How are personal injury damages calculated?
Every day, in our busy streets, people are falling victim to the negligence of others.
A personal injury case is designed to compensate an individual for an injury suffered as a result of another person’s negligent actions or carelessness.
Damages in a personal injury case are the basis to make a demand for injury compensation. Determining the value of these damages is complicated and varies depending on the circumstances of the case.
Generally, the level of damages increase as the severity of the injury involved increases. For injuries that are less severe and will not permanently impact the life of the victim, the damages will usually be limited to medical expenses, property damage, lost earnings and possibly pain and suffering.
Depending on the nature of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
- Wrongful death
- Punitive damages
In most personal injury cases, compensatory damages will cover all economic losses, including past and probable future medical expenses and loss of the income you would have earned ‘but for’ the injury.
If your personal injury lawsuit goes before a jury, they will calculate your damages by considering the actual damages you suffered, as well as the nature of your injuries. More serious injuries are likely to lead to larger damages, as the jury may also award you for pain and suffering and emotional distress due to such injuries.
Punitive damages are appropriate only when the defendant’s behavior was willful, reckless or intentional.
Regardless if you have been injured in an automobile, truck, 18-wheeler, motorcycle, construction or workplace accident, you certainly have many questions that require answers.
If you have been involved in an accident as a result of another person’s negligence, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can provide detailed information on the strength of your case and on what your damage award is likely to be.
Contact the Riverside personal injury law offices of Gary G. Goldberg to get the answers that you need at this very stressful time in your life. Let us handle your case while you take the time to recover from your injuries.