What Are Compensatory Damages?
There are many issues to consider when it comes to personal injury lawsuits. These can be somewhat daunting for people who are unfamiliar with the legal profession. That's why speaking with skilled personal injury attorneys is so crucial for you and your loved ones in a legal proceeding.
One such topic that may confuse some clients is the issue of compensation and damages and how those are assessed. Right now, we'd like to consider the nature of compensatodamages and what they may mean for you and your legal needs.
About Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages refer to damages that are sought to cover material and emotional losses that occur as a result of an incident. In the case of a personal injury lawsuit, these kinds of damages may cover any of the following:
- Medical bills
- Physical rehabilitation
- Damage to property
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning potential
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Lifestyle changes due to debilitating injury
In wrongful death lawsuits, compensatory damages will cover any of the above that are applicable as well as:
- Funerary costs
- Loss of companionship
- Future lost income due to loved one's death
Determining Compensatory Damages
When it comes to determining the amount sought for compensatory damages, our personal injury and car accident attorneys will go over all of a client's bills and note all losses that have been incurred as a result of an injury. For instance, we will note the total cost of medical treatment, estimated cost of future medical treatment, the value of a vehicle or item that was damaged, and so on.
As far as emotional pain and suffering, we will rely on similar cases ruled in the past to determine a fair amount to seek. Emotional anguish should not be taken lightly as this pain can have lasting effects in a person's life that can make certain moments very trying and discomfiting.
How Compensatory Damages Differ from Punitive Damages
While compensatory damages are meant to recoup actual losses, punitive damages are instead intended to punish the responsible party for their act of negligence. An example of this is punishing a company who made defective brake pads that led to an accident.
These punitive damages are sought in addition to the compensatory damages. This is a common practice in many civil suits.
What Our Legal Team Can Do for Clients
The legal system has many different nuances and complexities that are lost on many people. In fact, the legal system can be extremely difficult to understand for most people, which is why going it alone in a legal case is not advisable.
Our attorneys will be sure to assist you every step of the way, providing strong counsel so that you and your loved ones can concentrate on recovery and, in tragic cases, mourning. Our team is here for you.
Learn More About Personal Injury Lawsuits
If you would like more information about personal injury lawsuits and what members of our legal team can do for you, be sure to contact our Long Island personal injury attorneys today. We look forward to discussing your case in greater detail and helping you and your loved ones on the road to recovery.
