If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other kind of injury, you probably want to know what the case is really worth. The answer is simple, damages!
What Are Damages?
- Medical Bills
- Property Damage
- Pain and Suffering
- Inability to Enjoy Life
Money damages are paid to an injured person by the person who is legally responsible for the accident. The person responsible for the accident is usually covered by insurance, which means that the insurance company pays the injured person.
What Are Common Kinds of Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Compensatory Damages
Most personal injury damages are compensatory. In other words, they are intended to compensate the injured party for what they lost due to the accident or injury. For example, reimbursement for property damage and medical bills, pain and suffering, and the inability to enjoy life due to the accident. Some common types of compensatory damages are:
Medical Treatment
Personal injury damages usually include the cost of medical care related to the accident. A personal injury victim will probably receive reimbursement for treatment that you have already received and compensation for the estimated cost of medical care that you will need in the future due to the accident. For example, emergency room visits, hospital care, surgery, therapy, and rehabilitation.
Loss of Income
Personal injury damages may include compensation for the salary and wages you lost because of the accident. For example, if you are unable to work because of the accident you may get compensation for the time that you are out of work because of the accident. Also, you may get compensation for the salary and wages that you may not get in the future because of the accident.
Property Loss
Personal injury damages usually include vehicles and other items that were damaged as a result of the accident. For example, you will likely be entitled to compensation for repairs or the fair market value of the property that was damaged or lost.
Pain and Suffering
Personal injury damages may include compensation for pain and suffering during the accident and in the immediate future. For example, if you suffer pain immediately after the accident you may get compensation for the pain and suffering. Also, you may get compensation for any ongoing pain and suffering that can be attributed to the accident.
Emotional Distress
Personal injury damages may include emotional distress damages which are meant to compensate for a personal injury victim for the psychological impact of an injury. For example, you may be entitled to compensation for emotional pain and suffering such as feelings of fright, embarrassment, nervousness, worry, and grief.
Loss of Enjoyment
Personal injury damages may include loss of enjoyment which is meant to compensate for the inability to enjoy life due to the accident. For example, if you are unable to enjoy things like hobbies, exercise, and other recreational activities, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment.
Loss of Consortium
A spouse may be awarded compensation for the loss of services, assistance, aid, society, and companionship of his or her loved one. Parents may be awarded compensation for the loss of love, affection and companionship of their minor children. Minor children may be awarded compensation for the loss of services, assistance, aid, society and companionship of their parents.
Punitive Damages
In addition to actual damages, where the person responsible for the accident is found to have acted willfully or especially careless, a personal injury victim may be awarded punitive damages in addition to any compensatory damages. It is a way to punish a person for willful, wanton, and reckless conduct.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or any other kind of injury, contact a personal injury attorney to find out what the case is really worth.
Why Fernandez & Hernandez?
Fernandez & Hernandez are advocates for victims injured in car accidents, slip and falls, or any other kind of injury. If you or a loved one have been injured and need help finding out with the case is worth or getting compensation for your injuries or loss, call Tampa Personal Injury Attorney, Martin J. Hernandez of Fernandez & Hernandez at 813.755.9500.
