When you are involved in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have a legal entitlement to monetary compensation. By filing an injury case, you may be compensated for physical injuries, psychological harm as well as property damage. Unlike a criminal case where the party at fault serves a jail term or pays court fines, filing a civil lawsuit is the only way victims of negligence stand a chance to make a financial recovery.
For several decades, Lone Star Injury Attorneys has made it our mission to protect and fight for the rights of injury victims across Texas. From the moment you speak with us, we become part of you, putting your interests before ours. To date, we have recovered over $10 million in damages on behalf of our clients. You can be a part of this success story if you schedule a free case evaluation with us today to discuss your case.
Types of Damages You May Sue For
The types of damages you may sue for vary depending on each case. In general, however, they are related in almost all personal injury claims. Understanding the damages you are eligible for is a great start towards making a monetary recovery out of your lawsuit. Here is a detailed look at the types of damages we help our clients secure:
Economic Damages
If you have either followed legal proceedings or watched the news on T.V, you may have probably come across the term economic damages. As the name suggests, this recovery compensates the injured victim for losses with an actual monetary value. This means that they have a dollar value attached, and can be easily proven. Economic damages usually cover:
- Lost wages for the time not worked
- Lost future earnings
- Rehabilitation costs
- Past, present, and future medical costs
- Property repair costs
- Other provable costs
The tangible losses are easier to prove. To maximize the damages you can collect, always preserve all bills and documents showing the monetary losses you incurred. Hiring a seasoned personal injury attorney is the surest way of ensuring that all necessary records are preserved and availed for maximum compensation.
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, non-economic or intangible losses are not as concrete, therefore making it difficult to place a dollar figure on them. They often cover the emotional losses that follow a serious injury. With the right attorney, you stand a chance to recover compensation for:
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
You may not have the receipts or bills to prove these losses, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be compensated. There is no limit to the intangible losses you can recover. All you need is a skilled attorney who understands the influence that expert witnesses such as economists and mental health experts have in proving them. Their testimonials are crucial especially when your case goes to trial.
Punitive Damages
Unlike economic and non-economic damages which are meant to make the plaintiff whole again, punitive damages are awarded through a trial process to punish the defendant for their willful actions that caused harm to the plaintiff. The purpose of this award is to make an example of the party at fault to discourage others from engaging in the same conduct. They also dissuade the responsible party from repeating the same mistake. Unfortunately, not all personal injury cases warrant punitive damages. Your eligibility will depend on the laws in your state as well as the unique circumstances of your case.
Tips for Maximizing Compensation in a Fresno Injury Case
Preparing a solid case before taking any legal action is key to getting the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. This involves duly establishing liability, collecting and preserving related evidence, recording eyewitness testimonials, retaining expert witnesses, and ultimately, hiring an aggressive personal injury attorney from a reputable firm.
One common way of reaching a fair settlement is turning down the initial offer from insurance companies. Many times, insurance adjusters will make an offer hoping your desperation results in early settlement. The truth, however, is that the offers are rarely a reflection of your actual losses. Settling too soon is not ideal especially when you are unsure about your losses. A skilled attorney should review your damages before accepting any offer.
Speak to an Attorney if You Have Experienced an Injury in Fresno
Any wrong move when pursuing damages in a Fresno injury case could lower your compensation drastically. Get the right counsel and representation from a qualified attorney today. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to helping you get back on your feet. Call us today.
Call or text (832) 346-9585 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
