Being involved in an accident comes with a lot of consequences, most of which no one is prepared for. If you are involved in an auto wreck, motorcycle crash, slip and fall accident, bicycle accident, pedestrian accident, or any other scenario that causes you physical and emotional harm, you are sure to incur financial losses. Apart from the costs associated with damaged property, there will be hospital bills to be paid. Even with medical insurance coverage in place, you may still be coping with out-of-pocket expenses.
Fortunately, personal injury victims have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to recover costs associated with their injuries, as long as the accident was not their fault. Texas laws allow victims of negligence to hold other parties financially and legally responsible for the harm suffered and related costs. If you are in a similar scenario, discussing your legal options and rights with a seasoned personal injury attorney is vital. We can help you recover maximum damages in a Houston injury case. Our Lone Star Injury Attorneys have recovered at least $10 million in compensation on behalf of our clients, and we are ready to fight for you too. Give us a call to schedule a free case evaluation.
What Are Damages in a Houston Personal Injury Case?
Damages are the monetary benefits owed to a plaintiff (injured person) when someone else (defendant) is to blame for their injuries. In this case, the party at fault must have breached their duty of care. The plaintiff carries a burden of proof to provide evidence showing how their rights were violated. Damages are usually awarded in civil lawsuits involving personal injury and wrongful death.
Damages in a Houston injury case are classified into three major categories:
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Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the monetary or financial losses that a person suffers following an injury. They are often straightforward since they involve payments for services, and as such, can be proven using bills and receipts. They cover past, current, and future financial losses. Economic damages in an injury case include:
- Lost wages
- Therapy costs
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost future earnings
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Costs of medical treatment
There is no limit to the types of damages one can claim in a personal injury case. However, you must compile indisputable evidence showing the financial losses you suffered, and they must be related to the injury suffered. For example, you can also claim for transportation costs to and from the hospital. A knowledgeable attorney will help compile all documents needed to prove financial losses.
Non-Economic Damages
As the name suggests, non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses that a person suffers following a personal injury. They largely cover the pain and suffering experienced by an injured person. Unfortunately, they do not have a specific monetary value as is the case with economic damages. Instead, insurance companies use a multiplier to determine their approximate value. For instance, a number between 1.5 and 5 is multiplied against the value of economic damages. Non-economic damages aim to cover:
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of companionship
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life/diminished quality of life
If you are not careful, insurance companies will likely leave out these damages when valuing your claim. They will likely go all out to protect their pockets at your expense, so it is in your best interests to let an aggressive Houston personal injury attorney handle all communication and negotiations with insurance adjusters. This way, you will not be set up for mistakes that could ruin your chances of reaching a beneficial outcome.
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Punitive Damages
The last category of damages in an injury case is only awarded through a court process. While economic and non-economic damages are meant to make an injured person whole again, punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the offender for their wrongdoing. Unfortunately, not every injury case is eligible for punitive damages. However, they are mostly awarded in cases involving disregard for other people’s safety such as DUI lawsuits. It is important to discuss eligibility for punitive damages with an attorney when discussing the legal options available.
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Recover Damages From Your Injury Case With the Help of a Houston Attorney
If you are suffering as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should consult our top-rated personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. We may be able to help you recover damages in a Houston injury case. Call us today for a free case evaluation with no obligation. We are happy to help you get back on your feet after a serious injury.
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