If you experience an injury due to another person’s negligence, you should consult a personal injury lawyer to receive compensation. They will help you file a lawsuit to claim appropriate payment, from medical bills to loss of work. However, damages tend to vary between cases, which can make it challenging to know what your case qualifies for. Below is more information about what compensation is available.

What Damages Are Available for Personal Injury Claims?

1. General

These are the damages that are challenging to measure, such as emotional distress, pain, and loss of enjoyment in life. Depending on the severity of the injury, the court may understand that you cannot function as well as before, such as if you lose a limb. However, if there’s no physical evidence that the injury is affecting your mental health, the court may order a professional evaluation to verify your request.

2. Special

These fall under the economic impact of the injury, especially since hospital stays, surgeries, and physical therapy sessions can add up quickly and become challenging to pay for yourself.

Plus, if you cannot work, the lack of income also contributes to the need for compensation. For example, a personal injury lawyer will examine the damage to your personal items—such as vehicles and electronic devices—to ensure that you get an appropriate amount to replace them.

3. Punitive

For the most significant and negligent injuries, a court may levy these damages against the defendant to dissuade them from acting the same way again. Typically, this happens due to purposeful neglect or repeated instances of the injury, such as refusing to clean up a spill.

However, it can be challenging to receive this type of compensation, as your personal injury lawyer must review the facts and history of the incident in depth. Punitive damages serve as a punishment for the defendant and hopefully encourage them to remain conscious of their actions in the future.

If you experience a workplace injury or automobile accident, contact Bothe & Lauridsen PC of Columbia Falls, MT. With more than 100 years of combined experience, these professionals have a reputation as being some of the best personal injury lawyers in the region. They maintain full licensing and certifications and will protect your rights. Learn more about their legal services by visiting their website. Call (406) 892-2193 to request a consultation.