When you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, understanding what you can be compensated for is a big part of getting your life back on track. It's not just about covering immediate bills; it's about making you whole again as much as possible. Generally, personal injury claims seek to recover both 'economic' and 'non-economic' damages.
Economic damages are the more straightforward, quantifiable losses. These include things like your medical expenses, which encompass everything from emergency room visits and doctor's appointments to prescriptions, physical therapy, and even future medical care that you'll need. Lost wages are also a significant part of economic damages – if your injuries prevented you from working, you can claim the income you lost.
This also extends to 'loss of earning capacity' if your injuries will impact your ability to earn money in the long term. Then there's property damage, covering the cost to repair or replace your vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident. Non-economic damages are a bit more abstract but just as real.
This category covers your 'pain and suffering,' which accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you've endured. It can also include 'loss of enjoyment of life,' referring to how your injuries have impacted your ability to participate in hobbies, activities, or daily life. In some rarer cases, 'punitive damages' might be awarded, intended to punish the at-fault party for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar actions in the future.
Calculating these damages accurately can be complex, and that's where an experienced personal injury attorney, like Angelo J. Reyes, really helps. They know how to properly assess all your losses, build a strong case, and fight for the full compensation you're entitled to, ensuring you address all insurance-related issues and secure what you deserve after another party's conduct caused you harm.