medical malpractice caps – Some states limit noneconomic damages in medical negligence cases to curtail large verdicts and reduce liability insurance costs for healthcare providers.
While caps can drastically reduce recovery for severe injuries, some states have ruled certain caps unconstitutional. An experienced attorney can navigate these nuances.
Reductions Based on Plaintiff’s Fault
In states that follow comparative negligence rules, the plaintiff’s own percentage of fault for causing the accident reduces their damage award. For example:
If damages are calculated as $100,000 but the plaintiff was 20% at fault, the award is reduced by 20% to $80,000.
If the plaintiff’s fault exceeds a certain threshold, such as 51% in some states, they may be barred from recovery altogether.
Damages may be reduced for failure to mitigate injuries by not following medical advice or delaying necessary treatment.
Understanding how these limitations may impact potential damages allows for setting realistic expectations. An attorney can maximize recovery by minimizing findings of plaintiff negligence and fully documenting losses.
Maximizing Your Personal Injury Settlement
Taking steps to maximize your settlement or court award can result in substantially higher compensation for your injuries and losses. Here are some key considerations:
Thoroughly document all damages – Keep detailed records proving the full extent of your economic and non-economic damages. This includes:
All medical bills, records, and treatment notes
Pay stubs and tax returns showing lost income
Receipts for property repairs or replacement
Records of missed activities and events due to the injury
Retain an experienced personal injury attorney – An attorney with expertise in injury law can substantially increase your settlement by:
Determining all available damages you may claim
Negotiating aggressively with insurance companies
Developing persuasive evidence and arguments
Valuing your claim accurately
Taking the case to trial if needed
Consider settlement vs. trial – Many cases settle before trial, avoiding time and expense, but settling too early for too little can shortchange you. An attorney can advise if a settlement offer is reasonable or worth taking to trial.
Follow medical advice – Adhering to prescribed treatment shows the court you are trying to mitigate damages. Gaps in treatment can reduce your award.
Wait to settle – Settling immediately often results in lower compensation. Time allows full losses to be determined.
Be reasonable – Unrealistic demands may cause the defense to dig in, resulting in a smaller settlement or verdict. Experienced attorneys have a sense of fair verdicts.
With thorough documentation, reputable legal representation, and a willingness to go to trial if needed, you can maximize your recovery and obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the types of damages in a personal injury case?
A: There are three types of damages that can be pursued in a personal injury case: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Q: What is negligence in a personal injury case?
A: Negligence is when someone fails to exercise reasonable care and their actions or inactions cause harm or injury to another person.
Q: What is a personal injury lawsuit?
A: A personal injury lawsuit is a legal action taken by an individual who has been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions.
Q: How can I file a personal injury lawsuit?
A: To file a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to consult with a personal injury lawyer who can guide you through the process and help you gather the necessary evidence to prove negligence.
Q: What is a free consultation?
A: A free consultation is a meeting with a personal injury lawyer where you can discuss your case and receive advice on the best course of action. This initial consultation is typically offered at no cost.
Q: What do I need to prove negligence in a personal injury case?
A: To prove negligence, you will need to show that the at-fault party had a duty of care, breached that duty, and that their breach of duty caused your injury and resulting damages.
Q: What types of personal injury cases can pursue damages?
A: Personal injury cases such as car accidents, medical malpractice, slips and falls, and wrongful death are types of cases where you may be able to pursue damages.
Q: What damages may be included in a personal injury case?
A: Damages in a personal injury case may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, property damage, and in some cases, punitive damages.
Q: What are the three types of personal injury damages?
A: The three types of personal injury damages are economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Q: What is the purpose of damages in a personal injury case?
A: Damages are designed to compensate the injured party for the losses they have suffered due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions.
Key Takeaways
There are several key types of damages that may be recovered in a personal injury lawsuit. The main categories are compensatory damages, which include economic and non-economic losses, and punitive damages.
Compensatory damages directly compensate the plaintiff for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other tangible and intangible harms from the injury.
Punitive damages are awarded only in cases of egregious misconduct, to punish and deter the defendant.
Other less common damages include nominal damages and loss of consortium.
Understanding the damages available in your unique case is crucial to maximize your potential settlement or court award. An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify and thoroughly document your losses, negotiate the highest reasonable settlement, and build a strong case for trial if needed. Key takeaways:
Consult an attorney to determine your available damages
Keep detailed records proving your economic and non-economic losses
An attorney can negotiate the maximum fair settlement or litigate your case effectively
Certain state laws and plaintiff negligence may limit awards
Damages should make you “whole” again, not enrich you With the right legal guidance, you can obtain fair compensat