Individuals injured in a motor vehicle accident such as an SUV accident or other type of accident that results from the negligence of another party may wonder what types of damages are available to them through a personal injury or other legal claim. In general, damages are based on the type of harm the victim has suffered and can fall into several broad categories including damages for physical harm suffered, financial harm suffered and emotional harm suffered.
Economic damages are based on the harm suffered by the victims, and in some cases victim’s family members, and can be for harm suffered during and following the accident. Victims may be able to recover medical expenses, as well as future medical expenses if they are able to demonstrate that they will require medical care in the future as a result of the accident. In addition, victims may also be able to recover lost wages and lost earning capacity if the victim can demonstrate that their ability to earn money in the future has been diminished by the harm suffered in the accident. The victim’s age, health, life expectancy, training, experience, talents, skills and occupation will be evaluated to determine lost earning capacity damages.
Victims of motor vehicle accidents such as SUV accidents may also be able to recover damages for permanent disability if a doctor establishes that the victim was left permanently disabled by the accident. Victims may also be able to recover a number of different types of damages associated with the emotional toll of the accident, including pain and suffering damages and damages for mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of society and companionship and loss of consortium.
Additional damages may also be available, as damages are calculated based on the injuries and harm the victim has suffered. Personal injury damages are intended to compensate the victim for the harm they have suffered and allow the victim to focus on the future, recovery and healing from the unexpected harm associated with the accident.
Source: Injury.findlaw.com, “Economic Recovery for Accidents and Injuries,” Accessed Nov. 24, 2015
