If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you might be wondering what kind of compensation you can get. In personal injury cases, the money you may receive is called “damages.” These damages are meant to help you recover and move forward after your injury. We believe it’s important to understand the different types of damages you may be entitled to. In this article, we’ll break down the main types of damages available in personal injury cases in simple terms, so you know what to expect.
What Are Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
Damages are the money awarded to someone who has been hurt due to someone else’s negligence or carelessness. The purpose of these damages is to make the injured person “whole” again, or as close to their original condition as possible before the accident happened.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are the most common type. These damages are meant to compensate you for actual losses caused by the injury. There are two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are also known as “special damages.” They include all the financial losses you can calculate easily.
These damages cover:
- Medical bills: This includes hospital visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost wages: If you had to miss work because of your injury, you can be paid for the income you lost.
- Loss of earning capacity: If you can’t return to your job or earn the same amount of money as before, you may be able to recover these future losses.
- Property damage: If your car or other personal belongings were damaged in the accident, you can be reimbursed for repairs or replacements.
Economic damages are usually backed up by receipts, bills, and pay stubs. They’re fairly easy to prove with the right documentation. Economic damages cover the money you lost because of the accident, helping you get back on your feet financially.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also called “general damages.” These losses are not as easy to measure in dollars, but they are just as real for accident victims.
They include:
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain you’ve experienced due to your injury.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other emotional problems can be included.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: If you can’t do the things you loved before—like hobbies or spending time with family—you may be compensated.
- Loss of companionship: If your injury affects your relationships, you could receive money for that loss as well.
Since non-economic damages are not based on bills or receipts, they can vary a lot depending on the case. Non-economic damages aim to make up for the physical and emotional impact your injury has had on your life.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not meant to compensate the victim. Instead, they are used to punish the person or company who caused the injury when their actions were especially reckless or harmful.
For example, if a drunk driver hits someone and causes a serious injury, the court may award punitive damages to show that this kind of behavior won’t be tolerated. Punitive damages are less common and usually only awarded in extreme cases in Nevada.
How Are Damages Calculated in Las Vegas?
In Las Vegas and throughout Nevada, damages are calculated based on the evidence presented in the case. Your lawyer will gather medical records, proof of lost income, expert testimony, and personal statements to show how much you have suffered. It’s important to note that Nevada follows a comparative negligence rule.
This means that if you were partly at fault for the accident, your damages may be reduced. For example, if you were found to be 20% responsible for the accident, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. In Las Vegas, damages depend on your losses and how much you were at fault, if at all.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Personal injury law can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies or calculating damages.
A skilled Las Vegas personal injury lawyer can help you:
- Understand your rights
- Collect the evidence needed to prove your case
- Deal with insurance adjusters
- Make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve
Having the right lawyer on your side can make a big difference in the outcome of your case. A knowledgeable lawyer can protect your rights and help you recover the full value of your claim.
Contact Our Nevada Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Getting injured in an accident can turn your life upside down. But understanding the types of damages you may be entitled to can help you plan your next steps. Whether it’s covering your medical bills, compensating you for lost work, or paying for pain and suffering, damages are designed to help you heal and move forward.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in Las Vegas, don’t wait. Reach out to De Castroverde Accident and Injury Lawyers for help. Our Nevada personal injury attorneys have more than 100 years of combined experience. Call us today to discuss your options and protect your future with a free consultation at (702) 222-9999.
