When it comes to a personal injury case, there are two basic forms of “damages” a client may recover: economic and non-economic damages. Tallahassee personal injury lawyer Eric Milles explains these damages below.
What Are Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Economic damages are the compensation you may receive for any out-of-pocket losses you incurred due to the accident. These damages are quantifiable. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Money to repair your car and other property damages
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Money to pay for household services that you are no longer capable of performing
- Money for future economic losses (like wages you might have earned)
What Are Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are not quantifiable. Non-economic damages compensate a victim for non-monetary losses, and are often referred to as “pain and suffering.”
The law on non-economic damages does not always make common sense and has been changed over the years. In the past, non-economic damages were significantly limited. For instance, in a Florida car accident, the injured person had to suffer permanent physical injury before even one dollar of any pain and suffering damages could be recovered. However, in recent years, there is no cap on the amount of money you can seek for these damages.
Common examples of non-economic damages include:
- The injury itself
- Worsening of previous injuries
- Disability or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of “enjoyment of life”
- Emotional and mental distress
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Losses related to one’s reputation
Get Legal Help From Our Tallahassee Personal Injury Attorney
Economic and non-economic damages make up the available avenues for compensation after an accident. An experienced personal injury attorney will know how to evaluate your case to determine the appropriate compensation for damages.
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident or other serious injury case, it is important to know your rights to all forms of damages. Milles Law is here to answer your legal questions and help you to understand your legal options. Give us a call at (855) 553-3310 or contact us online. Your Injury. Your Rights. Your Lawyer.