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Because personal injury cases involve you suffering significant harm, it’s important to know what your rights are to pursue certain compensation. After all, the expenses that arise after any form of negligence can be extensive, sometimes costing hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Pursuing compensation means being able to get back on your feet. You may still have the physical trauma and emotional distress of the injury, but you shouldn’t have to worry about your financial situation, and compensation can help with that. It’s vital to know what you may recover after an injury.
Economic Damages
You may recover compensation for economic damages you sustain as a result of the injury. This covers any expense or loss that has a monetary value attached to it, and you have proof (such as a receipt or paystub) of the total amount. Economic damages can cover the following:
- Bills for medical needs such as hospital stays, medication, procedures, etc.
- Lost income you were unable to earn being out of work due to the injury
- Property damage to your vehicle or other property
- Therapy expenses for rehabilitation, physical therapy, mental trauma, etc.
Non-Economic Damages
These are much more difficult to determine because there is no proof showing an exact amount lost. Non-economic damages account for your pain and suffering, which shows how the injury you sustained has impacted your quality of life.
This type of compensation takes into consideration your ability to do things you once enjoyed, a reduction in your quality of life, and more. They don’t have direct monetary value, but these damages can prove to be very important in your claim.
In very rare situations, you may be able to receive punitive damages. While the two damages above are strictly to compensate you for your injuries, punitive damages are awarded when the defendant intentionally and willingly caused your harm. They are designed to punish the defendant for his or her actions.
Our Chicago personal injury attorneys at Walner Law® work on your behalf to safeguard your rights. We know how important compensation is to you during this time, and we stand ready to go the extra mile to help you recover as you need moving forward.
