Damages: More Than a TV Show

One of the biggest elements of a Colorado personal injury case is the fact that you have suffered damages as a result of another party's actions. You can be compensated for the damages you have suffered. But just what are damages?

Damages are an award of money to compensate you for injuries or losses you suffer in a car accident, semi-truck accident, slip-and-fall accident or other type of accident. "Economic" damages are the medical bills resulting from injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries and head injuries. If you were already suffering from a previous injury, that doesn't necessarily mean you aren't eligible to receive compensation. The accident may have aggravated or made worse your existing injury, and your new injury may be treated as separate from your underlying injury.

If you require rehabilitation or special accommodations following a car accident, such as a ramp leading to your home, these costs may be recovered. Economic damages also may include the loss of past and future wages, and reasonable future medical bills.

Other damages can be more difficult to quantify. These so-called "non-economic" damages result from mental pain and suffering resulting from the injuries, stress and trauma of your accident, and payment for permanent impairment or disfigurement. Loss of enjoyment of life may also be considered non-economic damages and therefore eligible for compensation, as may be the loss of consortium with your spouse.

A third class of damages is called "punitive" damages. These are damages awarded to punish the other party for his actions, as in the case of a drunk driver who hit you.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, it is a good idea to keep a daily diary documenting how the injury is affecting you, both emotionally and physically. Your diary will be a great help when it comes time to show the effects of the accident.

Determining what your damages are and how much they are worth is as much art as science. It's an area where the accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Dianne Sawaya excel. We are your strong ally, and are experienced in assessing your damages, planning your medical treatment and preparing your case.

If you've suffered a personal injury, such as in a car accident, give me a call at (303) 758-4777 or email me at DLS@dlslawfirm.com to set a time to meet. Let's talk about your case and how we can help you.