What damages can I claim in a personal injury case?
If you’ve been involved in any incident where someone’s carelessness has caused you harm, you’re entitled to compensation for your losses, which the legal system calls “damages”.
Personal injury law divides compensatory damages into two categories: special and general.
What are special damages?
Special damages refer to your financial losses and include medical bills, lost income, and property damage. These damages are fairly easy to quantify but you might have future considerations. If you can reasonably anticipate medical expenses for treatment in the future, you are entitled to additional compensation.
What are general damages?
You can also recover general damages that pay for intangible losses such as pain and suffering which come as physical discomfort and emotional anguish. Loss of quality of life, which covers general limitations of what you can do and experience; and loss of enjoyment of life, which specifically addresses a talent or pastime you can no longer pursue.
General damages aren’t easy to calculate and juries can respond generously, especially toward a sympathetic victim. However, judges can reduce an award if it seems so excessive that the jury seems to have relied on emotion rather than reason.
An experienced personal injury attorney like Matt Dion can help you understand the specific damages that may be available in your personal injury case.
FAQs
What is the most common personal injury claim?
Car accidents and slip-and-fall incidents are the most common, but personal injury claims can arise from a variety of incidents. These cases often involve negligence leading to harm.
What is the statute of limitations on personal injury cases in Reno?
As a claimant you must either have settled your personal injury claim or have filed a lawsuit within two years of the negligent act. To understand specific timelines for your situation, it’s best to consult with an experienced attorney, like Matt Dion.
How are damages calculated in personal injury cases?
Damages are calculated based on quantifiable financial losses (special damages), such as medical bills and lost income, and intangible losses (general damages), like pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of enjoyment of life.
What are the types of damages in a personal injury lawsuit?
Damages in personal injury lawsuits are divided into special damages, which cover financial losses, and general damages, which compensate for intangible losses. An experienced attorney can help you understand which damages apply to your case.
What is my personal injury case worth?
The worth of a personal injury case varies significantly based on the specifics, including the severity of the injury, the nature of negligence, and the types of damages claimed. Consulting with an attorney like Matt Dion can provide a more precise estimate.