Whenever someone is involved in an accident caused by another individual or company that results in a sustained injury, they can usually be financially compensated. These compensations typically cover the costs of injuries and other losses, however, there are additional damages that can be awarded depending on various circumstances, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Here are the definitions of each type of compensation.
Compensatory Damages
Most damages in a personal injury case are awarded as compensatory damages. These awards are to compensate for the injuries due to the accident. Compensatory damages are typically divided into two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Also known as “special” damages, these damages are calculated after an accident has occurred. Medical bills and other out-of-pocket expenses that directly resulted from an accident are considered to be economic. Some of the damages a personal injury victim can be awarded are:
-Medical bills
-loss of income
-property damage costs
-other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also known as “general” damages, and they can be more difficult to calculate than economic damage. This is because these damages have no intrinsic monetary value–these are the “pain and suffering” damage. Experiencing a personal injury comes with a slew of trauma and pain, and compensating these abstract damages can include:
-Psychological damage
-Physical pain
-Loss of enjoyment in life
-scarring
Economic damages will compile the receipts and bills of whatever the costs may be. Non-economic damages. However, usually result in a multiplier of the economic damages, depending on the severity.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can be awarded in a personal injury lawsuit, however, they are not awarded for every case. Punitive damages, by design, are to punish a defendant when their conduct is intentional, egregious, or outside of societal norms. Punitive damages punish the defendant, but they also have a louder message: the type of behavior displayed in the case will not be tolerated and will have harsher penalties.
If you or a loved one is ever injured by the actions of someone else, you need to get the help of an experienced Washington personal injury lawyer. A skilled attorney will exhaust all of their legal expertise and resources to ensure that you are properly compensated.