Contents
you may be entitled to compensatory damages if you have been injured in an accident. This is a type of damage that is designed to compensate you for the losses that you have suffered. Compensatory damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To recover compensatory damages, you must prove that the other party’s negligence caused your injuries. For instance, if you were injured in a car accident, you must show that the other driver was at fault to recover compensatory damages. If you are successful in your claim, the court will award you an amount of money that is intended to make you “whole” again. Here is a look at some of the most common compensatory damages awarded in personal injury cases.
Medical Expenses
You will likely incur many medical expenses if you have been injured in an accident. These can include hospitalization costs, doctor’s visits, and rehabilitation costs. You can recover these expenses through compensatory damages. All you need to do is present evidence of the expenses that you have incurred. This can be in the form of medical bills or receipts. With the help of a workers comp lawyer, you can ensure that all of your medical expenses are properly documented and submitted to the court.
Lost Wages
Personal injuries can often result in missed work. If you have been injured to the point where you cannot work, you can recover your lost wages through compensatory damages. To recover lost wages, you will need to provide evidence of the wages you would have earned had you not been injured. This can be in the form of pay stubs or tax returns. In addition, if you are self-employed, you may need to provide expert testimony regarding the income you would have earned had you not been injured.
Pain and Suffering
In addition to medical expenses and lost wages, you may also be able to recover damages for the pain and suffering that you have endured. This type of non-economic damage is designed to compensate you for the physical and emotional anguish you have suffered. To recover pain and suffering damages, you must provide evidence of the pain and suffering you have endured. You need a good workers comp lawyer to help you document and submit this evidence. An experienced attorney will know what types of evidence are most persuasive to a jury.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, you may also be able to recover punitive damages. Regarding personal injury cases, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer. They are not meant to compensate the victim. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the wrongdoer’s conduct was particularly egregious. If you seek punitive damages, you must provide clear and convincing evidence of the wrongdoer’s misconduct.
Property Loss
Personal injuries can also result in property damage. For example, if your personal property was damaged in an accident, you might be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement through compensatory damages. To recover property damage, you must provide evidence of the damage done. You will need to prove the value of your property and the cost of repairs or replacement. Also, you will need to show that the other party’s negligence caused the damage. You must have a good workers comp lawyer on your side to help you document and submit this evidence.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death is another type of damage that can be recovered in a personal injury case. For example, if you have lost a loved one in an accident, you may be able to recover damages through a wrongful death claim. When it comes to wrongful death, you must prove that the other party’s negligence caused the death. You will also need to show that the death has resulted in financial damages. You will need to prove both of these damages to recover wrongful death damages.
These are just some of the damages available if you have been injured in an accident. If you are seeking any of these types of damages, it is important to have a good workers comp lawyer. An experienced attorney will know how to document and submit the evidence needed to prove your case. Contact a workers compensation lawyer today to discuss your case if you have been injured in an accident.
