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

If you have been involved in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness in Forsyth, Missouri, you may be eligible to pursue a personal injury claim. Personal injury claims are designed to provide compensation for the physical, emotional and financial damages that can result from an accident. The types of damages that can be recovered in a personal injury claim vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the laws of the state. In this article, we will take a look at some of the types of damages that may be available to you if you are pursuing a personal injury claim in Forsyth, Missouri.

Economic Damages

Economic damages refer to tangible losses that are measurable and can be calculated with a specific dollar amount. This includes losses such as medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses that were incurred as a result of the accident. In order to recover economic damages in your personal injury claim, it is important to have documentation of these expenses and losses.

Non-economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that cannot easily be calculated with a specific dollar amount. This includes things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, scarring or disfigurement, and loss of consortium or companionship. These damages are typically more difficult to prove because they are not as easily measured as economic damages. However, there are ways to prove non-economic damages in your personal injury claim such as through medical records and testimony from family members or friends who can speak to how your injuries have affected your quality of life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the negligence or recklessness of the defendant was particularly egregious or intentional. These types of damages are designed to punish the defendant for their behavior rather than provide compensation for your losses. In Forsyth, Missouri punitive damages may only be awarded when it is proven that the defendant acted with malice or willful disregard for safety. Punitive damages are typically much higher than economic or non-economic damages and can significantly increase the total amount awarded in a personal injury claim.

Other Types Of Damages

In addition to economic, non-economic and punitive damages discussed above, there are other types of damages that may be available depending on the circumstances of your case. For instance, if you were injured due to a defective product you may be able to pursue a product liability claim which would allow you to recover additional damages such as attorney fees and costs associated with returning or replacing the defective product. Additionally, if you were injured due to another party’s intentional conduct such as assault or battery you may be able to pursue an intentional tort claim which could provide additional compensation for things like punitive damages or pain and suffering.

Conclusion
It is important to remember that each case is unique and the types of damages available will depend on the facts surrounding your particular situation. If you have been injured in an accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness in Forsyth, Missouri it is important to seek legal advice so you can understand all of your options and determine what types of compensation may be available to you through a personal injury claim.