The damages that are available in a personal injury claim can vary. In general, your personal injury damages may include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, wrongful death and loss of companionship.
Paying for Medical Bills Following an Injury Accident
Medical compensation is payable to a plaintiff for medical bills arising from the injuries caused by the defendant. This may include hospitalization, physical therapy, nursing home stays and more. The medical portion of damages should include every medical expense the plaintiff incurs as well as projected future costs for treatment as applicable.
Compensation for Missed Work Following in Injury
Often times when someone is injured they will inevitably miss work. Compensation for lost wages may be awarded as damages in your personal injury claim. This includes payment for missed days of work as a consequence of the injury or treatment of the injury. If a plaintiff is permanently or partially unable to work because of the injury, there may be additional damages awarded.
Pain and Suffering Awards
Significant injuries may result in large damages for pain and suffering. The type of injury you suffer, the nature of your medical treatment and the expected recovery period are all indicators to an insurance company of the degree of pain and suffering you have endured. Damages for emotional distress may also be awarded when someone has suffered a devastating injury.
Des Moines Wrongful Death
If your family member has been killed as a result of someone’s negligence or an intentional act, you may have standing to bring a wrongful death action. Generally, wrongful death statutes allow a representative of the decedent, or the decedent’s estate, to sue for civil damages, including damages for grief, sorrow, and mental suffering. Loss of companionship damages may factor in when a family member loses their relationship to the victim because of death or a severe injury.
Punitive Damages in a Personal Injury Case
If the circumstances of the injury accident are particularly egregious, a court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter others from the same behavior that led to the injury or fatality.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a family member has been injured, contact the Des Moines personal injury law offices of Stoltze & Stoltze PLC for help. Our experienced and compassionate attorney team will help you to get the compensation that you need to recover financially from an injury accident and hold individuals and companies accountable for their negligence. If you have been injured on-the-job, we can offer you representation for your workers’ compensation or third party claim. Email or call our offices today for help at 515-244-1473.
