Different Types of Damages that can be Recovered in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims

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Whether you have sustained injuries or lost a loved one in an accident, you need the right Colorado Personal Injury Attorneys who know the profound impact it has on your life. Also, a good attorney understands that there is no amount of monetary compensation that will make your life the way it used to be before the accident. But, they can help you seek justice and get the compensation you deserve by holding the party that caused the accident accountable. In Colorado, you can recover certain types of damages in personal injury or wrongful death cases. 

Compensatory Damages

You can recover these damages if you have incurred demonstrable expenses and losses because of your accident and injuries. Compensatory damages reimburse you for any losses that resulted from the conduct of the at-fault party. Below are the different types of compensatory damages available for injured victims of negligence in Colorado:

  • Economic damages. These are out-of-pocket financial losses you incurred because of your accident. They include medical-related expenses, lost wages, funeral costs, and essential services such as home and yard care. 
  • Non-economic damages. These damages are meant to compensate victims for intangible, non-monetary losses related to an injury like physical and emotional distress, grief, pain and suffering, and anxiety. In the case of wrongful death, these damages would include the loss of support and consortium that the surviving relative suffered.
  • Physical impairment damages. These damages are calculated separately from other categories. They include pain and suffering that resulted from a permanent impairment like neurological damage, cosmetic disfigurements, and others. 

Punitive Damages

Typically, these damages are awarded if the defendant acted with malice, fraud, or willful misconduct. They are intended to punish the defendant for their wrongful behavior and deter future wrongful behavior. This includes reckless and dangerous behavior, without regard for other people’s rights and safety. In Colorado, punitive damages may not exceed the amount awarded to plaintiffs for compensatory damages. 

As an injured accident victim, you must seek legal counsel to property determine the damages to which you are owed. Keep in mind that after you are compensated for your injury, you can’t return to the courts to demand further compensation related to your injury. This is a fact even if you suffer a permanent injury that requires long-term medical attention. The right personal injury attorney will use legal resources and expert witnesses to accurately project the current and future losses and expenses you can expect.