If you were injured in a car accident, you’re probably going to leave a pretty long paper trail. Hospital bills, doctor’s expenses, prescriptions, and other costs add up quickly. 

But don’t worry –  you may be able to have those things paid for you. The party responsible for your injury may pay it back through two types of compensation called “special damages” and “general damages.”

Keep reading to learn more about personal injury damages and how they can help you move past your injury.

Special (Economic) Damages

Calculable Out-of-Pocket Costs & Monetary Losses Related to the Accident

“Special damages” (also known as “economic damages”) are those which are easily calculable, for which at least a partial dollar amount can be determined.

They’re usually fairly easy to secure. Just make sure you hold on to all invoices, bills, and statements that you receive as a result of your treatment for injuries suffered in the accident.

If you qualify for this type of personal injury damages, you may be able to recover compensation for:

• Cost of medical treatment (past and future)
• Cost of transportation
• Cost of hiring assistance for household tasks that the injured party can no longer perform
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Property damage

Click here to learn more about special damages in Louisiana.

Calculating Special Damages

As discussed, special damages are generally pretty easy to calculate because the total amount has already been spent, or there’s a documented record of the lost money.

Let’s say that Ann was injured in a car accident. She received treatment in the ER, a doctor’s office, and a physical therapy practice. All of that treatment totaled $9,000. Ann’s new $1,200 laptop was also damaged in the accident, and she had to pay $3,000 to fix her car, plus $300 to have it towed from the scene. 

That adds up to $13,500 that Ann can claim in special damages.

The situation may get more complex when you factor in the cost of future medical care or future wage loss, but a competent attorney, solid evidence, and sound witnesses will make the difference.

General (Non-Economic) Damages

Incalculable Lifestyle Changes as a Result of the Accident

By definition, general or “non-economic” damages cannot be calculated with certainty.

This is because of the categories included in general damages. There’s no set value for things like mental anguish and pain and suffering, so awards for general damages can vary greatly from case to case.

That’s why it’s important to hire a good attorney. A competent lawyer will work to get you maximum compensation, even in cases where a judge is notoriously tightfisted.

You may be able to recover the following types of general damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental/emotional anguish
• Loss of companionship
• Lower quality of life
• Physical disfigurement or impairment

General damages are certainly more difficult to calculate than special damages, but that doesn’t mean they’re impossible to recover.

An experienced personal injury attorney in Lake Charles will put your best interests first and fight for every penny of the compensation you need. Call The Johnson Firm today at (337) 427-8961.

Getting You Maximum Compensation for Personal Injury Damages

Car accident-related bills pile up fast. Between medical bills, equipment, prescriptions, and paying for property damage, you could sink into a financial hole before you realize it. If you were in a wreck, don’t assume you’re out of options.

The expert personal injury attorneys at The Johnson Firm in Lake Charles, Louisiana will hold the negligent party accountable and get you the compensation you deserve. Call (337) 427-8961 now.