Were you injured because of a car accident, slip and fall, dog bite, premise liability or some other act of negligence? Are you suffering from injuries as a result of the accident? You may be able to recover compensation for your losses.

By making a personal injury claim, you generally stand to recover both economic and non-economic damages. Here is what you should know about each:

Economic damages

Economic damages are actual financial damages caused by a personal injury. The main economic damage that many people focus on in their personal injury cases is the medical expenses tied to their accident and recovery period. Many people have to seek medical help after a personal injury, which can lead to significant medical debt. The plaintiff may also need surgery, medication, physical therapy, rehab, medical equipment, long-term health care after their injuries and future health care. All of these financial expenses may be recovered during a personal injury claim.

Property damage is also an issue in many personal injury claims, particularly those involving motor vehicle accidents. Damages may be necessary to pay for vehicle repairs or the cost of a rental.

Finally, after a personal injury, many victims are unable to work while they recover. Economic damages could be awarded for the victim’s lost wages. Damages may also be recovered if the victim suffered from a disability after the injury and is now unable to work. 

Non-economic damages

Non-economic damages are often harder to value since they represent a personal injury victim’s subjective experiences. Noneconomic damages can include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, humiliation, loss of enjoyment from life and worsening of previous injuries or disabilities. In some cases, close family members may also have a claim for non-economic damages, such as when they’ve lost the services or companionship of their spouse through a serious personal injury.

In rare cases, where the defendant’s actions are exceptionally indifferent and reckless, you may also be able to recover punitive damages — although those are designed solely to punish the defendant. Legal guidance can help you learn more.