When people are in accidents due to the negligence of another, it is possible to seek compensation. A proper personal injury claim is essential to this process.
In order to receive the award they deserve, claimants must understand what damages entail. There are a few different types of personal injury damages.
Lost Wages
One of the most common types of damages parties may claim is lost wages. Since the courts utilize the claimant’s pay rate to make the calculation, it is also one of the easiest payments to justify. Claimants may claim lost wages due to the immediate effects of the accident, as well as long-term effects, should they be unable to return at full capacity.
Medical
Another common damage claim is medical expenses. Parties may seek medical damages for expenses related to care immediately after the incident, as well as any long-term care needs. Proper medical records are essential for claimants to receive the full amount of medical damages they seek.
Out-of-pocket
Many types of damages that do not fit into the other categories fall under out-of-pocket expenses. As the name indicates, it covers a variety of expenses that the claimant paid for or is paying for due to the incident. A common type of expense claimants ask for is the mileage or gas that they paid traveling for medical treatment after the accident.
Punitive
Punitive damages are the type of damage award that the courts usually assess against businesses. Due to the regulations of the law, this damage award does not occur in most cases, but judges have the right to assess them in certain instances. Usually, if a large business shows gross negligence that results in injury to employees or other individuals, judges may choose to award punitive damages.
There are a few different options that claimants may consider when determining the damages to seek for an accident. To make sure that they get the greatest amount of compensation, it may be beneficial to consult with an attorney.
