When a person or business organization causes an accident in which someone else is injured, the victims shouldn’t have to shoulder the consequences alone. To ensure you’re fairly compensated for your damages, personal injury law allows you to recover a variety of losses, both material and noneconomic. Here are some of the types of damages your personal injury attorney may pursue.

4 Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases

1. Special Damages

The foundation of any personal injury claim is special damages—or compensation for any actual financial losses related to your accident. This includes all of the expenses of your medical treatment, both past and future, as well as lost income or missed economic opportunities.

2. General Damages

In addition to your financial losses, your settlement should include compensation for your pain and suffering, trauma, and other intangible losses that can be difficult to quantify. Depending on the situation, your personal injury attorney may pursue compensation for depression or other mental health issues, reduced quality of life, and physical disfigurement.

3. Wrongful Death Damages

If the victim did not survive their injuries, their surviving family members might be eligible to claim compensation for the loss of companionship they’ve experienced. In these difficult cases, survivors are also eligible to pursue any special or general damages on their loved one’s behalf.

4. Punitive Damages

If the liable party demonstrated gross negligence or a wanton disregard for the safety of others, many states allow victims to collect additional funds intended to punish the defendant, known as punitive damages. In Missouri, punitive damages are limited to $500,000 or five times the total of your other damages—whichever is greater.

For over 30 years, the personal injury attorneys at Privette Law Office have been fighting for the rights of accident victims throughout Willow Springs, MO. If you’ve been hurt in an auto accident or injured by a defective product, you can rely on their legal team for prompt, attentive service and the most aggressive representation possible. Visit their website for a closer look at their services, or call (417) 469-3535 to schedule a consultation with a personal injury attorney today.