Types of Non-Economic Damages You Can Get Compensated for

There are two types of damages that people end up with after any accident that results in an injury. These are economic and non-economic damages. Most people tend to focus on the economic damages because this is where victims feel the financial pinch. However, non-economic damages are just as important when it comes to compensation. 

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages refer to the losses that you cannot quantify or, rather, do not have a dollar value. For example, in economic damages, a hospital bill or receipt shows how much you spent as a result of an injury. Non-economic damages compensate you for the pain, emotional distress, and lifestyle changes caused by your injury. 

You can seek compensation for these damages in any type of accident caused by another person’s negligence. This includes wrongful death cases, medical malpractice, slips and falls, and accident claims. If you are not sure about the type of non-economic damages to include in your claim, get help from a car crash lawyer. 

Common Types of Non-Economic Damages

1. Pain and Suffering

This refers to the physical pain you have gone through because of the accident and any ongoing discomfort or chronic pain. For some victims, the pain can last for months or years or even become part of their lives. 

2. Emotional Distress

Injuries leave both physical and emotional scars. Many people experience anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a serious accident. These emotional struggles can affect your relationships, job performance, and your overall sense of well-being. 

For instance, anxiety may lead to panic attacks or, in the case of a car accident, affect your ability to drive. 

3. Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries prevent you from doing the things you once enjoyed and loved, like playing sports, traveling, or spending time with your family, this is considered a loss of enjoyment of life. This is all about losing the ability to live life the way you used to. 

4. Loss of Consortium

This type of damage affects the victim’s spouse or partner. It includes loss of companionship, affection, or support due to the injury. For example, in a wrongful death claim, the spouse is left without someone to cater to their emotional or intimacy needs. 

Therefore, if an injury damages a relationship or causes emotional distance, loss of consortium can be a valid claim. 

5. Disfigurement or Physical Impairment

When an injury results in scarring, amputation, or a visible change in appearance, it can take a toll on a person’s self-esteem and social life. The emotional pain from disfigurement lasts much longer than the physical recovery. 

6. Reputational Damage

This can occur in cases involving defamation or public embarrassment. If your reputation is damaged in a way that affects your mental health or social life, you may be entitled to compensation.

How to Prove and Calculate Non-Economic Damages

Insurance companies tend to challenge non-economic damages, claiming they are either exaggerated or not caused by the accident. To support your claim, you may require statements from:

• Doctors
• Therapists
• Close friend or family

Keeping a daily journal of how your injuries affect you can also help. Non-economic damages are calculated either using the multiplier or the daily rate method. In the multiplier method, the total value of your economic loss is multiplied by a specific number between 1.5 and 5. When using the daily rate method, also known as per diem, a value is assigned to your daily pain and suffering and multiplied by the days you are expected to endure the suffering. 

Conclusion

Non-economic damages matter because they reflect the deeper ways an injury can affect your life. If you have been hurt, talk to a lawyer. They will help you fight for full compensation that will cater to your pain, struggles, and future.