In a personal injury case, you have the right to pursue compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the tangible financial losses you’ve experienced, while non-economic damages address the more intangible impacts of the injury.
Fighting for both types of damages ensures that all aspects of the harm you’ve suffered—whether measurable or not—are taken into account in your claim, helping to provide a more complete and fair recovery.
Understanding Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case
Economic damages in a personal injury case refer to the quantifiable financial losses that result directly from the injury. These damages are intended to reimburse the injured party for expenses they have incurred or are likely to incur due to the accident. Common examples of economic damages include medical bills, hospital stays, medication costs, rehabilitation and therapy expenses, and the cost of medical equipment.
Additionally, economic damages cover lost wages for the time you were unable to work, as well as any reduction in your future earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to earn income going forward. Other recoverable costs may include property damage, such as repairs to your vehicle, and out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury, like transportation to medical appointments.
Because economic damages involve actual monetary losses, they are generally easier to calculate and prove compared to other types of damages in a personal injury claim.
Understanding Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case
Non-economic damages in a personal injury case refer to the intangible losses that do not have a specific dollar amount but significantly affect the injured person’s quality of life. These damages compensate for the emotional and physical suffering caused by the accident, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship or consortium.
Unlike economic damages, which are based on measurable financial costs, non-economic damages address the personal and subjective impact of the injury. Because these losses are more difficult to quantify, they often require careful documentation and, in some cases, expert testimony to demonstrate the extent of the harm.
Despite their intangible nature, non-economic damages play a crucial role in ensuring that the full scope of an injury’s impact is recognized and fairly compensated.
The Importance of Having a Lawyer For a Personal Injury Case
When you’ve been injured in an accident, the aftermath can be overwhelming — not only physically and emotionally but also legally and financially. One of the most important steps you can take to protect your rights and secure fair compensation is to hire an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Having a skilled attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case, ensuring that you receive the maximum damages possible for your injuries and losses.
Personal injury law can be complex, involving strict deadlines, detailed paperwork, and intricate rules of evidence and procedure. Without legal expertise, it’s easy to make mistakes that could jeopardize your claim or reduce the amount of compensation you receive. An attorney understands how to navigate this complex system efficiently, handling all the legal aspects so you can focus on your recovery.
One of the key advantages of hiring a lawyer is their ability to accurately assess the full value of your claim. Many injury victims underestimate the true cost of their damages, focusing only on immediate medical bills or lost wages.
However, a lawyer will consider a wide range of factors—including future medical expenses, ongoing rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. By thoroughly evaluating all these elements, your attorney can build a strong case that reflects the full extent of your losses.
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little money as possible. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to protect their bottom line, which means they may offer you a settlement that doesn’t fully cover your damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer knows the tactics insurers use and can negotiate aggressively on your behalf. They can push back against lowball offers and ensure that any settlement you accept truly compensates you for your injuries and financial hardships.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can also take your case to court. Having legal representation is crucial during litigation, as personal injury trials require knowledge of courtroom procedures, rules of evidence, and persuasive argumentation. Your attorney will advocate for your rights every step of the way, increasing the chances of a favorable verdict or settlement.
Call Jacobs and Jacobs Injury Law Group – Personal injury attorney in Olympia today for legal assistance.
