What Are Non-Economic Damages?

When you’re seriously injured in an accident, you need compensation that covers all the types of suffering you’ve experienced. But those hardships and suffering, also called damages, aren’t always easy to calculate. You may even find yourself confused about some of the types of damages you’ve seen. 

That’s where the lawyers at Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. can help you. A Hastings personal injury lawyer near you can determine the types of damages you’ve suffered and how to get the compensation you’re due for your injuries. 

Defining Non-Economic Damages 

When you’re hurt in an accident, your personal injury claim may be focused on the economic damages, or financial suffering, you experienced at first. But that may not cover the extent of your damages. You may also be due compensation for the non-economic damages you suffered. 

Your non-economic damages cover the non-financial, intangible suffering you’re due for your injuries. These damages cover the mental and emotional pain you may have suffered, like the following: 

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium 
• Loss of enjoyment of life 
• Mental trauma
• Anxiety 

For example, you may have been struck by a car while crossing the street. In addition to your severe pain, you’re now afraid to cross the road, even when you’re clear to cross. That mental suffering can be included in your compensation. 

How to Calculate Non-Economic Damages 

When you’re hurt in a serious accident, you need compensation that covers your damages. But how do you determine what these damages are worth? When you’ve suffered an injury, like a broken bone, you can add up the financial costs like hospital bills. But what happens when your damages are intangible? 

Typically, your personal injury lawyer has the tools to calculate these non-economic damages based on the severity of your suffering and the impact your suffering had on your life. For example, a mild concussion may be distressing and leave you suffering for months, which may be due compensation. But permanent, severe brain damage may severely impact your quality of life for years to come. When this happens, you may be due more compensation for your intangible suffering. 

Unsure What Your Claim Is Worth? Call a Lawyer 

When you’re hurt in a serious accident, the lawyers at Conway, Pauley & Johnson P.C. are here to help you recover. We understand how tough determining your non-economic damages are, and we want to see your claim succeed. That’s why we offer free consultations to answer your questions and discuss your claim. 

When you’re ready to take advantage of your free consultation, reach out by calling 402-462-5187 or by completing the online contact form below.