When car accidents happen, we typically think about tangible, monetary damages. A broken taillight, a ruined front-end, a shattered windshield—these are examples of economic damages, since they have a resulting economic cost associated with the repairs. However, anyone who has been through an accident will tell you there’s a lot more than just the costs associated with calculable damage that can be expensive. Understanding these extra-tangible damages is critical to not only having a better idea of what to expect when it happens to you, but also understanding what you’re entitled to as far as monetary compensation if an accident happens .
It’s always important to consult a qualified and experienced Louisiana car accident attorney to review your case and make an assessment. Before filing a case, however, it’s critical to have an understanding of the differences between economic and non-economic damages after a car accident.
Understanding Economic Damages
Economic damages are self-explanatory. If there’s an economic cost associated with the damage(s), it’s considered economic in nature.
These are a few of the most common economic damages you can expect to encounter in a car accident:
- Medical Expenses: Whether they’re past, present, or future, a liable party would have to compensate you for medical-related damages. Ambulance costs, medicine, therapy, and other associated medical expenditures can all be subject to compensation.
- Lost Earning Capacity or Wages: If an injury prevents you from being able to work in the present or sometime in the future, you may be entitled to rightful compensation. This is one of the more common economic damages you can expect.
Non-Economic Damages
Not all damages after an accident have a precise, calculable cost. Others, like pain and suffering or emotional trauma, are largely intangible and relative to the sufferer’s experience. However, if it can be documented in detail how these damages occurred, a sufferer could claim compensation from another party. Because of the emotional trauma associated with car accidents, it’s not uncommon that the ensuing costs are tremendously high.
These are just a few of the non-economic damages a plaintiff could claim following a car accident:
- Pain and suffering: If the injuries were particularly debilitating or occurred in exceptionally traumatic circumstances, a plaintiff could file for compensation due to pain and suffering.
- Death, disfigurement, or disability: It’s not always easy to put a precise price-tag on these kinds of circumstances, but death, disability, and permanent disfigurement are common consequences in major car accidents.
To learn whether your accident qualifies you for economic or non-economic damages, it’s best to consult a Louisiana personal injury attorney.
Get Compensation for Your Damages Following a Car Accident
Not sure if you’re eligible for non-economic or economic damages? No problem. Let us review your case. At the Law Offices of E. Orum Young, we’ve helped our clients battle against overwhelming damages associated with post-accident injuries for 35 years and counting, and we can do the same for you and your family.
If you’re entitled to compensation, we can help you get it. The road starts with a free consultation and case review with one of our qualified accident attorneys. Give us a call 24/7 at (318) 814-9352 or complete our online contact form.
