What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri?

Personal injury claims can be complex and vary from state to state. If you are considering making a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri, it is important to understand the different types of damages that you may be able to recover. In this article, we will discuss the types of damages available to those who have suffered an injury in Fenton, Missouri.

What are Damages?

When a person has been injured as a result of another’s negligence or recklessness, they may be entitled to compensation for their losses. This compensation is known as “damages” and it is meant to reimburse the injured party for the harm they have suffered. Damages can take many forms, including both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to the financial losses that an individual has suffered as a result of their injury. Examples of economic damages include medical bills, lost wages due to time spent away from work recuperating, property damage, and other related costs.

In Fenton, Missouri, economic damages may also include future lost wages or loss of earning capacity if the injury causes long-term or permanent impairment. As well, individuals may also seek reimbursement for expenses related to rehabilitation or necessary medical treatments that they incurred due to their injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to the non-financial losses suffered by an individual due to an injury. Examples of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, emotional distress, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life activities, and loss of companionship. These types of damages are often difficult to quantify as they do not have a set monetary value and must be determined on a case-by-case basis.

In Fenton, Missouri, non-economic damages are capped at $400,000 for most personal injury cases. This limit does not apply in cases involving wrongful death or catastrophic injuries such as paralysis and brain injuries where the amount of non-economic damages may exceed $400,000 depending on the circumstances.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are not available in every personal injury case but may be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct by the defendant such as intentional harm or fraud. As opposed to compensatory damages which are meant to reimburse the plaintiff for their losses, punitive damages serve a punitive purpose; they are meant to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct in the future by making an example out of them. In Fenton, Missouri punitive damages are capped at five times the amount of compensatory damages awarded by the court.

In conclusion, those seeking compensation after being injured due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness in Fenton, Missouri may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages depending on their situation as well as potentially punitive damages if applicable. It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help guide you through this process and ensure that you receive all the compensation that you deserve for your losses.