What You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If you or a family member has been injured because of someone else’s negligence, you have a right to seek compensation for your physical, mental and financial losses. This compensation typically comes from insurance coverage that the negligent party holds.

A personal injury lawsuit may be necessary. The insurance company can either agree to a proper settlement, or your case will go to court.

Each case is different. The amount of compensation will vary depending on many factors that may come into play. However, when an experienced and dedicated personal injury attorney from Geoff McDonald & Associates takes your case, you can be assured that every opportunity for obtaining compensation for you will be fully pursued.

The following is a breakdown of different types of damages that typically are involved in a personal injury claim in Richmond and elsewhere in Virginia. To discuss your case, please call or contact us online. We can provide a consultation about your case at no charge to you.

Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

The injured party (plaintiff) in a personal injury lawsuit seeks to recover compensation (damages) from the party who is believed to have caused the injury (defendant).

These damages may be economic. If you are a plaintiff, you are seeking compensation for the expenses you have faced due to your injury and the expenses you may face in the future.

These damages typically include:

• Medical expenses – These include costs from emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, post-operative care, rehabilitation therapy and follow-up examinations and treatment. Damages for the cost of ongoing care, personal assistance, including transportation and assistive devices, may also be projected.
• Lost income – These damages include any income lost while away from work during recovery and due to a victim’s inability to return to previous employment because of a disability. A claim should take into account the value of fringe benefits and future earnings that will not be realized due to an injury.
• Property damage – Typically, these damages cover repair or replacement of a motor vehicle after an accident. This may also include other personal property or real property damaged in an accident.

Non-economic damages should also be considered in a negotiated settlement or determined by a jury. These damages account for:

• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Emotional distress.

In certain cases, a lawsuit may seek punitive damages if the defendant acted with reckless or malicious conduct that far exceeded ordinary negligence.

Contact a Richmond Personal Injury Attorney

Obtaining appropriate damages in a personal injury case starts with an investigation that accurately calculates the full extent of the injured party’s losses. This includes reviewing all medical records, employment records, bills and receipts. An attorney may also need to consult with economists, medical experts and life-care planners to determine a victim’s future needs and expenses.

The lawyers and investigators of Geoff McDonald & Associates explore every avenue when pursuing compensation for our clients. We believe that having an aggressive law firm on your side can make all the difference.

We have been protecting the rights of Virginia residents and their families for more than 20 years. We want to help you, too. Contact us today for a free review of your case. Don’t forget our No Fee Guarantee®, which means you won’t pay us unless we collect compensation for you.