What type of damages can I recover in a personal injury claim in Carthage, Missouri?

When individuals in Carthage, Missouri suffer an injury due to the negligence of another person or party, they may be entitled to seek financial compensation for their damages. Personal injury claims are designed to reimburse victims for the losses they incur as a result of their injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, there are numerous types of damages that may be recovered in a personal injury claim in Carthage, Missouri.

The most common type of damages an individual can recover in a personal injury claim is economic damages, also referred to as “compensatory damages.” These damages are intended to compensate the victim for the financial losses they incur due to the accident. Economic damages typically include medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Medical expenses refer to any costs associated with treating an individual’s injury such as hospital bills, doctor visits, medications, and physical therapy. Lost wages refer to any income lost due to an individual being unable to work due to their injuries. Property damage refers to any damage done to an individual’s vehicle or other personal property as a result of the accident.

In addition to economic damages, individuals may also be entitled to recover non-economic damages in their personal injury claim in Carthage, Missouri. Non-economic damages are designed to compensate victims for any non-financial losses they incur due to their injuries such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. Non-economic damages are typically more difficult to calculate than economic damages since they do not involve any out-of-pocket expenses; instead, these types of damages are usually awarded based on how severe an individual’s injury is and how it has affected their life.

Finally, individuals may also be entitled to recover punitive damages in their personal injury claim in Carthage, Missouri. Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for their reckless or careless behavior that caused the accident while discouraging similar behavior in the future. Punitive damages are rarely awarded since courts require clear and convincing evidence that a defendant engaged in particularly egregious conduct that caused harm before punitive damages will be considered; however, when they are awarded, they can significantly increase the total amount of compensation an individual receives for their personal injury claim.

It is important for individuals who have been injured as a result of another person or party’s negligence in Carthage, Missouri to understand all of the different types of damages available under personal injury law so that they can receive fair compensation for their losses. By understanding what types of damages can be recovered in a personal injury claim, individuals can ensure that they receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for their injuries.