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An accident caused by someone else’s negligence can have significant medical and financial repercussions in your life. Because of this, filing a personal injury lawsuit is often essential for receiving compensation to get your life back on track. Below is a closer look at the types of damages that a judge can assess in determining how much money you receive.

3 Primary Damages in a Personal Injury Case

1. Special Compensatory Damages

Special compensatory damages are the most easily identified damages in a personal injury case. They cover all monetary expenses related to the incident in question. Examples include medical bills—including future medical expenses, as well as lost earnings, and future earnings if you cannot return to work. It even provides household expenses that result from the injury. These items are typically easily documented.

2. General Damages

personal injuryGeneral damages are harder to pinpoint, as they provide an award for non-monetary claims like mental anguish and “pain and suffering.” However, they are a standard provision in most personal injury cases. Your records—such as a journal describing your pain—can play a significant role in assessing the value of these claims.

3. Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence, a judge may assign punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages can exceed several millions of dollars to deter future similar acts and punish the defendant for their behavior. These damages are unlikely to be awarded in cases where the plaintiff was partially at fault.

 

Whether you have a personal injury case or are fighting a traffic violation, count on quality representation from Scott & Heenan in Grant County, WI. With over 50 years of combined legal experience, their lawyers offer personalized service with flexible appointments to better meet your needs. To learn more about their practice areas, visit them online. Call (608) 348-9506 to schedule a free initial consultation.

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