How Are Damages Calculated in a Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Personal injury lawsuits are based on the negligence of another party, and in your lawsuit, you will seek compensation for the covered losses – or legal damages – you suffer. Some of these losses are straightforward in nature and are, therefore, fairly easy to calculate, while others are more challenging. Because your recovery is likely to hinge on your ability to obtain just compensation that covers your damages in their entirety, having an experienced Chicago personal injury attorney in your corner is in your best interest. 

Compensatory Damages

In general, the losses you experience (in your Illinois personal injury claim) are referred to as compensatory, which means they are meant to compensate you for the expenses you face as a result of the accident in question. The idea is to put you back together – or make you whole again – from a financial perspective (to the degree possible). Some of these compensatory damages are easier to associate with a value than others are.

Property Damage

If your vehicle is damaged in a traffic accident, it is an example of property damage, and a total cost can be calculated. 

Medical Bills

While it is not difficult to tabulate the medical expenses associated with your personal injury claim, it is important to remember that if your injuries are serious, your medical costs can be ongoing. Addressing your overall medical costs, including future needs, is essential when it comes to successfully covering your complete losses and allowing you the best chance of fully recovering possible. 

Lost Income

After being injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you’ll need to focus on your recovery, which often means time lost on the job and lost income. This is a category of damage that is not difficult to tally, but any lost earning potential or associated emotional losses must also be factored in. 

Pain and Suffering and Other Non-economic Losses

Some of the losses you experience may be non-economic in nature, which means that there is not a specific price tag associated but that is a loss, nonetheless. These non-economic damages can include all the following:

• Your physical and emotional pain and suffering
• The emotional distress you endure.
• Your loss of enjoyment in life
• Your loss of consortium, which refers to the losses you experience in terms of your relationship with your spouse, such as decreased companionship or intimacy

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are far less common than compensatory damages. In those cases in which the at-fault party’s negligence is particularly egregious or reckless, however, punitive damages that are intended to punish him or her may be awarded by the court. 

Consult with an Experienced Chicago Personal Injury Attorney Today

The seasoned personal injury attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., in Chicago are committed to helping you build your strongest claim in pursuit of compensation that fairly addresses your total damages. Your claim is important, so please don’t wait to reach out and contact us for more information today