When dealing with an injury from someone being negligent or committing wrongdoing towards you, compensation for your loss is likely. Personal injury cases involve two different types of damages: economic and non-economic. Both are relevant for the person who is the victim of the injury. However, they are two separate damages that help better calculate compensation for their loss. Establishing the difference between the two is essential regarding economic and non-economic damages in personal injury cases.
Economic Damages
Also called special damages, economic damages calculate the loss in monetary value. This determines how accurate and severe your case can be in terms of cost and financial toll that you would need to recover due to the damages upon you. It's straight to the point since they are based on the actual costs, that is, on invoices, receipts, and itemized bills.
Here are some examples of economic damages:
Medical Expenses
This is one of the most significant economic damages in almost every personal injury case if bodily injury is relevant to the matter. It covers the cost of all medical investigations and treatment related to the injury, such as:
- Going to the hospital or emergency room
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy treatment
- Seeing a medical specialist
- Surgeries
- Medications
- Future medical treatment and care
Lost Wages
If you lost working days due to the injury, that is another form of economic damage that can be fought for compensation. Going further, if you cannot work the average wages and or hours or continue to pursue your career because of the injuries that may be permanent, you can get compensation through loss of earnings.
Property Damage & Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Suppose your property, such as your car, home, or any physical asset, resulted in damages from an accident you fell victim to. In that case, you can be financially compensated to have it repaired, replaced, or reimbursed. Sometimes, coverage isn't fast enough to resolve a matter that needs immediate attention, i.e., car rental or hotel payments.
Non-Economic Damages
Also called 'general damages,' non-economic damages require more critical analysis and are not as easy to make concrete as showing monetary value. These are factors that some may speculate these damages as subjective. However, one can argue that these are true, intangible, raw emotions that can have a significant psychological impact after being a victim of an accident.
Here are some common examples:
Pain & Suffering
This is the emotional aspect of dealing with the physical pain the injured party experiences due to the accident. It emphasizes the discomfort from the pain itself and how long-term these pains will the victim endure. Any injury that may take very long to recover from or possibly chronic pain and disabilities can put a lot of pain and suffering onto someone post-treatment.
Emotional Distress
Injuries can provoke emotional and or psychological harm in a victim. These are feelings like anxiety, depression, fear, trauma, and even paranoia as a result of the incident. Emotional distress can also determine ongoing pain after treatment that changes a person's character or personality as a whole.
Loss of Consortium
Your relationship with your loved ones can have a significant impact due to your accident. Engaging with a spouse or significant other may not be the same. The spark of a relationship may be compromised because of the trauma and the pain that a victim has to endure. Trying to be intimate with a partner or having an emotional relationship with your surroundings may not be the same anymore.
Loss of Joy of Life
Having a hobby or doing something routinely that you consider to be a joy in life, such as watching sports, being part of a team, going to the movies, attending a live concert, or even watching your favorite show, can be a detriment due to the emotional scar from the impact. Some have felt psychological numbness or dullness to the simple joy in life because of what they went through.
Contact Experienced Attorneys at KAASS LAW!
Here at KAASS LAW, we understand these matters quite well and can further assist in compensating you for the economic and non-economic damages you dealt. No one should ever experience this or deal with it alone. Allow us to relieve the stress, speak on your behalf, and guide you toward a better recovery from your losses.
If you've been injured and need assistance, reach out today. Our experienced attorneys are available seven days a week to provide guidance and support. Call us at (310) 810-3434 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. Your journey to justice and recovery starts here.