In these cases, there are different types of damages you can obtain. Economic damages cover financial losses, which include medical bills, rehabilitative care, follow-up visits, mobility aids, and more. Some injuries will require victims to need a caregiver or assistance around the house. Your economic damage payment can account for that. Loss of income and earning potential is also substantial economic damage in serious injury claims. Secondly, there are non-economic damages you can seek. These damages are for intangible losses, such as emotional distress, mental anguish, and pain and suffering. These damages are challenging to address because they are “invisible” and intangible. Your lawyer will look at the medical expenses and impact on your life to calculate an estimate. They can hire life care planners and other experts to calculate these damages when necessary. In rare cases, there are punitive damage awards when the negligent party was extraordinarily egregious or intentional in their actions. The court imposes these damages to punish the negligent party for their actions. The other damages are to reimburse you for the losses you suffer.