When an individual is injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, it is important that he or she understands what damages they may be entitled to. If you or a loved one has been injured in the Philadelphia area as a result of negligence by someone else, then you may be able to recover damages for injuries sustained. You may be entitled to bring an action for: Compensatory Damages, Non-Monetary Damages, and Punitive Damages.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory Damages are damages compelling the defendant to pay a monetary award in order to put the victim of an injury in the position he or she was in prior to their injury.- Medical Expenses – Damages often cover medical bills related to an injury. Medical bills include: hospital visits, therapy, surgeries, etc.
- Costs of Living with an Injury or Disability – Damages may include the cost of future medical expenses as a result of the injury suffered.
- Funeral Expenses – A victim’s family may be able to recover for the cost of a funeral.
- Lost Wages – A victim may be able to recover for lost wages as a result of an injury prohibiting them from working.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity – If the victim cannot earn the same amount of money because of an injury suffered, he or she may be able to recover for future earning capacity.
Non-Monetary Damages
Non-Monetary Damages are damages that cannot be measured by money. Non-monetary damages cover harms such as, physical and mental pain and suffering, loss of the enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium resulting from an injury.- Physical and Mental Pain and Suffering – If a victim is injured, he or she may be able to recover for physical discomfort or emotional distress.
- Loss of Ability to Enjoy Life’s Pleasures – If a victim is injured, he or she may be entitled to compensation for their inability to participate in the same activities they enjoyed prior to the injury.
- Loss of Consortium – A husband or wife of a victim may be able to recover for losses related to marriage, such as affection and companionship.
