Understanding the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When pursuing a personal injury claim, one of the most crucial elements is understanding the types of damages you can seek. An experienced Utah personal injury lawyer can help you navigate this process and maximize your compensation. Below, we break down the differences between economic and non-economic damages in a Utah personal injury lawsuit.

What Are Economic Damages?

Economic damages refer to the tangible financial losses you suffer as a result of an injury. These are costs that are easily quantifiable and typically include:

• Medical Expenses: This includes hospital bills, surgery costs, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing or future medical treatments.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for the time you were unable to work due to your injuries. This can also include lost earning capacity if your ability to work in the future is impaired.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any property damaged due to the incident, such as vehicle repair or replacement costs in a car accident.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Other costs directly related to the injury, like transportation to medical appointments or hiring help at home during recovery.

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages are less tangible and harder to quantify but can significantly impact your life. There is not a formula for how these are calculated. However, Utah law says that the following are things the jury can consider when trying to make a decision:

• Nature and Extent of Injuries: Damages for a twisted ankle will be less valuable than a back surgery.
• Degree and Character of any Disfigurement: Damages are granted for scaring or changes to your appearance and increase or decrease based on the degree of severity.
• Duration: Whether the consequences of the injuries are likely to continue and for how long
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and mental pain and discomfort you experience due to your injuries.
• Emotional Distress: This covers psychological effects such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of the injury on your relationship with your spouse or family, including loss of companionship or intimacy.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for being unable to participate in activities or hobbies you enjoyed prior to the injury and the degree to which you have been prevented from pursuing ordinary affairs.

How Are Damages Calculated?

The calculation of economic and non-economic damages can be complex. Economic damages are usually straightforward, based on receipts, bills, and documented financial losses. However, non-economic damages require a more subjective approach and are often left to the jury to determine based on factors like those described above.

An experienced Utah personal injury lawyer will work closely with you, doctors, and other experts to ensure you receive fair compensation for both types of damages and to meaningfully understand and document these damages so that a jury or insurance company can understand them.

Why You Need an Experienced Utah Personal Injury Lawyer

Navigating a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with insurance companies that might try to minimize your compensation. A skilled Utah personal injury lawyer knows how to accurately assess and negotiate for both economic and non-economic damages to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else's negligence, understanding the difference between economic and non-economic damages is vital. Partnering with a knowledgeable Utah personal injury lawyer at True North Injury Law can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 801-849-3664 to schedule your free consultation.