Damages in Personal Injury Cases
If you have suffered a personal injury of any type, you are most likely dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Filing a lawsuit with the help of a personal injury attorney can improve your chances of getting compensation for damages.
At Quick Law Group, PLLC, in Kirkland, WA, attorneys Liz Quick and Matt Quick have helped clients obtain favorable settlements or verdicts. To learn more about the types of damages awarded in personal injury cases, read on, and then contact our practice to find out if you have a case.
California Law
Under California law, victims of personal injury can seek two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic. In cases in which the liable party acted in an especially careless or reckless manner, victims may seek punitive damages as well.
Economic Damages
Calculating economic damages is a more straightforward process because we can submit paperwork showing that the victim suffered financial losses due to the injury.
Medical Expenses
From a legal perspective, it is important that personal injury victims seek professional medical care immediately after the accident to document any injuries. Follow-up care is also important.
Your medical reports will be submitted as evidence to show the type and severity of your injuries. In addition, all past medical bills will be submitted. We will also request compensation for the cost of any future medical care related to your injury.
Lost Income
Serious injuries often affect a person’s ability to work in the short or long-term. We can submit old check stubs, w2s, and tax returns as evidence of your past wage-earning potential. Any lost income or loss of future wage-earning potential will be included in your claim.
Property Damage or Loss
Some personal injury cases involve property damage or loss. If your car, home, business, or other property was damaged, we can submit property damage appraisals, repair receipts, and other documentation as evidence in your case.
Non-economic Damages
Personal injury victims can also seek compensation for non-economic damages. These damages include:
- Pain
- Suffering
- Emotional distress
- Insomnia, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Shock
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
These losses are more difficult to calculate in personal injury cases. We will work to show the court how the injury has affected your life.
For example, if you suffer from insomnia, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, the testimony of a mental health professional can be beneficial to your case.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are only awarded in the most egregious of cases. If the liable party acted with particularly malicious or reckless intent, we may choose to seek punitive damages.
For example, punitive damages have been awarded in dangerous drug cases in which it was alleged that drug manufacturers were aware of the dangers of their product.
Contact Our Practice
To find out if you have a personal injury claim and should seek damages, contact Quick Law Group, PLLC, today. You can contact us online at your earliest convenience or call us at (425) 576-8150. We will review your case and determine if you should file a lawsuit.