3 Types Of Damages An Attorney Can Help You Recover In A Personal Injury Claim
While personal injury cases are common, they can be devastating. For example, apart from suffering life-threatening injuries, you may need to settle costly medical treatments. In addition, you may miss work or school due to severe injuries. Fortunately, a personal injury victim can seek compensation for the losses and damages incurred. It means that if you get injured due to someone's negligence, the responsible party should pay for their mistakes. However, this may not be as straightforward as it sounds because not everyone can be willing to accept liability and offer fair compensation. This is where a personal injury attorney comes into play. Read on to know what a skilled lawyer can help you recover.
Lost Wages
When you suffer injuries in an accident, chances are you won't be able to go to work, whether for days or weeks. It means that during this period you won't earn as expected. That's why you need to get compensation for this lost income. The amount you receive is equivalent to what you could have earned without the injuries.
To calculate lost wages, you use the amount your company pays you. Also, lost wages include overtime, bonuses, tips, vacation, or sick days. It also considers other perks like employer vehicles and gym membership. Note that if your insurer settles your medical bills, they'll need to be reimbursed once you receive your compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
An unintentional accident can cause severe injuries leading to pain and suffering. Calculating the damages can be tricky because every accident is unique, and everyone may suffer differently. While it can be challenging to calculate non-economic damages, there are things you can do to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. For example, you can keep a journal about your struggle since the accident occurred. To improve your odds of getting maximum compensation for non-economic damages, your daily experiences. Whether bouts of depression, pain level, or strained relationships due to injuries, ensure you put everything in your journal.
Punitive Damages
Apart from compensatory damages, a jury can award punitive damages in some instances. These are different from other damages because they don't cover losses. A court might award you punitive damages if the behavior of the liable individuals was outrageous, leading to your injuries. This aims at punishing the defendant for their reprehensible and negligent behavior. It also serves as a warning to others.
You shouldn't go through physical and emotional trauma due to another person's despicable behavior. You can take legal action against such individuals and seek compensation for the damages incurred. Ensure you walk through this journey with an experienced personal injury attorney to enhance your odds of getting proper compensation.