Economic damages are easy to understand when it comes to accidents and injuries. Personal injuries will force you to pay for doctors and medical care. If you are unable to work, you will also have economic damages in the form of missed income while you take time off from work to recover. Financial damages are effectively anything that has an obvious dollar value.
However, there are also non-economic damages that an injured party may be able to recover damages for after an accident, such as pain and suffering, loss of consortium, lost sexual function, disfigurement, and emotional distress . Some of these damages might be overlooked unless you have an experienced injury lawyer on your side.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If you liked to play baseball, spend time in the garden, or run 5k marathons, you experienced value from these activities even though you didn’t receive money. Therefore, losing the ability to participate in these hobbies is considered a non-economic loss. The courts do allow injury victims to recoup money for this loss of enjoyment.
As a general rule, the courts will see non-economic damages as less important than economic ones. The amount that you are awarded for anything with a direct financial value will likely be higher than what you recover for your non-economic damages.
Quality of Life Is Important
One of the most important non-economic damages is the loss of quality of life. If you were an avid runner, becoming wheelchair bound will lead to major life changes. If you had an active job before and you lose the function of one of your hands, you may need to switch careers late in life.
The loss of your prior quality of life is a big issue if you are no longer able to live the life that you enjoyed prior to the accident. Quality of life is one of the most important types of non-economic damages that you could receive compensation for.
Understanding Non-Economic Damages
Essentially, non-economic damages are losses that that don’t actually cost you money. Because of this, it can be difficult to not only prove these types of losses, but you might also not even be aware of them yourself. An experienced accident lawyer can examine the details and help you figure out the true cost of the accident.
An Experienced Attorney Is Necessary
It isn’t easy to determine your own non-economic damages and their worth. Your attorney will be able to provide you with more information on how to calculate damages and get the compensation you deserve. Without a qualified legal team, you could overlook damages and miss out on compensation that could help you move forward.
If you have been injured in an accident and have questions regarding non-economic damages, make sure you have an experienced legal team on your side to help you get compensated. Call the attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates toll-free at 1-800-404-9000 or fill out the form below for a free consultation.
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Client Reviews
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Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.
Amber W.,
Spokane, WA
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My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.
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Spokane, WA
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I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.
Lacey B.,
Salt Lake City, UT
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I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.
J. Rohas,
Caldwell, ID
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My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.
Dollie J.,
West Jordan, UT