What Kinds of Damages Can I Get From an Accident?

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Unfortunately, accidents can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime. At least if you’re involved in an accident in which another was legally liable, you can claim for damages.

When you are awarded compensation, various costs associated with the accident are covered, giving you peace of mind. But what kinds of damages can you actually get after being involved in an accident? Let’s find out.

What kinds of accidents can you claim damages for?

If you have suffered injuries, other health problems, or property damage as the result of an accident that was not your fault, you must hire a lawyer. Hiring a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer that can support you through the settlement process will ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Some of the most common accidents that result in damages being awarded include accidents at the workplace, slips and falls in public places, accidents that result from defective products, and auto accidents.

So, when t-bone accidents occur or when rear-end collisions happen that aren’t your fault, or when you’re involved with any other kind of accident for which another is liable, contact an accident and injury lawyer to claim for damages.

Special Compensatory Damages

The precise compensatory damages you can be awarded significantly vary from one case to another. It very much depends on the circumstances of the accident and the injuries and issues you have suffered as a result.

Special compensatory damages basically cover any expense or loss related to an injury, and there’s no limit as to the amount an injured party can claim.

Common special compensatory damages include present and future medical expenses, loss of earnings and future earnings, household expenses, and costs associated with canceled or altered plans.

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General Compensatory Damages

An accident cannot only leave you with injuries. It can also leave you with pain, suffering, and mental anguish.

General damages compensate you for non-monetary damages. It’s expected that all personal injury victims will have at least some general damages.

In addition to compensating for pain, suffering, and mental anguish, general compensatory damages can be awarded if you experience a loss of consortium or companionship.

Property Damages

If property is damaged during an accident, you can potentially get financial compensation to cover the repair or replacement costs.

For instance, when you are involved in an auto accident that was not your fault and your car is damaged, you should be able to receive compensation.

Wrongful Death Damages

If it isn’t you but a family member who is the victim of an accident in which another is liable, and your loved one has died as a result, you could receive wrongful death damages.

The financial compensation can cover funeral and burial costs, pre-death medical care expenses, emotional distress, loss of financial contribution, and a loss of companionship and consortium.

Punitive Damages

Finally, we come to punitive damages. These damages are only awarded in a small number of personal injury cases. Basically, punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer.

They are only awarded when the wrongdoer has shown specific types of despicable behavior. For instance, punitive damages could be awarded when a defendant is found guilty of fraud or a malicious act like sexual assault or aggravated battery.

Punitive damages are awarded directly to the injured party.

Summing Up

Whatever kind of accident you are involved with, if the liability falls with another party, you should pursue legal action. Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to find out how to proceed with the case.

Most settlements are made out of court, but if parties cannot agree on the settlement amount, the case will end up going to court. Either way, if you have suffered injuries or mental anguish, or if your property has become damaged, you can at least be awarded financial compensation to help you better cope with your situation and gain peace of mind over financial concerns.  

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