What Are the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Damages?

If you have suffered an injury in a personal injury such as an accident or a slip and fall, you may be entitled to compensation.

Money paid to victims of a personal injury as compensation for injuries and other expenses is called damages. The responsible party - for example, an individual or a business or manufacturer - pays the damages as a negotiated settlement or as ordered by the court when the case is concluded.

Compensatory Damages

The most common compensatory damages, or those that compensate a victim for what has been lost, include:

Medical costs - current and future.
Lost wages.
Lost future earnings.
Property loss for items that must be replaced or repaired, such as a vehicle.
Pain and suffering, or compensation for any physical and mental pain caused by the injury.
Loss of consortium or how your relationship with your spouse is affected.
Loss of enjoyment, for instance, if you are unable to enjoy activities like exercise or hobbies.

Punitive Damages and Court Costs

The court may award punitive damages on top of compensatory damages if the judge or jury finds that the defendant's conduct was reckless or particularly negligent.

The victim may also be awarded court costs as reimbursement for expenses like filing and process server fees and deposition transcripts.

Contact our office for a free consultation if you have been involved in a personal injury or accident.