If another person’s careless actions cause you harm, you have a right to take legal action. A personal injury lawyer can file a claim for compensation to cover various costs related to the accident and support you as you get back on your feet. There are two types of damages you can sue for, economic and non-economic. Learn what falls under each category below. 

Economic

Medical expenses are the most obvious point that your personal injury lawyer will want to address. This could include actions required immediately after the accident, like X-rays or operations. It may also cover long-term rehabilitation needs, such as physical therapy. 

There is also property to account for after an accident. Say you were in a car crash—your vehicle likely needs repairs. Even smaller incidents, like a “slip and fall” that resulted in a cracked phone screen, warrant property damage claims. 

Finally, if your accident left you unable to work, you can also request compensation for lost wages. If you can’t return to your former employment because of your injuries, you can even sue for future loss of wages. This might apply if you work in construction and now need a wheelchair, for instance.

Non-Economic 

Not all the harm done in an accident is tangible. Your personal injury lawyer can also sue for mental aspects, including the pain, suffering, and emotional distress you experienced as a result of the accident. An example might be if you were in a car crash and now experience nightmares and insomnia. 

An accident doesn’t just impact the victim but also their loved ones. This is why personal injury claims also allow you to sue for something called loss of consortium. This allows your spouse to receive damages for loss of intangible marital elements like affection and sexual relations.

An experienced personal injury lawyer can advise on just which types of damages apply to your case. For counsel in West Plains, MO, trust Henry & Williams P.C. These attorneys handle everything from trucking accidents to worker’s compensation claims and have diverse specialists on hand for various focus areas. They will review your case thoroughly and provide the attentive, personalized care you need. Review their stellar case results on their website. For an appointment, call (417) 256-8133.