The three types of personal injury damages are economic, non–economic, and punitive. Understanding these forms of compensation can give you clarity when working with a Long Island personal injury lawyer after a car accident or other type of incident.
In most cases, your attorney will pursue compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company. That said, your lawyer may also file a lawsuit if the insurer fails to offer a fair payment.
Let’s take a closer look at the three types of damages and how a personal injury lawyer can help you get the results you deserve.
Understanding Economic Damages
Economic damages pay you back for the money you’ve spent or lost because of an accident. These damages are usually proven with medical bills, vehicle repair receipts, pay stubs, and other forms of documentation. Economic damages can cover many different losses and expenses, including those related to the following:
- Ambulance rides and hospital visits
- Doctor visits, prescription medications, and medical devices
- Physical therapy
- In-home care
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Lost wages if you missed work due to your injury
- Loss of future earning capacity if your injuries affect your ability to continue with your career
- Property damage, including damaged or totalled vehicles and other broken possessions
To get the most out of your claim, you’ll want to save all the receipts and records of your economic losses. Later on, your attorney will use them to calculate how much you’re owed and build a strong compensation claim. Reach out to a lawyer today to get the help you need to recover all three types of personal injury damages.
You’re Entitled to Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are the second of the three types of personal injury damages. This form of compensation covers losses that don’t come with a price tag but matter just as much as those related to your finances.
Depending on how the accident has impacted your life and emotional well-being, your lawyer may pursue any of the following economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship or consortium, in the case of wrongful death
Since there are no official records or bills that prove these damages, you’ll need to keep your own record of the intangible struggles you’ve faced.
Make sure to document your pain, take down statements from your family and friends regarding how you’ve changed since the incident, and make a note of any therapy sessions you attend.
You May Also Receive Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are different from the other two types of personal injury damages. They are not about making you whole, but instead are intended to punish the at–fault party for their actions.
If the driver or other individual who caused the incident you were injured in acted with gross negligence or demonstrated reckless conduct, these damages may be on the table.
While these awards are rare, they can add some extra compensation to your overall payment. A lawyer can determine if you’re entitled to receive punitive damages and work hard to get the most out of your claim.
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How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Get the Damages You Deserve
A skilled attorney will be closely familiar with all three types of personal injury damages and how to get them for you after an accident. No matter how serious your injuries and losses are, you can count on your attorney to provide the legal advice and fierce representation you need to get a fair outcome.
Here’s what a personal injury lawyer will do to get the damages and justice you need to move forward with your life after an accident:
- Investigate the incident and gather evidence
- Collect police reports, witness statements, accident reconstructionist testimony, medical records, surveillance footage, and other valuable records
- File a well-supported claim on your behalf
- Communicate with the insurance company and negotiate a fair settlement
- Represent you in court if the insurer doesn’t offer a fair payout
- Guide you through the legal process, keeping you updated during your case and answering all your questions
Steps You Can Take to Improve Your Chances of Getting Fair Compensation
At a time like this, you might be wondering if there are any actions you can take to improve your chances of getting the three types of personal injury damages. The first step you should take is to get medical treatment for your injuries. This will ensure your safety and also generate medical paperwork that your attorney can use to build your claim.
You should also get in touch with a lawyer as soon as you can. Waiting too long to hire an attorney and begin the claims process could stop you from getting the damages you’re owed. That’s because New York has a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits.
According to the law, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for compensation. If you delay your case and miss this important deadline, you could be left without the remedies you need to get back on your feet.
Speak to a Skilled Personal Injury Lawyer for Free
Now that you know more about the three types of personal injury damages, it’s time to get the help you need to receive a fair settlement or court-awarded payment. At Levine And Wiss, we have over 100 years of combined experience and have won hundreds of millions for injury victims like yourself.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Long Island personal injury lawyer and get started on your case. We’ll meet with you to discuss your accident, offer information on the damages we can pursue for you, and answer any questions you have.
