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

When it comes to personal injury claims, Kirksville, Missouri residents have a range of damages that they can pursue in order to receive the compensation they deserve. Depending on the circumstances, individuals may be able to pursue both economic and non-economic damages. In this article, we will explore the types of damages that are available in a personal injury claim in Kirksville, Missouri.

Economic Damages

The most common type of damages available in a personal injury claim in Kirksville, Missouri are economic damages. These damages are designed to provide compensation for an individual’s out-of-pocket expenses related to their injury or illness. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, property repairs or replacement costs, and other financial losses related to the incident.

In some cases, individuals may also be entitled to compensation for future economic losses such as future medical bills or lost wages due to a disability caused by their injury. To receive these types of damages, however, individuals must be able to demonstrate that their injury is likely to have a lasting effect on their finances.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to any type of compensation that does not directly involve money. These types of damages are typically awarded for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium (or the ability to enjoy life with one’s spouse), and loss of enjoyment of life.

In order to recover non-economic damages, an individual must be able to demonstrate how the incident has impacted their quality of life in a meaningful way. For example, if an individual suffered an injury that resulted in chronic pain or a disability that prevented them from engaging in activities they once enjoyed, they may be entitled to compensation for the resulting mental anguish and emotional distress.

Punitive Damages

In some cases, individuals may also be entitled to punitive damages when suing for personal injury in Kirksville, Missouri. Punitive damages are intended to punish the responsible party and deter them from engaging in similar behavior in the future. To recover punitive damages, however, individuals must be able to prove that the responsible party acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent.

It is important to note that punitive damages are rarely awarded and even when they are requested they are often reduced or eliminated due to state limitations on how much can be recovered through this type of damage award. As such, it is essential that individuals speak with an experienced attorney before pursuing punitive damages in their case.

Conclusion

When filing a personal injury claim in Kirksville, Missouri it is important for individuals to understand what types of damages are available under state law. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the severity of the resulting injuries or illnesses, individuals may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages as well as punitive damages in certain cases. To ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation possible for your injuries it is recommended that you speak with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options under state law.