If you have suffered injury and loss in an accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation (or “damages”) for these. The aim of the compensation is to put you back in the position you were in before the accident occurred. There are several types of compensation which may be claimed and awarded in a personal injury claim, including:
- “General damages” – These are damages that compensate you for non-monetary losses, such as pain and suffering and loss of the ability to lead as full and useful a life after the accident. Of course, money can never really make things right, but an award of money for injuries is seen as the only practical way to reflect the impact of injuries upon a person. This is why the amount of general damages awarded will depend on the severity of your injury and how it has affected your life and day to day activities. This type of award, can also include compensation for a reduction in a person’s earning capacity, as a result of their injuries.
- “Special damages” – These are damages that compensate you for specific monetary losses, such as damage to your property, medical bills, lost wages, care and travel costs, to name a few. Special damages are intended to put you back in the financial position you would have been in if the accident had not occurred.
- Future damages: If your injury is expected to have long-term effects, you may be entitled to future damages to compensate for future medical treatment costs, lost wages, and other future costs.
It’s important to note that the amount of compensation awarded in a personal injury claim will vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case. To maximise your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve, it’s essential to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you navigate the legal system and build a strong case, to include all of the relevant “heads of claim”.
In conclusion, if you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover several different types of compensation, including those described above. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you determine the types of damages you may be entitled to and help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Please contact us if you have any queries.
