If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you may be awarded compensation. But, how does this work? In Florida, there are different types of compensation that the injured party can be awarded. Some forms of compensation are more common than others, and there are many factors taken into account when it comes to recovering compensation. So, what are the different types? Who gets awarded what? Read on for more information.
What Are the Most Common Types of Compensation?
Generally, the injured party in a personal injury case will be awarded economic and/or non-economic compensation.
Economic damages: An injury can be extremely expensive. Extended hospital stays and multiple surgeries can take a serious financial toll. If you are injured as a result of another party’s negligence, you should not be responsible for paying the resulting bills. These are quantifiable expenses. You can present a court with bills and other medical documents proving the financial toll the injury has taken on you.
Non-economic damages: An injury can impact you physically and emotionally in addition to financially. Non-economic damages are intended to help you with these burdens. For example, some injured parties have been awarded for things like pain and suffering, loss of independence, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
In some rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded.
What Are Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are not to award the injured party, but to punish the negligent party. The defendant is ordered to pay punitive damages in the hopes that he or she will be deterred from engaging in negligent behavior in the future.
When Are Punitive Damages Awarded?
Punitive damages are not awarded often. Instead, they are only involved in cases dealing with gross negligence. Essentially, the defendant has to have acted outrageously irresponsibly in order for punitive damages to be involved. For example, if a drunk driver permanently injures or kills someone, he or she will likely be ordered to pay punitive damages for his actions.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to another party’s negligence, contact our firm today to speak with a knowledgeable attorney.
Contact our experienced Florida firm
Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. Our firm also proudly handles insurance disputes, hurricane claims, fire loss claims, commercial litigation, and construction law matters. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.
