What types of damages can be recovered in a personal injury claim in Union, Missouri?

Personal injury claims are an important legal tool for those who have been injured due to the negligence of another person or entity. In Union, Missouri, individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of another may be able to recover damages for their injuries. Depending on the circumstances of the case, damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. In this article, we’ll discuss the types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim in Union, Missouri.

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages are intended to compensate an injured person for their losses. This type of award is meant to make the injured individual “whole” again by providing them with financial compensation for expenses incurred as a result of their injury. Compensatory damages typically include medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other out-of-pocket expenses. It’s important to note that compensatory damages are meant to reimburse the injured individual for actual losses; they cannot be used to punish the at-fault party for their negligent behavior.

Punitive Damages

In certain cases, an injured individual may also be able to pursue punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish a negligent party for their bad behavior and deter future negligent behavior. These types of awards are rare and are generally only available when the at-fault party acted with particularly reckless disregard for the safety of others or if they willfully intended to cause harm.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are intended to compensate an individual for intangible losses such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. These types of losses cannot be easily quantified in terms of monetary value; however, they can still have a major impact on an individual’s life. Non-economic damages help compensate an injured individual not just for their physical injuries but also for any psychological distress they may have suffered as a result of the accident or injury.

Loss of Consortium

Loss of consortium is a type of non-economic damage award that is intended to compensate an injured individual’s spouse or partner for losses related to the accident or injury. This type of award recognizes that spouses or partners can suffer significant emotional distress due to an injury sustained by their loved one and provides them with financial compensation for this distress. Loss of consortium awards may cover such things as loss of companionship, support, and services previously provided by the injured party.

In Union, Missouri, individuals who have been injured due to another’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for their losses through a personal injury claim. Depending on the circumstances surrounding their case, these individuals may be able to recover compensatory damages such as medical bills and lost wages as well as non-economic awards such as pain and suffering and loss of consortium. Punitive damages may also be available under certain conditions; however, these awards are much less common than compensatory or non-economic awards. Regardless of what type(s) of damages they are pursuing, it is important that those seeking compensation in Union consult with a qualified personal injury attorney before filing a claim so that they can ensure all potential losses are properly addressed in their lawsuit.