Different Types of Damages In Personal Injury Cases
If you’ve been hurt as a result of the negligence of someone else, you are entitled to recover money for compensation. There are various different types of damages that you may recover for.
Lost Wages
Let’s say hypothetically, you are in a rear end collision for which you are not at fault for. You sustained injuries from the car accident, and you are unable to work for days, maybe even weeks. You can receive a monetary award to compensate for those lost days of work. If you are disabled as a result of the accident, then you may be awarded for your inability to continue to earn the same living.
Medical Expenses
If you have to receive treatment for your injuries sustained from your accident, then the negligent party must compensate for those costs. This expenses can get very high very quickly. Hospital and ER Bills, Ambulance bills, X-Rays, Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Radiology fees, and other associated healthcare costs can skyrocket after an accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is exactly what it sounds like, you are being compensated for the pain and suffering you endured from your injuries. A good personal injury attorney knows how to use Pain and Suffering as leverage in negotiations. If you have persistent or chronic injuries that will continue for years to come, you can get future pain and suffering damages. Depending on the severity of the injury, juries may award massive awards for pain and suffering, often times in some form of a multiplier based off of your economic losses, meaning, medical bills and lost wages.
Emotional Damages
Being in an accident can take a toll on the mental and emotional health of the victim. However, just being distraught over the accident is typically not enough to rise to the level of emotional damages. Some people get Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a car accident, or get severe depression. This type of disorders can be backed by seeing a psychiatrist and the medical records can point to the accident as being the cause.
Punitive Damages
Unlike other types of damages, punitive damages purpose is to punish the negligent person for outrageous or egregious behavior. Not every case will have punitive damages. Punitive damages are reserved for very specific case types.
Olson & Reeves are Mt. Vernon, Illinois Personal Injury lawyers who can help you maximize these damages. We carefully evaluate your case, and immediately go to fight against the insurance companies for you. We always offer free consultations, and we never get paid until you do. If you can’t come to us, then we will come to you. Call today to schedule your consultation!