Damages

The money the law may allow you to recover for losses caused by another’s negligence or wrongful act.

Main types in personal injury cases:

  • Economic damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, property damage, etc.

  • Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring, etc.

  • Punitive damages (in some cases): Extra money meant to punish especially reckless or intentional conduct, where allowed by state law.

What to know:

  • Document everything: receipts, mileage to appointments, time off work.

  • Your own testimony about pain and how your life changed is evidence, too.

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