Types of damages in a personal injury claim

When someone is injured due to the negligence or intentional actions of another party, they may have grounds for a personal injury claim and be entitled to compensation through legal action for damages from their injury. 

After an accident, knowing if you have a valid personal injury claim or how to proceed with legal action can be confusing, so understanding the types of damages that can be claimed is essential in evaluating your case. 



In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of damages that may be sought in a personal injury claim and how a personal injury attorney can use these to help assess your claim and get fair compensation for damages suffered.

What are the types of personal injury damages?

When assessing your personal injury claim, personal injury attorneys use different categories of damages that aim to describe the injury and its effects with the goal of compensating the injured party for their losses. These types of damages include:

Economic damages are tangible losses that can be easily quantified. These may include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and other financial losses resulting from the injury. Economic damages are typically the most straightforward type of damages to calculate, as they involve adding up specific costs incurred as a result of the injury.

Non-economic damages are more subjective and can therefore be more challenging to quantify. These may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and mental anguish. Non-economic damages are meant to compensate the injured party for the intangible losses they have experienced due to the injury.

Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant's actions were particularly egregious or intentional. These damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages are not awarded in every personal injury case, but they may be sought in cases where the defendant's behavior was especially reckless or malicious.

Loss of consortium damages may be available in cases where the injury has impacted the relationship between the injured party and their spouse or family members. This type of damage seeks to compensate for the loss of companionship, affection, and support that the injured party's loved ones have experienced as a result of the injury.

In some cases, a personal injury claim may also seek compensation for future damages that the injured party is expected to incur as a result of the injury. These may include future medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing treatment costs. Calculating future damages can be challenging, as it requires estimating the long-term impact of the injury on the injured party's life and finances.

Work With an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney

Overall, understanding the types of damages in a personal injury claim is essential for ensuring that the injured party receives fair compensation for their losses. It’s important to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can assess the specific circumstances of your injury and help you determine what types of damages may be available to you. 



Working with a skilled personal injury attorney, individuals can navigate the complexities of seeking various types of damages and maximize their chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in their case. By seeking all types of damages that you are entitled to, you can ensure that you receive the full compensation needed to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.

Contact the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo

If you want or need legal assistance, our experienced and trusted personal injury lawyers at the Law Offices of Jason M. Ranallo, P.C. have what it takes to fight an insurance company every step of the way. We settle cases through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and will go to trial if a fair and just settlement cannot be achieved.