Whether you have been hurt in a car accident, workplace accident, or slip and fall, recovering after suffering serious injuries is not easy and can take a tremendous toll on your life. On top of the physical pain, victims have to deal through the impact on their mental health. When you file a personal injury claim, you may sue for non-economic damages. To learn more about what non-economic damages are and the types that you can include in your claim, talk to a personal injury lawyer who can provide you with a detailed case assessment.
What are the different types of damages?
Damages are the harm and losses that a person can claim as a victim of an accident. They are awarded in the form of financial compensation, and can be categorized as compensatory or punitive.
There are two main types of damages: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are designed to distribute a lump sum to a victim for their injuries or harm done to their reputation. In contrast, punitive damages are purely designed to punish a defendant if they had committed criminal offenses at the time the victim was injured. Punitive damages can be applicable in a case if the defendant injured the victim because of their negligence. This is common among drunk driving or robbery cases.
What are non-economic damages?
Non-economic damages refer to a type of compensatory damages that cannot be assigned a specified, objective monetary value. They are based on personal experience, so they are more abstract. Because there aren’t bills that can define the worth of non-economic damages, the amount distributed for non-economic damages can differ widely between victims. Personal injury lawyers like one from Saavedra Law Firm, PLC determine the value of non-economic damages by first evaluating the amount for economic damages.
What are common types of non-economic damages?
Common types of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Humiliation
- Inconvenience
- Emotional harm and distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Worsening of existing injuries
- Harm to family and social relationships
- Damage to reputation
The impact of non-economic damages in some cases can be greater than the pain caused by injuries, especially if a victim’s life is permanently changed. Some victims may not be able to return to their job, their family relationships may be strained, or they can no longer enjoy their favorite activities. As a result, many victims suffer long-term damage to their emotional and mental health.
To learn more about which non-economic damages you could be entitled to, contact a personal injury lawyer now.