Have you been a victim of a horrific car accident in Philadelphia? There are different types of compensation you can file if you decide to file a lawsuit; compensatory damages and punitive damages. So, what are compensatory and punitive damages? If this is your first time to hear these law terms, let me give you a quick brief and what you must do to get the right compensation.
Definition of Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are the claims that can be quantified as expenses. Most victims of car accidents according to a Philadelphia attorney will get compensatory damages for any of the following listed below:
- Medical expenses
Any hospital bill incurred while getting treated from your injuries after a car accident could be claimed as medical expenses such as doctor’s visits, use of medical devices and instruments to diagnose your present condition as well as those expenses that will cover future rehabilitation.
- Loss of daily wages or earnings
Whether you are employed or run a business, you are also entitled to loss of income due to the car accident injury. If your injury resulted in a case of permanent disability, a percentage of what you will earn in the coming years will also be computed and given as part of your compensation.
- Loss or damages to property
If the major collision with another vehicle led to the total destruction of your car, you are entitled to reimbursement for repairs or purchased of a new vehicle. The amount you will receive in purchasing a new car will be based on the prevailing market value of your damaged car.
Definition of General Damages
According to a lawyer in Philly, “general damages” are also another type of compensatory damages, but cannot be quantified in terms of bills or medical reports. They refer mostly on the pain or discomfort felt by the victim of a car accident and can be divided into the following classifications:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental (psychological suffering)
- Loss of interest to enjoy life
- Loss of consortium ( received by the spouses left behind after the car accident)
Definition of Punitive Damages
These types of damages are rare and if the court together the jury found the defendant’s action to be malicious or outrageous, they may file punitive damages and are meant to punish specifically the defendant and prevent him or her from doing the same action in the future.
How to determine which type of damages to file in a car accident case?
You will need an expert lawyer with a solid track record of handling car accident cases to assess if your compensation claim after a recent car accident has legal grounds and considered valid under the Philadelphia car accident rules.
Don’t let your doubts about whether you should file a lawsuit or not prevent you from receiving whatever compensation you really deserve. This is the appropriate time to consult a Car Accident Lawyer in Philadelphia and be guided on your next action to make.
