In Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia County, people often are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence. In many cases, these injuries can cause serious physical problems to the victim(s) that can have long lasting impacts on their quality of life. Often times, individuals are unaware of what type of the compensatory damages they can receive. While no two cases are ever the same, it is essential that any individual(s) who have been injured due to another’s actions, know what damages they are entitled to and how having an experienced attorney can help them achieve the outcome they deserve!
Economic Damages
In the Commonwealth of the Pennsylvania, personal injury claims generally involve various compensatory damages. One type of damage, economic damages, provide the injured party compensation for any and all expenses that occurred as a result of the injury. Economic losses generally include medical expenses that occurred as a result of the injury occurring .
Common types of medical expenses include:
- Hospital bills
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Doctor visits
- Surgeries
- Medications prescribed as a result of the injury
- Ambulance and/or medical transportation
***While this is by no means an exhaustive list of medical expenses, its purpose is to highlight the wide ranging expenses that fall under the umbrella of medical expenses.
Lost Wages (Present and Future)
Another type of compensation that can result from a personal injury suit are wages that are lost because of the injury that occurred. If an individual is injured and out of work as a result of the actions of the guilty party, then he/she will most likely be entitled to any and all lost wages that have accrued since the injury happened.
Moreover, an individual can also recover for any future wages that are lost as a result of the injury that occurred. For instance, if an individual worked 40 hours a week and, as a result of the injury, is only able to work 20 hours a week, then the injured party may recover the compensation for lost future earning capacity.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are sometimes available in personal injury cases but they are not always guaranteed. In order to be awarded this type of damage, a jury must be able to find that the defendant was reckless in regards to the injured party’s safety.
Property Damages
The injured party may also recover damages for any property that was damaged during the moment the injury occurred. It is essential that the injured party document any/all property that was damaged at the time of the injury in order to successfully recover for damages.
General Damages
These types of damages are not related to any economic harm that the person suffered as a result of the injury but rather apply to non-economic damages. Such damages include
- Emotional suffering (anxiety, depression, sleep deprivation etc.)
- Physical pain and suffering
- Permanent disfigurement (scars, burns, etc.)
- Loss of companionship***
- Loss of enjoyment from life (you are no longer able to participate in activities that you enjoyed prior to the injury occurring).
*** A loss of companionship (Also known as loss of consortium), allows the party to seek damages that result from the marriage being affected due to the injury occurring. Generally, such compensation pertains to the married couple not being able to engage in sexual activity, maintaining the household, and other spousal duties.
Have you Suffered a Personal Injury? Get the Help You Deserve!
While these incidents can often be a difficult situation to handle due to the financial, emotional and physical burden it places on the injured party, it is important to know that YOU have rights.
The Law Office of Vincent J. Caputo is ready to help you through this process. Please contact us with any question about your or a loved ones specific injury. Our experienced staff and attorneys will ensure that your needs, concerns, and questions will be handled in a professional and courteous manner.