What Types of Damages Can a Victim Recover in a Personal Injury Claim?

After you have been injured in an accident caused by another person’s negligence, you may begin to hear about the various damages you may be entitled to recover. Under Florida law, personal injury victims may be entitled to recover what are known as compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are broken down into two groups, economic and non-economic damages. In addition to compensatory damages, you may also be eligible to recover punitive damages.

If you have been harmed in an accident, you need to consult a knowledgeable personal injury attorney who can review the facts and circumstances of the case and determine which damages would be appropriate for your needs.

What are Compensatory Damages?

Compensatory damages reimburse personal injury victims for out-of-pocket expenses related to their accidents. Compensatory damages are also meant to assist the injured victim return to the financial and emotional state they enjoyed prior to being injured in an accident.

As stated previously, these types of damages include economic and non-economic damages. Some examples of economic or special damages include:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damages

Non-economic or special damages are awarded based on the unique factors surrounding your case and frequently include:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Will I Automatically Recover Punitive Damages?

Punitive damages are less common than compensatory damages. Unlike compensatory damages, which are awarded to reimburse the accident victim, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and send a message to anyone else who may be considering the same type of action.

As a general rule, punitive damages are only awarded if the court feels that there is clear and convincing evidence that the defendant was guilty of intentional misconduct or gross negligence. Additionally, Florida law only allows punitive damages to total up to three times the amount awarded in compensatory damages. An experienced personal injury attorney can determine if punitive damages are applicable to your case.

How Can I Strengthen My Personal Injury Claim?

What can you do to recover maximum compensation for your personal injury case? One vital aspect of strengthening your claim is ensuring you keep all medical reports and diagnoses related to your injuries. In addition, you need to keep a detailed record of your accident-related expenses. This will prove to be invaluable when you recover a settlement.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect From Your Law Firm?

Our law firm is passionately committed to obtaining maximum compensation for your personal injury claim. Our lawyers understand that nothing makes up for the time and emotional trauma you suffered from being injured. Nevertheless, our law firm can work diligently to recover damages that can afford you the peace of mind you deserve. We can gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you if your case needs to go to court.

Contact us by calling 772-773-6697 and asking to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.