Damages in Des Moines personal injury cases are financial compensation awarded to a person who sustained an injury because of the negligence, intentional wrongdoing, or recklessness of another party. They are meant to help injured victims recover their losses and move on with their lives. The kinds of damages awarded depend on the case’s circumstances. But personal injury attorneys at fightingforfairness.com will help victims recover maximum damages. Personal injury damages are categorized into the following:
Economic Damages
These damages are quantifiable monetary losses sustained by an injured victim due to the wrongful conduct of the at-fault party. They include the following:
- Medical expenses. These damages include medical treatment, medication, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.
- Lost income. Even if a claimant is eligible for benefits like sick leave, disability benefits, and vacation pay, they can still secure compensation for the wages they lost as they heal and recover from their injuries.
- Lost earning capacity. These damages can be awarded if the injuries suffered in an accident have decreased the ability of the victim to earn an income in the future.
- Property damage. An accident victim may be able to recover these damages if they suffered property damage in the accident like car repair or replacement.
- Other expenses. These can include additional fees associated with the injuries like the cost of hiring a caregiver or household help.
Some procedural requirements in Des Moines need to be met to recover compensatory damages. Claimants must consult with a lawyer who is family with state law to make sure they get the compensation they need.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are compensation for the harm caused by the at-fault party that does not have a direct dollar value. In personal injury cases, they include:
- Pain and suffering. These refer to the physical and emotional pain, inconvenience, or discomfort suffered by a claimant because of their injuries.
- Loss of life enjoyment. If a claimant loses their ability to take part in activities they used to enjoy like hobbies, sports, or spending time with their loved ones and friends, they may be awarded these damages.
- Emotional distress. These damages refer to the psychological harm suffered by a claimant because of their injuries like anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
- Disfigurement or scarring. An injured party can be awarded damages if they suffered physical disfigurement or scarring because of their injuries.
Punitive Damages
The state of Iowa may award these damages to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing and deter them from engaging in the same conduct in the future. But the injured party must prove that the defendant acted consciously and disregarded other people’s safety and well-being.
