State law allows a personal injury case plaintiff to seek compensation for the entire scope of economic damages they sustained because of the defendant’s actions. These often include property damage, medical expenses, and lost income. In addition, however, state law allows the plaintiff to seek compensation for both immediately recognizable economic damages as well as economic damages that have not yet been realized. So, if you were permanently disabled and cannot return to work because of the defendant’s actions, they are liable for whatever income you lose immediately following your accident as well as future lost wages that you otherwise would have been able to earn.