The Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Case

Personal injury cases are often an emotional and costly endeavor. Therefore, it is important to know the types of damages available to you in a personal injury case so you can protect your rights.

In this article, we look at three different types of damages most commonly available in a personal injury case.

Are you in need of a personal injury attorney in Gainesville, GA? Please consider working with our Trial Team at Stewart, Melvin & Frost, one of the region’s oldest and largest law firms.

Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases

• Punitive Damages: These damages are designed to punish the defendant’s conduct, if determined to be willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, or an entire want of care that raises the presumption of conscious indifference to consequences.
• Compensatory Damages: This category of damages is intended to compensate victims for what has happened to them. It includes tangible damages such as medical expenses and lost earnings (past and/or future), as well as intangible damages such as interference with normal living, interference with enjoyment of life, impairment of bodily health and vigor, fear of extent of injury, shock of impact, actual pain and suffering, mental anguish, and the extent to which the plaintiff must limit activities.
• Property Loss: Victims of accidents may also be able to recover damages for the value of any damaged or lost property that resulted from an accident. The most common example involves a car wreck. The victim may be able to recover the reasonable cost of repairs to the car and the diminished value of the car following the repairs. If the car is determined to be a total loss, the victim may be able to recover the reasonable value of the car at the time of the loss.

The types of personal injury damages awarded depend on many factors, including the defendant’s conduct and what type of negligence was involved – and are not always as obvious as you may initially believe. Additionally, no two cases are the same. It is important for you to speak with an experienced lawyer in Gainesville, GA who can guide you through the process and make sure your rights are protected.

Have you suffered an injury due to the negligence of another? You might want to speak with an experienced lawyer in Gainesville, GA to learn about your options. Contact the Trial Team at Stewart, Melvin & Frost to discuss how to win your personal injury case.

For more information, read why low caseloads are good for a personal injury lawyer’s clients.