What types of damages can I seek in a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri?
When it comes to seeking damages for a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri, it’s important to understand the different types of compensation that may be available. From medical bills to lost wages and other costs, there are many different kinds of damages that may be sought.
One of the most common types of damages sought in a personal injury claim is what is called compensatory damages. This type of damage is designed to make the plaintiff “whole” again, by covering the costs associated with their injury. For instance, if an individual was injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, they may seek compensatory damages to cover medical bills, lost wages due to time off work for recovery, and other related costs.
In addition to compensatory damages, plaintiffs may also be able to seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are not awarded as a form of compensation, but instead as a form of punishment for the defendant’s negligent or intentional actions. For example, if an individual suffered a severe injury due to another person’s reckless behavior, a court may award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
In some cases, plaintiffs may also be able to seek non-economic damages. While economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical bills and lost wages, non-economic damages are designed to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, humiliation or loss of enjoyment of life. Non-economic damages are typically much more difficult to calculate than economic ones, as they depend on subjective factors such as the extent of physical and emotional injuries sustained by the plaintiff.
Finally, plaintiffs may also be able to seek attorney’s fees if their case goes to trial or is settled out of court. Attorney’s fees are designed to cover any legal costs associated with pursuing a personal injury claim, including filing fees, discovery costs, expert witness fees and other related expenses. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the case, attorney’s fees can be substantial and should always be taken into consideration when calculating potential damages.
All in all, when it comes to seeking damages for a personal injury claim in Fenton, Missouri there are many different types that can be sought. Compensatory damages are designed to make the plaintiff “whole” again by covering tangible losses such as medical bills and lost wages; punitive damages are meant as a form of punishment for the defendant’s negligent or intentional actions; non-economic damages are intended to compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering; and attorney’s fees can be sought if a case goes to trial or is settled out of court. It is important for plaintiffs in Fenton Missouri to understand all potential forms of compensation so that they can make an informed decision about whether or not they wish to pursue a personal injury claim.