Personal injury laws in New Jersey allow victims to collect financial compensation from losses stemming from another individual’s negligence or intentional actions. The legal term for this compensation is “damages.” Usually, damages available to you after an accident will vary depending on your case, the severity of your injuries, and other losses.
For a personal injury victim just beginning the legal process, there can be a number of questions surrounding compensation, including “what are the types of damages in personal injury cases?” There are several different types of damages for which you may be eligible in New Jersey. If you have been injured through another individual’s negligent actions, consult a Union City Personal Injury Attorney today to learn about your eligibility for compensation and the different damages you may be eligible to receive.
Special Compensatory Damages
Special compensatory damages are designed to compensate you for all the financial losses caused by your injury. This may include personal losses, like medical bills, and expenses involving property, such as replacement or repair costs. Of all these damages, there are two significant categories, which include:
- Medical Bills
It is advisable to seek medical attention following any accident, regardless of your level of pain. Depending on your injuries, you may require diagnostic tests, medication, treatment, hospital stays, and physical therapy, all of which require money. Consequently, a major portion of personal injury damages tends to go towards medical expenses.
- Lost Income
As you recover from your injuries, you may be required to take time off work, leading to lost wages. The defendant of at-fault party may be held liable for any income, wages, or bonuses you missed as a result. In the event your injuries prevent you from ever engaging in income-generating activities, you could also be compensated for your lost earning capacity and future lost income.
General Damages
General damages are more subjective than special compensatory damages. They are awarded to compensate an injury victim for the non-monetary losses caused by their injuries, and may include:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Mental trauma
- Loss of joy
- Disfigurement
- Embarrassment
- Discomfort
- Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering often plays a significant role in determining the value of personal injury compensation. In most states, it is represented by a factor between 1 and 5, and then used as a multiplier with the total economic damages. For example, if your economic damages amount to $5,000, and your pain and suffering is annotated as 4, you could receive $20,000 in damages.
Usually, the most severe and life-altering injuries receive the highest factor value of pain and suffering. You can have your attorney determine the exact value of your losses.
Wrongful Death Damages
Wrongful death damages are awarded in wrongful death claims, where the victim loses their life as a result of their injuries, and may include:
- Medical costs before death
- Funeral or burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
Talk to a Union City Personal Injury Attorney
There are several types of damages in personal injury cases. If you are looking for information more tailored to your situation, you should schedule a consultation with an expert attorney.
Attorney Carbone is an experienced Union City Personal Injury Attorney who has been representing the rights of injured victims in New Jersey for over 30 years. If you have been injured through someone’s negligence, contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone at 201-829-3829 to discuss your case.