If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, you may be entitled to file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible party to seek monetary compensation for the losses you have incurred. Victims are often burned with hefty expenses related to their injuries that they cannot afford. When this is the case, they can seek compensation for various damages to help them get back on their feet. Please continue reading to learn about the different types of compensation you can seek in a personal injury lawsuit and discover how an experienced Middlesex County Personal Injury Attorney can help you secure the rightful compensation you are entitled to.
What type of compensation can I seek in a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey?
When you file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent party, you can seek compensation for various damages. Generally, you can seek compensation for your compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate victims for damages, injuries, and other losses. They are generally split into two categories: special and general damages.
Special or economic damages are out-of-pocket financial expenses you incur due to your injuries. These losses are easily quantifiable. These damages may include but are not limited to the following:
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Lost earning capacity
- Rehabilitation services
- Household services
- Property damage (repair costs)
General or non-economic damages are not calculable or quantifiable losses. These losses are intangible. These damages include but are not limited to the following:
- Pain suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Inconvenience
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
In every personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensatory damages. However, only under certain circumstances can you be ordered punitive damages. Punitive damages punish the negligent individual or entity that caused your injuries. Punitive damages are only awarded if the defendant is found grossly negligent. This means they intentionally or wantonly harm another person. Punitive damages will only be granted in cases where the defendant has shown an egregious disregard for the safety or lives of others.
Furthermore, proving your losses can be pretty challenging. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence or intentional wrongdoing, it is in your best interest to retain the legal services of a skilled Middlesex County personal injury attorney who can help you navigate this complex legal process.
For more information on what types of compensation you can seek in a personal injury lawsuit, contact a dedicated attorney from Stathis & Leonardis. Our firm is committed to helping our clients secure the fair compensation they deserve.
