Clients often wonder how much their claim is worth and how much they will be able to recover by filing a personal injury claim. The answer to this question varies on a case-by-case basis, so it is challenging for injury lawyers to provide a definite answer. There are a number of factors that could affect the amount of compensation that you receive, including:
The severity of your injuries
How these injuries have affected other areas of your life such as your work or personal relationships
How long you will continue to experience symptoms from your injuries
How well you have documented your expenses and losses
Personal injury plaintiffs may be able to recover economic, non-economic, and punitive damages from the defendant:
Economic damages are given to plaintiffs who have suffered losses or incurred expenses as a result of their injuries. For example, if you have had to pay for medical treatment on your own, economic damages should compensate you for this expense.
Non-economic damages are given to plaintiffs who have experienced emotional pain and suffering as a result of the injuries. This is common in cases where the plaintiff’s quality of life has drastically been reduced as a result of the injuries.
Finally, plaintiffs may also be able to recover punitive damages. These damages do not compensate plaintiffs for anything specific. Instead, the court awards punitive damages to punish defendants who have acted with extreme negligence.