Getting injured as a result of someone else’s negligence can be a life-altering experience, often leading to both physical and emotional pain. If you find yourself in such unfortunate circumstances in Virginia, it’s important to understand the types of damages you might be entitled to in a personal injury claim.
These can help alleviate some of the financial and emotional strain caused by the injury. Some of the damages recoverable in a personal injury lawsuit include the following.
Economic damages
These are damages aimed at lessening the financial burden resulting from the injury. Economic damages are quantifiable and directly tied to calculable expenses and losses. Here are the common types:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Economic damages may cover all current and future expenses related to your injury, helping ensure that you are not financially disadvantaged by the accident.
Punitive damages
Another type of damage that may be awarded in a Virginia personal injury claim are punitive damages. These are intended not as compensation for the plaintiff, but as a punishment for the defendant and to deter similar negligent behavior in the future. Here are the key aspects of punitive damages:
- Awarded in cases of particularly egregious or reckless behavior.
- Designed to serve as a deterrent to others.
- Not tied to the specific losses suffered by the plaintiff.
These damages may be subject to statutory caps depending on the circumstances of the case and the nature of the offense.
Non-economic damages
Meant to alleviate the intangible effects of injuries, non-economic damages compensate for losses that aren’t easily quantified. Here are the common types:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement
- Permanent disability
If you have been injured in a personal injury incident in Virginia, it is crucial to seek further legal information so you understand your rights and the compensation you may be eligible to receive.