Unfortunately, accidents leave behind a trail of damages, whether they be physical, mental, or financial. You should not have to endure these losses alone, especially if the accident was of no fault of your own. Instead, you should file a personal injury claim to recover the financial awards that you rightfully deserve. Find out the difference between economic and non-economic damages and how one of the proficient Queens personal injury attorneys at The Law Offices of George Poulos can assist you with processing your claim.
Economic vs. non-economic damages in a personal injury claim. What is the difference?
Economic damages refer to tangible losses that you suffered or will suffer as a result of your accident. Examples include medical expenses and lost wages, among others. Particularly, property damage is a relevant example if you were involved in an auto accident. If this is your case, it is in your best interest to work with a talented car accident lawyer in Queens.
On the other hand, non-economic damages refer to losses that do not come with such tangible documentation. Common kinds of non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of consortium, emotional distress, and disability, among others.
The key difference between the two is that economic damage claims are intended to restore your original financial condition, and non-economic damage claims are intended to compensate for any type of suffering related to your accident.
If you believe that you require a financial award to recover the damages of your accident, regardless of whether it is economic or non-economic, do not hesitate in reaching out to our firm today.
What is the process for claiming economic and non-economic damages?
It is not unusual that your insurance company will be quick to negotiate a settlement that is not sufficient enough to cover all of your damages. This is when your attorney will jump in to conduct an independent investigation of your damages so as to negotiate a full settlement on your behalf. If this negotiation cannot be settled, this is when you will need to file a personal injury claim, where you will be required to recap the specific damages you are seeking to recover.
What evidence do I need for these damages?
Collecting proof of your economic damages is relatively easy, so long as you retain the proper medical bills, past pay stubs, and expense receipts to support your claims.
Proof of non-economic damages may be a bit more challenging, as they do not come with the same kind of tangible documentation. However, what commonly gives the jury enough information to justify your claims is a personal account of the accident and its psychological aftermath. Also, you can provide a doctor’s note or a therapist’s note that emphasizes the pain and suffering you have endured.
Contact our Firm
The Law Offices of George Poulos is an experienced Workers’ Compensation, personal injury, and Social Security Disability law firm with offices in Queens and the Bronx. If you require strong legal representation, contact our firm today.