People who file negligence, wrongful death, and medical malpractice lawsuits seek money damages for their losses. Awarding damages is how the law compensates for injuries and wrongful death. Here, the personal injury attorneys at Balderrama Law Firm LLC, in Carlsbad, NM, discuss the various damages individuals filing suit can recover.

The top three common types of damages in negligence suits are special, general, and punitive damages. Courts call special and general damages compensatory damages. They are the typical awards for acts of negligence, including medical malpractice, that cause injury and wrongful death. Punitive damages are awarded less frequently. Here are further details:

• Special Damages: Often called economic damages, these are specific items of loss that are calculated easily. Examples include the cost of medicine and medical treatments, doctor and hospital bills, lost wages, and property loss or repair costs.   
• General Damages: Called non-economic damages, they are losses that result from negligence including medical malpractice, but are not easy to calculate. One example is the pain and suffering a motor vehicle collision victim endures. Other examples include loss of earning ability, and loss of quality of life, such as the inability to play with one’s children. In wrongful death cases, general damages include the value of the deceased person’s life. New Mexico law limits general damages in medical malpractice cases to $600,000.  
• Punitive Damages: These damages are awarded to punish the defendant and to deter future bad conduct. In making the award, the court considers the extent of harm to the victim due to the defendant's act, as well as the wickedness of the act.

The attorneys at Balderrama Law Firm LLC, are skilled in securing all types of damages in wrongful death and personal injury cases. Whether medical malpractice or other acts of negligence occur, clients count on this dynamic law firm for aggressive, yet compassionate representation and favorable outcomes. 

When you or your loved ones are injured or die due to someone’s negligence, look to Balderrama Law Firm LLC, in Carlsbad, NM, for help. Call (575) 234-1111 or go online to schedule a free case evaluation today.