The types of compensation known as “damages” that an injured party can pursue in a personal injury case are compensatory and punitive.
Compensatory damages seek to reimburse or compensate an injured party for the harm they have suffered, whereas punitive damages are awarded to punish the wrongdoer for egregious or despicable behavior that resulted in the injury.
General damages compensate an injured party for non-monetary damages resulting from the injury to include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium or companionship and other harms caused by the injury.
Special damages cover expenses or other monetary losses related to an injury. Some common types of special damages include loss of wages when someone is unable to work following an injury; loss of future earnings; medical bills incurred to treat the injury; future medical expenses; other expenses related to the injury.
Wrongful Death Claims
In the event that a loved one succumbs to their injuries, a wrongful death claim provides for the surviving family. Damages may include funeral and burial expenses, the cost of pre-death medical care; loss of financial contribution or other support; loss or companionship and consortium; other damages caused by the death of a loved one due to negligence.
Punitive Damages in a Personal Injury Case
Punitive damages are awarded to an injured party in cases that are particularly heinous or reprehensible such as aggravated battery or sexual assault. Punitive damages may also be awarded in cases of widespread harm such as a case involving defective products or health risks.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured, you can rely on Humphrey Law Firm to devote the highest level of care, preparation and attention to your case. Contact Iowa personal injury lawyer Marc Humphrey for a free evaluation of your case at 515-331-3510.
