Types of non-physical injuries
In addition to the obvious physical injuries that can occur as a result of an accident, there are often economic losses that directly result from a personal injury accident. There may also be a mental or emotional component to your injuries, as well. Exactly what types of damages you can recover will depend on the injury you experienced, as well as the laws in your state regarding damages and personal injury. In some situations, family members can recover if their relationship with you has been affected by your injuries. It all depends on the facts.
Economic damages following a personal injury
Economic loss, following a personal injury, usually includes reimbursement for medical expenses related to the treatment of your physical injuries. This includes both past and future expenses for medical services such as doctors, emergency room treatment, and ambulance fees. Proof that you will continue to need medical care is required to recover future medical expenses.
Another common type of economic loss deals with work income. Lost wages represent the money you would have earned if you had not missed work due to your injuries and the treatment for those injuries. You may also be able or recover for any lost earning capacity, which is common in temporary or permanent disability cases. If your ability to earn money in the future has been impaired or diminished by your injuries, you may be able to recover.
Emotional damages following a personal injury
Oftentimes mental injury can also result, especially when there are serious physical injuries present. Also, there may be significant mental suffering following a dangerous incident. You can also be compensated for these types of injuries. A monetary value can be estimated for the pain and suffering you experienced along with your physical injuries. The same is true for mental anguish or emotional distress that is often associated with an accident, such as fear, anxiety, humiliation and embarrassment. Mental anguish can also result when a victim is scarred or disfigured in some way.
Claims of family members
When family members are deprived of companionship, assistance and other aspects of the relationship they have with the injured person, those family members may be able to recover for those losses. Loss of society and companionship damages represent the positive benefits flowing from the love, comfort, companionship, and closeness that these family members would have been able to enjoy, were it not for the injuries sustained.
If you have questions regarding damages, or any other personal injury concerns, call the Cottrell Law Office at (888) 433-4861.
Wesley Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993. He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
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