How Personal Injury Damages Cover Loss of Income
After a serious accident or injury, your life can be adversely affected in many ways. Some people are unable to return to work for several weeks, which can eat into vacation time. Others may be so seriously harmed that their career prospects are changed forever.
We have helped countless accident victims in the greater Salt Lake City area, offering expert legal representation and counsel. We'd like to consider damages in personal injury lawsuits right now, specifically damages that account for lost wages and earnings.
Severe Accidents Can Lead to Major Life Changes
If you have been involved in a serious accident of any kind, it can have lasting repercussions. In fact, some people may have their lives changed in fundamental ways. The loss of a limb can lead to major difficulties with daily life and your general livelihood. A severe spinal cord injury can render you paralyzed. A severe brain injury can irreparably alter your mood and motor skills.
In each of these tragic cases, your career can be negatively impacted. Because of this, it's important that you seek legal assistance. During a civil case, you may be able to receive compensation to account for your loss of immediate income as well as your loss of significant future earnings.
Damages in Personal Injury Cases
There are two kinds of damages in personal injury cases:
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Punitive Damages – These are intended to punish negligent parties.
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Compensatory Damages – These are intended to cover material losses related to an accident or injury.
When it comes to covering lost wages, this will be covered by compensatory damages.
Damages to Cover Immediate Loss of Income
When it comes to lost wages, this could refer to time off from work that must be spent recovering, or additional sick days and vacation days required to undergo medical procedures. Compensatory damages will take this time off from work and the wages lost as a result, factoring them into the damages sought in your case.
Damages to Cover Long-Term Loss of Earnings
If you suffer from a serious injury that renders you disabled in some way, you might not be able to pursue your career path any longer. Compensatory damages will take into account the loss of potential earnings in your future had the accident and injury never occurred. The estimated earnings that are tabulated will be based on reasonable assumptions about your career trajectory and earning potential.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help You
Personal injury cases can be complicated and drawn out affairs, requiring years of dedication and lots of patient. If you are not well versed in the legal process, this can be extremely frustrating. By working with a skilled attorney, you and your loved ones can focus on the recovery and healing process while an experienced legal professional focuses on legal filings and your best interests. The peace of mind can prove invaluable.
Learn More About Personal Injury Damages
For more information about your legal options in personal injury cases an how an attorney can provide you with expert legal representation, we encourage you to contact an experienced personal injury attorney today. We look forward to discussing these matters with you in greater detail.
