If you have been injured in an accident in Texas, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover the compensation you deserve. In looking at the compensation you may be able to recover, there are a number of factors that affect this total, most of which revolve around damages.
Damages generally fall under three main categories: economic, non-economic, and exemplary. In this article, we will explore the most common economic damages that you may be able to recover.
What are Economic Damages?
In learning about what economic damages you can recover in a Texas personal injury claim, it is first important to understand what they are. The term economic damages encompasses recoverable compensation that can be reasonably calculated and monetarily assessed.
These types of compensatory damages are also considered to be tangible. This differs from non-economic damages whose value is difficult to quantify and is therefore intangible.
Medical Expenses
If you were injured in an accident, you likely received medical care for the injuries you sustained. Medical expenses in terms of personal injury claims encompass ambulance rides, x-rays, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, hospitalizations, and bills. In recovering compensation for medical expenses, you must have accurate documentation and proof of any medical treatment you received.
Lost Wages
Another type of damage you may be able to recover in a personal injury claim is lost wages. This includes wages that you missed out on while you were out of work to recover and heal from your injury.
If the injuries you sustained leave you unable to carry out the duties of your current job and cause you to accept a lower-paying position, you may be able to recover the difference in wages. Additionally, if the injuries you sustained prohibit you from returning to your job altogether, you may be able to recover future lost wages.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Another type of recoverable damages in a personal injury claim is out-of-pocket expenses, which are additional expenses that you have incurred as a result of the injuries you sustained. Some common out-of-pocket expenses include the cost of transportation to medical appointments, the cost of a caregiver or nanny, or the cost of modifying your home to make it more accessible given your new disabilities or injuries.
Property Damage
Property damage is another type of recoverable economic damage. This type of damage is applicable if any of your property was damaged as a result of the accident. For example, if you were in a motor vehicle accident, and your car was damaged as well as your personal belongings inside, you may be able to recover compensation for these expenses.
However, in some cases, it can be difficult to accurately assess the value of the items due to personal, sentimental value, or general wear and tear. Nonetheless, recovering anything you can from property damage is still advised.
Recovering Damages
In order to recover the aforementioned economic damages, as well as any exemplary or non-economic damages for the injuries you sustained in an accident, you must file a personal injury claim. To file a claim, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced San Antonio accident attorney who is well-versed in the nuances of personal injury law in Texas.
An accident attorney can ease the legal burden, help gather evidence, create a convincing claim, and help you file the appropriate paperwork. Most importantly, a lawyer will help ensure that you recover maximum compensation for the injuries and distress that have resulted from the accident.
