Accidents can disrupt lives in profound ways, leading to injuries, financial stress, and emotional turmoil. For Minnesota residents facing the aftermath of an accident, filing a personal injury lawsuit is an important step to secure compensation and begin rebuilding. But what exactly can you recover in a personal injury lawsuit? Understanding the types of damages is essential to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here are the three main types of damages available in personal injury cases to provide clarity and guidance.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible, measurable losses directly linked to the accident. These damages are straightforward to calculate as they have a clear monetary value. If you've been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the following economic damages:
- Medical Expenses
This includes past, current, and future medical costs related to your injury, such as hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, prescription medications, physical therapy, and medical equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Lost Income
If your injuries prevent you from working, you can recover compensation for lost wages. This also includes potential future earnings if your ability to work has been permanently impaired due to the accident.
- Property Damage
If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation to repair or replace it.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
This may include costs like childcare, transportation to medical appointments, or home modifications needed to accommodate your injuries.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Not all losses are financial. Accidents often impact people in less visible but equally devastating ways. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate victims for these intangible losses. Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are more difficult to quantify and require careful consideration.
Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering
This covers the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries. Whether it’s chronic pain from a serious injury or short-term hardship, this type of damage acknowledges the burdens you’ve endured.
- Emotional Distress
Accidents can take a significant emotional toll, often leading to anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional distress damages account for these psychological impacts.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities you once loved, such as hobbies, exercise, or time with your family, you can seek compensation for this loss of quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium
Spouses of accident victims may also file claims for damages related to the loss of companionship, intimacy, or support due to the victim's injuries.
3. Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages, punitive damages are not intended to compensate you for a specific loss. Instead, they are meant to punish the at-fault party for particularly reckless or intentional behavior and to serve as a deterrent to others.
Minnesota law sets a high bar for awarding punitive damages. To recover these damages, you must show that the at-fault party acted with deliberate disregard for your safety or had malicious intent. While these damages are less common, they can be substantial if awarded.
Why Understanding Damages Matters
When you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, knowing the types of damages you can claim can ensure you seek adequate compensation for all your losses. Without a full understanding of these damages, you risk leaving money on the table, which could impact your ability to recover and regain control of your life.
Getting the Support You Deserve
Navigating a personal injury lawsuit can feel overwhelming, but finding legal support can alleviate the burden on your shoulders. At Meshbesher & Associates, P.A., we are seasoned advocates for accident victims across Minneapolis, MN. Our experienced legal professionals will assess your case, explain all potential damages you can claim, and fight aggressively to secure the compensation you deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident, don't wait to seek support. We’ll stand up for your rights and help you take the first steps toward recovery.
Contact us today at (612) 200-1526 for a free consultation.