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What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you were injured in a car accident that another driver caused, you have the right to pursue compensation for any damages you incurred as a result. Although no amount of compensation can undo your pain and emotional trauma, it may help you restore financial stability.
A serious collision can result in all kinds of direct and indirect costs, which is why even those who have compressive health insurance should consider filing an injury claim. Medical bills are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to damages incurred in a motor-vehicle wreck.
If you were injured by a negligent, distracted, or drunk driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm. Attorney N. Eric Cooper will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience to represent you in court. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free case evaluation with an accident attorney in Van Zandt.
What Kinds of Damages Can I Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
There are two main categories of compensatory damages that you can recover in an injury claim in the state of Texas: economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to the objectively verifiable costs that you incurred as a result of the accident. These include:
- Current and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning capacity;
- Loss of household services; and
- Property damage.
Non-economic damages are not objectively verifiable. They refer to the physical and emotional toll of the accident, as opposed to the financial burden. These include:
- Mental anguish;
- Pain and suffering;
- Disfigurement;
- Physical impairment; and
- Loss of consortium.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are different from compensatory damages in that they do not compensate an accident victim for any loss incurred. Instead, their purpose is to punish the defendant for egregious behavior.
Punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases, and there is a limit to how much a plaintiff can receive. According to the Texas Trial Lawyers Association, punitive damages are only awarded in about 3 percent of cases. If you think you deserve punitive damages on top of compensatory damages, though, a seasoned accident attorney can help you fight for them.
How Do I Calculate My Damages?
Calculating economic damages is fairly straightforward, but it can be challenging to determine non-economic and punitive damages. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you calculate exactly what you are eligible to recover and will negotiate for a fair settlement. Your attorney will ensure that you claim compensation for all possible damages and that you do not accept a settlement before you know the extent of your injuries and other damages.
N. Eric Cooper is a personal injury lawyer in Van Zandt who will help you avoid costly mistakes like accepting a settlement too early or overlooking certain damages. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a free consultation. You can learn more about personal injury claims in Texas by visiting usattorneys.com/personal-injury/texas.
