Every personal injury case is different; it can be difficult to predict what compensation you will recover. No lawyer should make any promises to you regarding the amount of compensation you will receive.
If you suffer an injury, your case will likely contain two possible awards: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover expenses that are directly associated with your injury, such as:
- medical bills,
- medical equipment,
- loss of income,
- mental or physical impairment, and
- replacement of damaged property.
These damages compensate for all your financial losses after an accident, including future medical expenses and future lost income.
Non-economic damages are more personal in nature and more difficult to calculate. They make up for your emotional and psychological losses after an accident. These damages include:
- emotional distress,
- loss of consortium,
- pain and suffering, and
- loss of enjoyment of life.
Rare cases qualify for “punitive damages,” which punish the defendant for egregious conduct.
In most situations, your case can be settled without having to go to court. In situations where court becomes a necessity, the jury will decide whether your claim is deserving of compensation.
The judge can also override the jury’s decision and increase or reduce the amount.
