When someone is injured in the Washington, D.C. metro area due to the actions or negligence of another party, they may be entitled to compensation for their damages. In a personal injury case, various types of damages can be awarded to the injured party. The compensation aims to compensate the victim for physical, emotional, and financial losses caused by the accident. Washington, D.C., is no fault. However, if your injuries exceed your PIP insurance and you suffered a qualifying impairment, you can place a claim against the negligent person or entity. The following help you understand the different types of damages available in an injury case.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are quantifiable monetary losses the victim suffered due to the accident. These accident damages, whether you were injured in a slip and fall or traffic accident, include:
- Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are a major factor in personal injuries. This includes all costs associated with treating injuries caused by the accident, such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medication costs, and rehabilitation expenses. As a personal injury lawyer, it is important to thoroughly document all medical expenses incurred by your client to calculate the economic damages they are entitled to accurately.
- Lost Wages: Injuries sustained in an accident can also result in the victim being unable to work for a period of time. This loss of income can be included in economic damages, along with any future loss of earnings, if the injuries impact the victim’s ability to work in the long term.
- Property Damage: In cases where the victim’s property is damaged due to the accident, economic damages can also cover repair or replacement costs. This may include damage to vehicles, personal belongings, or other property.
Personal Injury Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages aim to compensate the victim for the intangible impacts of the accident.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to physical or emotional pain caused by the accident. This may include physical injuries, ongoing pain, and psychological distress. As an injury lawyer, it is important to gather evidence and testimonies from medical professionals and the victims to present their pain and suffering in court accurately.
- Emotional Distress: Injuries sustained in an accident can also have a significant impact on the victim’s mental well-being. Compensation for emotional distress may cover anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues resulting from the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the victim’s injuries have resulted in a loss of ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed, non-economic damages may also be awarded. This can include hobbies, sports, or social activities that are impacted by the accident and resulting injuries.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages can be awarded when the at-fault party’s actions were particularly reckless or on purpose. Punitive damages are meant as punishment for the defendant and to deter them from future similar behaviors.
As a personal injury lawyer in the Washington, D.C. metro area, it is crucial to understand the different types of damages available in a personal injury case. By thoroughly documenting all economic and non-economic losses and presenting a strong case for punitive damages when applicable, we work hard toward helping our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to.
Roeser Law Firm: Accident Compensation
Roeser Law Firm can help you after an accident caused by negligence. If you’ve been injured, we can help you. To contact us, please call (202) 660-4070 or send us an online message. The right lawyer can make all the difference in supporting your rights and helping you obtain maximum compensation.
