Personal injury claims filed by an individual who’s been injured due to someone’s neglect often result in the injured party receiving compensation. However, if you’ve been wrongfully injured, you may be wondering if you’re entitled to compensation or what types of damages exist. If this sounds familiar, continue reading, and then make sure to call an experienced New York City personal injury attorney so that we can walk you through your options.
What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages in personal injury claims?
When a person is wrongfully injured, whether in a car accident or on somebody else’s premises, they will likely be entitled to some form of compensation. Compensation is given in the form of damages, which is money paid to a person for the injuries that they’ve suffered due to another party’s neglect. These damages can be either economic or non-economic. The difference between the two is simple: economic damages attempt to restore a person’s health, while non-economic damages attempt to compensate a person for the emotional turmoil they’ve endured. In practice, economic damages look like medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation, while non-economic damages look like emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment in life. Of course, money won’t solve all of your problems or change what happened, but it can help ease your burden.
What are compensatory damages in personal injury cases?
Compensatory damages are generally the first recourse in personal injury cases. As stated above, these damages exist to bring the injured party back to the status quo as much as possible. Sometimes these damages are relatively easy to quantify, like medical bills for example. In other instances, the courts may have to find a rough estimate of the money that they deem suitable for your injuries. To have a better chance at receiving the compensation you deserve, call a New York City personal injury lawyer today.
What are punitive damages in personal injury cases?
While compensatory damages are usually the first resort in personal injury cases, they are not the only form of damages that the injured party may receive. In extreme cases, the injured party may receive punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. The goal of punitive damages is to punish the negligent party and make an example of them. That being said, punitive damages are not awarded nearly as much as compensatory damages.
Contact Our New York Legal Team Today
The Law Offices of Brian J. Elbaum handles a wide variety of personal injury cases, including those involving auto accidents, catastrophic injuries, and more. Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation.
