How to Calculate Damages in Personal Injury Lawsuits
When someone suffers an injury due to the negligence or intentional actions of another, they may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Calculating damages in these cases is a nuanced process, requiring a thorough understanding of various elements that contribute to the total compensation. This article will explore the key factors involved in determining the value of a personal injury claim, providing clarity on how damages are calculated.
At the core of personal injury lawsuits are two types of damages: compensatory damages and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to restore the injured party to the position they were in before the injury occurred. These can be further divided into economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are tangible and quantifiable, such as medical expenses and lost wages, while non-economic damages cover more subjective losses, like pain and suffering. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are designed to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar actions in the future.