If another party in Florida injures you, you may be entitled to compensation for your personal injury claim. Because courts cannot undo the injuries and harm you incurred, they will offer damages to compensate you. Damages are the remedy the court offers to make the party “whole” after an accident and injury.
Those who have been injured may be entitled to two main categories of compensatory damages. The first category is non-economic damages, which are intended to compensate for intangible losses, such as pain, emotional distress, and a diminished quality of life.
The second category is economic damages, which cover quantifiable financial losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, and other out-of-pocket costs. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Florida can help you gather the necessary documentation and assess your losses, ensuring that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Examples of Economic Damages in a Florida Personal Injury Case
The factors of your case determine the types of economic damages you incur. Examples of common economic damages in a personal injury case include:
Cost of Medical Treatment
The cost of medical treatment can be expensive. You can seek reimbursement for all reasonable and necessary medical bills, including, but not limited to:
- Doctor’s bills
- Hospitalizations
- Emergency medical services
- Urgent care facilities
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Nursing care
Generally, medical expenses increase as the severity of injuries increases. It costs more to treat catastrophic injuries than sprains and strains. Keep copies of all bills and invoices to document the amount you incurred for medical expenses.
If you sustained a permanent impairment or disability, you may be entitled to future medical expenses. These expenses may include ongoing medical treatment and long-term skilled care.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may receive compensation for your lost income. Income includes, but is not limited to:
- Lost wages
- Salaries
- Bonuses
- Commissions
- Overtime pay
- Tips
- Part-time work
- Business income
- Freelance income
- PTO
- Sick time
You may receive compensation for future lost wages if you sustain a permanent impairment. If you can work but your earning capacity decreases, you can claim the decrease in earning capacity as damages.
Out-of-Pocket Damages
This category of economic damages is a “catchall” category for expenses and losses that do not fit into another category. You may pay these expenses during your recovery as you incur them. Some of the expenses may be included in the final settlement for costs you will incur because of a permanent impairment.
Examples of out-of-pocket expenses include:
- Travel costs and mileage to medical appointments
- Over-the-counter medications
- Medical devices, including crutches, wheelchairs, bedside toilets, etc.
- The cost of household services and childcare
- Long-term personal care
- The cost of modifying your home or vehicle because of a permanent disability
You’ll need solid proof to include out-of-pocket expenses in your settlement claim. It’s important to keep a thorough record of all expenses. Be sure to list everything in detail and retain supporting documents like receipts, bills, and invoices.
You should also show that the expenses were both necessary and reasonable. This might involve having your doctor provide a letter that explains how your injuries limit your ability to perform certain activities. Additionally, you might be asked to present comparisons to demonstrate that the amounts you paid for services were fair and in line with typical costs.
How Much Are My Economic Damages Worth?
Economic damages are worth the bills and expenses. However, the calculations can become more complicated if you have future economic damages.
Your attorney may retain medical specialists, financial professionals, and other experts to assist in calculating future damages. The experts can also provide their expert opinion as to the correctness of the estimates.
Your attorney’s office will work with you to document all damages to ensure you receive the maximum value for your personal injury claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Economic Damages in a Florida Personal Injury Case?
The statute of limitations sets a deadline for filing a personal injury lawsuit. Most negligence-based cases have a two-year deadline as of March 24, 2023. If you miss the filing deadline, a judge can dismiss your lawsuit without consideration.
The type of personal injury lawsuit, exceptions to the statute of limitations, and other circumstances could change the filing deadline. The best way to avoid losing your legal right to file a lawsuit is to seek legal advice from an attorney as soon as possible.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Lakeland Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Were you recently involved in an accident in Lakeland or another surrounding area in Florida? You could be entitled to compensation for economic damages. Economic damages can help you get your life back on track from immediate medical expenses to long-term losses. Contact our personal injury lawyers from Thomas C. Grajek, Attorney At Law, at (863) 999-9000 to learn about your legal options and fight for your case. Our office is conveniently located at 2306 S. Florida Ave. Lakeland, FL 33803.