blog home Personal Injury What money can be awarded in a personal injury case?

What money can be awarded in a personal injury case?

By John Singleton on February 22, 2017

Compensatory damages (money) awarded to a plaintiff (the injured person) in a personal injury case are intended to help make up for the losses the injured suffered in the accident. Some damages are fairly simple to quantify; others are more subjective.

1. The cost of medical care is almost always taken into account, including reimbursement for treatment already received and compensation for the estimated cost of future medical care related to the injury.
2. Compensatory damages may cover income the plaintiff has already lost from the injury, as well as earnings that will be lost in the future.
3. If property is damaged in an accident, the plaintiff may be compensated for repair costs or the fair market value of property that was lost.
4. The plaintiff may also be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering—physical pain and emotional distress endured as a result of the injury. Emotional distress includes depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, etc.
5. Injuries may keep a person from enjoying favorite activities or hobbies. Compensation may be awarded for “loss of enjoyment.”

Most personal injury damages are compensatory damages. Punitive damages, which may also be awarded to the plaintiff, are meant to punish the defendant and act as a future deterrent.

If you were injured due to someone else’s carelessness, call us at GibsonSingleton Virginia Injury Attorneys, (804) 413-6777, to protect your rights.