What Are Noneconomic Damages In An Auto Accident Case?

AUTHOR: A.J. Bruning | August 4, 2015
What Are Noneconomic Damages In An Auto Accident Case?

After an auto accident there are two basic forms of damages that can be recovered: economic or noneconomic. Economic damages intend to compensate a victim of a car accident for monetary losses. They typically include compensation for property damage, medical bills, and lost earnings. This type of damage can typically be calculated based on repair service fees, medical bills, and calculations of expected wages. The more abstract form of damages are known as non-economic damages or compensation for pain and suffering.

Types of Noneconomic Damages

Noneconomic damages are losses or injuries that are suffered by the victim of the car accident, but are not defined in strictly monetary terms. The noneconomic damages directly correlate to the wrongful actions of the driver who caused the auto accident.1 Noneconomic damages include physical pain and suffering, physical disfigurement, physical impairment, mental anguish, lowered quality of life, and in cases where there is a death family members can receive loss of companionship damages.2

Determining Noneconomic Damages

Calculating the appropriate monetary compensation for a noneconomic damage can be a complex and difficult process. In order to determine noneconomic damages requires assigning a specific monetary value to a nonspecific and subjective injury.3 Common forms of pain and suffering include mental anguish, embarrassment, or anxiety.4 Depending on the extent of the injury or severity of the sufferings will affect the calculation process in determining noneconomic damages.

Why are Noneconomic Damages Important?

Economic damages helps to cover bills, expenses, and property loss. However, the effect an auto accident has on a person’s life is more than economic. Auto accidents often result in serious injury and impact on the quality of life a victim has, because the accident creates debilitating physical or emotional problems that reduce the capacity to enjoy life.5 The non-economic damages help to compensate a person for the losses that effect the enjoyment of life. By trying to recover noneconomic damages the goal is to bring a person as close as possible to the state they were at prior to the auto accident.6

Contact an Experienced St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you have been in a car accident you have a right to recover both economic and noneconomic damages for your injuries and suffering. Seeking the advice of an experienced auto accident attorney can help you to determine what claims should be filed and protect your rights and interests as a victim of a car accident. To contact an auto accident attorney for a free consultation please feel free to call the The Bruning Law Firm Law Firm at 314-735-8100.

References:

  1. http://www.alllaw.com/articles/nolo/personal-injury/special-general-damages.html
  2. https://centerjd.org/content/fact-sheet-understanding-non-economic-damages

A.J. Bruning

Founder

I was born and raised to represent individuals who have been needlessly injured. I mean that literally. At a young age my father would tell me about the clients he was representing. I would meet them and take pride in their admiration of my father. I always knew I wanted to be a lawyer and represent clients that needed my help.

Author's Bio

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