What Damages Can I Recover After An Accident?

Whether an accident caused property damage, injuries or both, a victim has the right to seek compensation if they are found to be 50 percent or less at fault. In Pennsylvania, recoverable damages include: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory Damages: Compensatory damages include economic and noneconomic (pain and suffering) damages.

Economic Damages

The economic, or special damages, cover any costs accrued as a direct result of a personal injury or wrongful death accident. These damages can include things like:

  • Hospital bills
  • Doctor’s visits
  • Prescriptions
  • Funeral expenses
  • Burial costs
  • Pay lost because of time away from work
  • Pay lost because of reduced working capacity

Pain And Suffering Damages

The noneconomic, or pain and suffering damages, include such items as:

  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Physical disfigurement
  • Physical impairment
  • Embarrassment and humiliation
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of consortium
  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of ability to enjoy the pleasures of life

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages, on the other hand, are sought in civil cases where a victim or the victim’s family believes that in order to get a sense of justice, punitive measures should be taken. These types of damages, which are also known as exemplary damages, aim to punish the defendant for their actions as well as deter others from making similarly negligent decisions. Punitive damages are typically only sought in cases where an at-fault party’s actions go beyond mere negligence, such as if the at-fault party knowingly put another person in harm’s way or held a blatant disregard for their actions.

We Are Your Guides Through It All

If you’re facing the overwhelming burden of filing a personal injury or wrongful death claim, you may be asking, “Do I really need an attorney?” The answer is yes.

You need someone at your side who knows the legal process and can clearly explain it to you. At the Dan Doyle Law Group, our attorneys do just that. We make sure you have all the information you need to make educated decisions in regard to your situation.

We handle all the pieces of your case, from filing paperwork, working with the insurance company, setting up guardianships to finding bank account information. We make sure your case is prepared for anything, including court proceedings.

Gain Our Support Today

Providing exceptional support and guidance to our clients through their challenging time is incredibly important to each lawyer at the Dan Doyle Law Group. We pride ourselves on the individualized service we provide and encourage you to see how we can help you.