Types Of Compensation In A Personal Injury Case
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Injuries sustained due to another person’s negligence have a hefty price tag. Victims suffer from physical and mental injuries and miss out on family events and work. Individuals injured in an accident should consider hiring a personal injury attorney to help file a legal claim and secure compensation. Below is a list of various compensation secured by a plaintiff in a personal injury case.
Special Compensatory Damages
A personal injury attorney Washington-based, helps victims secure compensation for the monetary costs incurred due to the injuries. They vary from one party to the other and are unique to each victim. Special damages will cover any loss or expense related to sustained injuries, and there is no limit to the amount an injured person can claim.
Common types of special damage include:
- Medical costs
- Future medical care costs
- Household expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Future earnings loss
General Compensatory Damages
These damages will compensate the victim for non-monetary damages in the injury claim. All personal injury victims sustain general damage, which includes:
- Loss of companionship and consortium
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
Wrongful Death Damages
The surviving family and significant others filed a wrongful death claim. Common wrongful death damages include:
- Loss of consortium and companionship
- Loss of support and services
- Burial and funeral expenses
- Pre death medical care costs
- The emotional distress of loved ones and surviving family members
- Loss of financial contribution
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded to the victim when the defendant’s wrongful behavior is reprehensible and despicable. A typical scenario where such damages are awarded is the case where the defendant is found guilty of fraud, wanton, or malicious act. Such acts may include sexual assault, aggravated battery, and fraudulent behavior, which causes financial harm. In high-profile cases involving defective products and health risks associated with prescription drugs, the jury awards punitive damages against the manufacturer and various other defendants.
A plaintiff is entitled to compensation once the judgment has been reached in court. A seasoned attorney helps a victim collect the personal injury claim by discovering undisclosed assets and garnishing wages.
