Before filing a personal injury suit, one of the first questions someone may ask is, “How much is my case worth?” The answer varies for everyone and ultimately depends on the general and special damages a plaintiff claims. But what are special damages in a personal injury case?
Learn more about the different types of compensable special damages below.
Special Damages vs. General Damages Explained
While not every lawsuit ends with the plaintiff receiving financial compensation, injured parties could pursue damages from an at-fault party. Personal injury cases typically see plaintiffs claim two types of damages: general and special.
Special damages refer to the economic losses stemming from an accident, while general damages involve non-economic losses. Some examples of special damages in injury cases include:
- Related medical bills
- Injury rehabilitation costs
- Emergency transportation costs
- Lost wages
- Property damage repair costs
Say a car accident lands someone in the hospital with serious injuries, totals their vehicle, and leaves them unable to work for several weeks. If they pursue a personal injury lawsuit, they may be in a position to seek compensation for their medical treatment, lost income, and vehicle replacement.
Assessing Damages in Personal Injury Claims
What are special damages in a personal injury case, and how do you calculate them? Since they focus on economic losses, calculating special damages in personal injury claims tends to be more straightforward than calculating non-economic damages.
Preserving evidence is key when calculating losses. To support your claim, provide your legal team with relevant financial documents that highlight your special damages, such as:
- Medical bills, including doctor’s visits, hospitalizations, and emergency transportation
- Pharmacy receipts for prescriptions
- Vehicle repair estimates
- Home modification costs if an injury requires them
- Time sheets showing missed work
- Pay stubs highlighting your income, or lack thereof
You may be able to claim any of these damages in your lawsuit, depending on your case’s unique circumstances.
Why Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer in San Jose, CA?
Accidents can happen at any time and leave you facing an uncertain future. Unexpected injuries could lead to steep medical bills and reduced earning capacity, in addition to emotional distress and a potential loss of enjoyment of life. The role of a personal injury lawyer in San Jose, CA, is to represent those who have been hurt in accidents stemming from another party’s negligence.
A qualified attorney can review evidence, assess your potential damages, and recommend a legal strategy. And while filing a lawsuit doesn’t automatically lead to compensation, seeking legal representation can give you a certain peace of mind.
Hann Law Firm May Be Able To Help You
What are special damages in a personal injury case? Can you claim both types of damages? What are the lawsuit preparation steps to be aware of?
If you’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence, it’s normal to have questions about your next steps. Contact Hann Law Firm to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney. We proudly serve Northern California communities and remain committed to seeking justice for our clients.
Call (408) 755-9793 today to request a free consultation.
