With a personal injury case, most damages are classified as compensatory. These damages are intended to compensate the plaintiff for any loss as a result of an accident or injury.

What Does Compensatory Damages Include?

Below is a list of the many types of compensatory damages:

  • Medical treatment. Almost every personal injury case includes the cost of medical care associated with injuries.
  • Income. Was your income impacted by the accident?
  • Property loss. Was your vehicle damaged as the result of the accident? How about clothing or other valuables?
  • Pain and suffering. The emotional and physical pain following an injury is also important to consider.
  • Loss of consortium. This describes the loss of marital or family relationships due to the personal injury.
  • Loss of enjoyment. An injury can also prevent you from enjoying the same activities and hobbies that you once did.

Both economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic (pain and suffering and loss of consortium) are important to consider when determining the value of your case.

In order to be eligible for these damages, you may need to take your case to court. By demonstrating a few important elements of a personal injury case, you and your lawyer can establish that someone’s negligence was the cause of your injury. Then, using medical invoices, income statements, and any other bills, we will demonstrate why these costs should be compensated.

Some cases may be settled out of court, but it is still important to consider the settlement offer and if it appropriately covers your incurred damages.

Is There a Time Limit on Collecting Compensatory Damages?

There is a time limit on how long you have to collect compensatory damages in a personal injury case. In general, the state gives you just three years to file a case. While the timeline can be shorter, or longer, than this, those situations are uncommon. Because it takes time to consider your legal options, as well as build your case, it is crucial to start this process as soon as possible.

How Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Your Case?

When you have an experienced personal injury attorney on your side, you don’t have to concern yourself with the finer details of compensatory damages, such as how much money you should receive. This is something your attorney can handle for you. Of course, our lawyers will also involve you in the process so we can understand how the injury has affected you.

As you can see, it is important to select an experienced, knowledgeable personal injury attorney to help with your case. You may be in a position to receive compensation for a variety of damages, but only if you have the right legal team on your side. Your lawyer will also help you stay within the state’s strict statute of limitations, protecting your legal right to file a case.