What types of damages are available in a personal injury claim in Hermann, Missouri?

The Right to Compensation: Personal Injury Claims in Hermann, Missouri

When you’re injured in an accident, the law gives you the right to seek compensation for your damages. But navigating the legal system can be a daunting task, and understanding the limits of personal injury claims in Hermann, Missouri can be confusing. To help you understand what types of damages are available in a personal injury claim in Hermann, Missouri, we’ve outlined the most common types of damages and what you need to know to pursue a case.

The Basics of Personal Injury Claims

In order to make a successful claim for personal injury damages, it must be proven that another person or party was negligent and caused your injuries as a result. This means that an individual or company failed to act with reasonable care and their careless behavior directly resulted in your injuries. If negligence is established, then you may have a valid claim for damages resulting from your injuries.

Types of Damages Available

In Hermann, Missouri, there are two main types of damages available when filing a personal injury claim: economic and non-economic damages. Both types of damages are designed to compensate you for losses related to your injury.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are designed to compensate you for financial losses related to your injury. This type of damage includes medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, and any other financial costs related to your injury such as transportation expenses, childcare costs, or home modifications needed due to your injury. Economic damages also include any estimated future medical bills or lost wages that may result from your injury.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate you for losses that cannot be easily quantified such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life activities, or disfigurement. The amount awarded for non-economic damages depends on the severity and duration of pain and suffering as well as the impact on your quality of life. Non-economic damages can also include punitive damages which are designed to punish defendants who have acted with extreme negligence or recklessness which resulted in an injury or death.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not available in every case but can be awarded when a defendant’s actions were so egregious that they deserve additional punishment or deterrence from future misconduct. In these cases, punitive damages are awarded over and above economic and non-economic damages and are intended to punish the defendant and ensure similar incidents do not occur in the future.

Understanding Your Rights

When it comes to filing a personal injury claim in Hermann, Missouri it is important to understand what types of damages may be available to you before making any decisions about how best to proceed with your case. By understanding what economic and non-economic losses may be recoverable through a successful claim for personal injury damages, you can better prepare yourself for the legal process ahead while seeking appropriate compensation for your injuries.