What kinds of damages can I claim in a personal injury case in Willow Springs, Missouri?

When you’ve been injured in an accident, the last thing you want to do is think about the legal implications. But if you’ve been injured in Willow Springs, Missouri, it is important to understand what kinds of damages can be claimed in a personal injury case. Knowing what the law allows for damages can help you make informed decisions about your case and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

The most common type of damages that are typically sought in a personal injury case in Willow Springs, Missouri are compensatory damages. These damages are meant to compensate the plaintiff for any losses they have suffered due to the injury, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Compensatory damages can also include punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for negligent or intentional behavior that led to the injury.

In addition to compensatory damages, a plaintiff may also be able to seek non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Non-economic damages are not meant to compensate the plaintiff for any out of pocket expenses they incurred due to their injury but instead are meant to address the intangible effects of an accident. These types of damages may include compensation for physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish.

In some cases, a plaintiff may also be able to seek punitive damages from the defendant. This type of damage is designed to punish the defendant and deter similar conduct in the future by making them pay additional money on top of their compensatory and non-economic damages. Punitive damages are typically awarded in cases where a defendant acted with gross negligence or intentional harm towards another person.

Finally, a plaintiff may also be able to seek attorney fees from the defendant if they hire an attorney to represent them in their case. Attorney fees refer to the amount charged by an attorney for their services in handling a personal injury claim. If successful in their case, a plaintiff may be able to recover these costs from the defendant as part of their settlement or award from court.

Understanding what kinds of damages are available to you in Willow Springs, Missouri can help you make informed decisions about your case and ensure that you receive a fair settlement. Compensatory and non-economic damages are generally available for cases involving injury due to negligence or intentional harm while punitive damages may only be available in certain circumstances. Additionally, if you hire an attorney for your case you may be able to recover attorney fees from the defendant as part of your settlement or award from court.