Compensatory damages are intended to help victims recover from the financial, physical, and emotional losses caused by an injury. These damages aim to restore individuals, as much as possible, to the position they were in before the accident occurred. While it may not be possible to completely erase the impact of an injury, compensatory damages provide critical financial relief to address the consequences.
These damages are divided into two primary categories: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses, such as medical expenses for hospital visits, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatments. They also include lost income from missed work or reduced earning capacity, property damage like vehicle repairs or replacement, and any other out-of-pocket expenses tied to the injury.
Non-economic damages address intangible losses that cannot be calculated with exact monetary values. These include compensation for pain and suffering endured as a result of the injury, emotional distress such as anxiety or trauma, and the loss of enjoyment of life due to physical or emotional limitations. In some cases, they may also include damages for the loss of companionship or intimacy when relationships are significantly impacted.
Understanding the role of both economic and non-economic damages is essential in pursuing a personal injury claim. Each category represents a unique aspect of recovery and helps illustrate the full extent of the harm suffered. An experienced personal injury attorney can assess your situation, document all relevant damages, and build a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation needed to move forward.
