Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages | What Can I Recover in My Personal Injury Claim?

If you endured serious injuries, among other losses, due to an accident that was of no fault of your own, you may be eligible to recover them via a personal injury claim. This financial award is usually made up of both economic and non-economic damages. Continue reading to learn the differences between the two types of damages and how an experienced Hillsborough County personal injury lawyer at Merricks Law Group can help you hold the negligent party accountable.

What are common economic damages in a personal injury claim?

In a personal injury claim, economic damages are made up of the tangible losses that you sustained or will sustain due to your accident. Below are common examples:

• Medical expenses: these bills span from your initial treatment at the scene of the accident to the long-term follow-up treatment necessary to heal your injuries.
• Lost wages: with your injuries, you may be out of work for a few days or weeks. In severe circumstances, you may be unable to return to your profession for several months, years, or, at worst, never again.
• Property damage: if your injuries were due to an auto accident, your automobile may have been seriously damaged in the crash. In this case, a skilled Tampa auto accident lawyer can defend you.

What are common non-economic damages?

Non-economic damages in a personal injury claim are made up of losses that do not come with tangible documentation. Below are common examples:

• Pain and suffering.
• Loss of consortium.
• Emotional distress.
• Disability.

If you believe that you require financial compensation after your accident, regardless of the type of damage, do not hesitate in reaching out to our firm today.

What is the process for claiming damages?

Usually, your insurance company will be quick to negotiate a settlement that is not sufficient enough to cover all of your damages. This is when your attorney will step in to conduct an independent investigation of your damages so as to negotiate a full settlement on your behalf. If this negotiation cannot be settled, that is when you will need to file a personal injury claim

What evidence do I need to claim damages?

Collecting proof of your economic damages is relatively easy, so long as you retain the proper bills, such as medical bills, past pay stubs, and other expense receipts. Proof of non-economic damages may be a bit more challenging, as they do not come with the same kind of documentation. However, what commonly gives the jury enough information to justify your claims is an explanation of the accident or the psychological after-effects from your perspective. Also, a doctor’s or therapist’s note that outlines your pain and suffering is beneficial.

Contact Our Experienced Florida Firm

Merricks Law Group handles a wide array of injury claims, including injuries sustained in auto accidents, slip and falls, and more. Contact Merricks Law Group today.