Personal injury can be a life-altering event that leaves you with a long road to recovery. The aftermath of an accident is not only physical, but it can also be emotional and financial. In South Carolina, the law provides a way for victims of personal injury to receive compensation for their damages. However, not everyone understands the types of damages they may be entitled to. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the 3 types of personal injury damages so that you can be better informed and prepared in the event of an injury.
1. Economic Damages – These are actual financial losses incurred by the victim. They may include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damages. Medical expenses are often the most significant portion of economic damages. This might include past and future medical treatments, rehabilitation, and medications. Lost wages refer to the income a victim would have earned had they not been injured. Property damages refer to any personal property that was damaged or destroyed as a result of the incident.
2. Non-economic Damages – These are damages that are more difficult to define. This damages are often emotional and subjective. They may include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. Pain and suffering includes the pain and discomfort experienced by the victim as a result of their injuries. Loss of consortium represents the loss of companionship and support a victim experiences when injured from a loved one. Mental anguish represents emotional distress experienced as a result of the injury.
3. Punitive Damages – Punitive damages are awarded only in cases of extreme negligence or intentional harm. Their purpose is to punish the offender and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. These damages are awarded on top of economic and non-economic damages and are typically only awarded in high-profile cases.
Understanding the types of personal injury damages is crucial for victims who want to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. Although every case is unique, damages are intended to make victims whole—allowing them to recover not only financially, but also emotionally from the trauma of their injuries. Victims should seek legal guidance to determine which types of damages they may be entitled to and to ensure that their rights are protected. Remember, the law is on your side.
