Personal injury law isn’t as fickle and complex as people seem to think. There is a simple way of breaking down the ins and outs of what it covers and what it doesn’t cover, and damages are part of that. Read on, to learn all about what we mean by ‘damages’, and to find out exactly what they entail.
What Are ‘Damages’?
First of all, let’s break down exactly what we mean by damages. This is a somewhat umbrella term that is used to describe any property or person that has been hurt, damaged, or destroyed in the event of an accident. If I were to crash my car into a building the damages would include the building, the sidewalk, my car and probably myself. There may also be bystanders to the accident that get injured in the fallout. They too, can claim for damage.
Damages are defined differently in different parts of the world and even in different states. The things that are recoverable as part of those damages also differ slightly, which is why you need a personal injury specialist to represent you in a lawsuit. That being said, we found out what the standard is across the board on personal injury damages, to give you a good idea of what you are entitled to claim back.
What Damages Are Usually Recoverable in an Accident?
Damages are defined as any losses you incur due to the accident, but don’t normally cover emotional losses such as mental health issues. They will extend to cover your personal property that was lost or damaged in any given accident – and this includes yourself and any medical bills you run up as a result. The extent of this will vary from state-to-state.
Damages will include how much time you had to take off work, what personal possessions were lost during the incident, and will cover medical expenses. Basically, damages are there to replace the monetary or economic losses encountered through the accident, injury, or event. Most commonly, it is the damage to a person or to the area where the accident took place that is claimed for.
To continue with the example of crashing my car… Those who were hurt can claim for personal injury damages. The owner of the wall can claim for property damages, and I have to defend and give good reason for the accident to have happened or me and my insurance firm are liable to pay them all!
Still Confused over Personal Injury Damages?
If you have read through this short guide but still find you are confused regarding personal injury claims, then we can help you in person. All you need to do is give a Coral Gables personal injury attorney a call and let us know you want to talk. Our trusted, experienced advisors are here to help, however big or small the injury. Contact us now and don’t leave it any longer… the clock is ticking on the expiration of your personal injury claim. Don’t leave it until it is too late.
