Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Case

The decision to file a personal injury claim may be complicated. Depending on the type of accident and injuries involved, however, filing a claim for negligence against a perpetrator may be the only way to be compensated for a victim’s injuries. A claim for negligence is usually filed when a victim is injured because the perpetrator failed to exercise the proper duty of care. Florida laws further outline the different types of negligence cases and the laws governing them here.

Although the thought of participating in the lengthy litigation process while healing from your injuries may act as a deterrent, do not miss out on a chance to be whole again. Below is a look at what type of damages a person who files a claim for negligence is eligible to receive.

Compensatory Damages

The first type of damages a victim is eligible to receive is known as compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are meant to compensate a victim for what was lost as a result of the accident. The following are examples of compensatory damages:

– Medical Bills: Reimbursement for bills related to the treatment of injuries due to the accident and any costs of medical treatment necessary in the future.
– Loss of Income: Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may not be able to return to work for an extended period of time or return at all. The guilty party may be required to reimburse you for any loss of income and future loss of income due to the injury.
– Loss of Property: Depending on the type of accident, you may have suffered a loss of some type of personal property. You may be entitled to reimbursement of the fair market value of the property lost or damaged in the accident.
– Pain and Suffering: You may be entitled to receive compensation for any physical and emotional pain and suffering you have sustained because of the accident. This includes any ongoing pain and suffering you have experienced in the aftermath of the accident.

Punitive Damages

In some cases where the defendant’s (person who caused the accident) conduct is deemed as especially outrageous, the court may award punitive damages. Punitive damages are a monetary award that is not necessarily related to the accident or cause of injuries, but a sum of money that the defendant must pay as punishment for his or her actions. Punitive damages are generally awarded in order to deter others from acting in a similarly negligent manner in the future.

Contact an Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an accident and is contemplating filing a claim for negligence, contact one of our Florida accident attorneys at Boone & Davis today. Our experienced legal professionals will advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.