What Types Of Damages Can I Recover?
If you or someone you care about has been injured in any way, our Edmond, OK car accident lawyer is available to help with any questions you have about your injury and holding the person or entity who caused it, liable for the damage they have caused. We are aware of the most common mistakes people make after accidents that can hurt their claim and we help our clients avoid these.
One of the most common questions asked by clients is what damages they are entitled to recover. The three main categories of damages in personal injury cases are Economic Damages, Non-Economic Damages, and Punitive Damages. These damages are defined by Oklahoma Statute Chapter 23 § 61.2 as:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are defined as:
- All wages, salaries, or other compensation lost as a result of a bodily injury that is the subject of a civil action
- All costs incurred for medical care or treatment, rehabilitation services, or other care, treatment, services, products, or accommodations as a result of a bodily injury that is the subject of a civil action
- Any other costs incurred as a result of a bodily injury that is the subject of a civil action
Non-Economic Damages
Noneconomic damages means nonpecuniary harm that arises from a bodily injury that is the subject of a civil action, including damages for pain and suffering, loss of society, consortium, companionship, care, assistance, attention, protection, advice, guidance, counsel, instruction, training, education, disfigurement, mental anguish and any other intangible loss
Punitive Damages
Punitive Damages are defined as:
“Reckless disregard of another’s rights” shall have the same meaning as willful and wanton conduct and shall mean that the defendant was either aware, or did not care, that there was a substantial and unnecessary risk that his, her, or its conduct would cause serious injury to others.
In order for the conduct to be in reckless disregard of another’s rights, it must have been unreasonable under the circumstances and there must have been a high probability that the conduct would cause serious harm to another person.
Why Understanding Damages Matters
Understanding the various categories of personal injury damages is crucial. To ensure you are compensated for your damages and avoid common mistakes that can hurt your claim, contact our law firm. At Polchinski & Smith Personal Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent decades fighting for the people of Oklahoma and securing real results. Our team, known as the Oklahoma Law Cowboys, brings unmatched commitment, strategic insight, and a shared mission: to protect the lives and futures of our clients. Contact us today to speak with a legal professional who’s ready to fight for what you deserve.
