Personal injury lawsuits are designed to compensate a person who has been injured due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another. Personal injury victims in California can recover two types of compensatory damages—both economic and non-economic damages—if the court rules in their favor.
Have you or a loved one suffered injuries through no fault of your own? Understanding the two types of damages available can help you make informed decisions about your case and seek the compensation you deserve.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the actual monetary losses suffered by the victim, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are easy to quantify and typically the easiest to prove in court.
- Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are one of the most significant types of economic damages in a personal injury case. This may include hospital bills, doctor appointments, rehabilitation, and any medical equipment required to treat the injury.
- Lost Wages: Another common type of economic damage is lost wages, which refers to the income the victim lost due to their injury and subsequent recovery time. This can include missed workdays, decreased income, and even loss of future earning capacity if the victim’s injury is severe enough to affect their ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: In some personal injury cases, the victim’s property may also be damaged, and they can recover the cost of repairs or replacement. This may include damage to a car in an auto accident or personal property (like a smartphone or watch) in a slip-and-fall mishap.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses suffered by the victim, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment. These damages are often more difficult to quantify, but they can still be substantial and play an important role in any personal injury case.
- Pain and Suffering: Pain and suffering refer to the physical discomfort and mental anguish caused by the injury. This can include physical pain, anxiety, depression, and other forms of emotional suffering caused by the injury.
- Emotional Distress: Emotional distress is a type of non-economic damage that refers to the mental and emotional trauma developed as a result of the injury. This can include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health issues resulting from the injury.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Loss of enjoyment of life (or simply “loss of enjoyment”) refers to the injury’s impact on the victim’s ability to engage in activities they once enjoyed. This may include sports, hobbies, social events, and other activities in which the victim can no longer participate due to their injury.
Contact an Orange County Personal Injury Lawyer Today!
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Orange County, contact the Soliman Firm today for legal assistance. Our experienced Orange County personal injury attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and recover the damages you are entitled to. Call us at (714) 491-4111 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation.