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Personal injury cases are among the most terrible and stressful experiences out there for those that have been hurt by someone else’s recklessness or wrongdoing. And that means that it can get pretty complicated and nasty really fast.
That’s why it’s important that lawyers and clients alike know the various compensation classifications when you’re looking personal injury cases. You should know what kinds of damages you are entitled to and how much you can get compensated for your unnecessary pain and suffering.
No matter if you’re looking for a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer or if you’ve been injured in another city, the following compensation classifications are the same across the board. Read on to learn more!
- Special Compensatory Damages
When looking at special damages, these give the injured person compensation based on the monetary expenses incurred because of the injury. These damages will vary significantly between one client to another because they all depend on how much money was spent by the client.
There is no limit to the amount of special damages that someone can claim from another party. Here are examples of the types of expenses that can be claimed:
- Lost present and future earnings
- Medical bills and other medical-related expenses
- Any costs of future medical care that may be needed
- Household expenses related to the injury
- Any costs that are associated with canceled plans because of the accident.
- General Compensatory Damages
Next up, we have general damages. Now, these are the non-monetary costs associated with the accident and paid by the client. These general damages are very common and are associated with most personal injury cases. Here are examples of what can be claimed as general damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental suffering
- Loss of companionship because of the injury
- Wrongful Death Damages
This type of compensation provides damage awards for surviving families and loved ones who have lost someone due to wrongful death. Below are some of most common types of damages awarded out for wrongful death scenarios:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Pre-death medical care costs
- Any emotional distress experienced by the surviving family
- Any loss of financial contribution
- Loss of services
If any of these expenses have been paid out by the surviving family, they are allowed to sue for these kinds of damages.
- Punitive Damages
This compensation classification comes into play when the wrongful behavior of the defendant was despicable. These types of damages are given out to plaintiffs when it’s proven that the defendant acted out of a malicious nature. For example, they could be charged with aggressive battery, sexual assault, or fraudulent behavior that causes financial harm and difficulties.
These types of damages go far beyond simple car accidents. They can even be requested from large companies who have caused harm to individuals.
- Collecting Damages
Once the settlement has been reached or an award in court has been given, the plaintiff is entitled to the damages in a personal injury suit. However, there are big differences between receiving the damages award and actually getting your money.
Those defendants who are on the other side of the situation may not have enough money to pay the entire award or may not want to shell out for it at all, depending on the case. The attorney on the plaintiff side will be able to figure out the best ways to get this money for the damages.
Now you should be very aware of the five different compensation classifications out there for personal injury cases. You will be fully prepared to take on the defendant in court when you know what kind of compensation you are actually entitled to.