When you’ve been hurt in an accident, you can seek financial restitution from the at-fault party for the losses you’ve experienced. Read on as a personal injury lawyer from Queens, NY explains the different ways you’re entitled to compensation.
1. Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to aspects that have a direct financial impact on the injured person.
Medical Expenses
Recovery includes medical expenses already paid for by you as a result of injury but can also account for future ongoing costs for treatment. For example, you’ll want to keep records of your bills for:
- Examinations
- Medication
- Medical devices
- Surgery
- Physical therapy rehabilitation
Lost Wages
Any income you’ve lost from taking time off due to recovery can be claimed. This estimate can also compensate for reduced income potential in the future if an injury creates functional limitations that have diminished your ability to earn.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
You might have spent money on miscellaneous expenses to deal with the aftermath of your accident. For example, this can include modifications you’ve made to your home, child care, or home services.
Property Loss
Property that has been damaged during the incident, such as a vehicle or electronics, can be claimed for repair or replacement costs.
2. Non-Economic Damages
Although not tangible like the economic damages above, non-economic damages can be awarded to compensate victims for emotional and psychological hardships.
Pain and Suffering
This term encompasses the immediate physical pain, discomfort, and bodily injuries sustained from the accident. It also refers to any ongoing chronic pain, physical disability, or disfigurement.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress is the psychological response to a traumatic event that affects your well-being and overall mental health. It can include grief, anxiety, and depression, among others.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Loss of enjoyment of life refers to no longer being able to participate in hobbies, activities, or other elements of daily life that you enjoyed before the injury occurred.
Loss of Consortium
Loss of consortium refers to damage to your marital relationship due to the injury. This category includes loss of intimate relations, loss of companionship, or loss of services such as household duties.
3. Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are additional monetary damages intended to punish the defendant for egregious acts of harm. Some examples might include physical assault or intentionally hiding potential dangers that caused an accident. Punitive damages are possible to recover under New York law, although they tend to be less commonly awarded.
Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Queens, NY
An attorney can strengthen the merits of your case and maximize your compensation. At the Law Office of Barry M. Goldstein, we specialize in areas of personal injury that cover vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle accidents, medical malpractice, construction accidents, premises liability, and wrongful death.
We’re experienced attorneys who have been trusted by clients for over 30 years in the greater NY metro area. Contact the Law Office of Barry M. Goldstein in Queens, NY to schedule your free initial consultation.
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