When I meet with a client, we typically discuss the specifics of their injury claim, the laws governing this type of personal injury case and the outcome we can expect. One of the most important discussions we have concerns the type of compensation they may be entitled to. Whether or not the case goes to trial, it is my duty to pursue the best outcome for my clients. In many cases, a fair settlement is reached before we ever walk through the court room doors, but many other cases require me to fight to the bitter end on their behalf. Understanding what I am fighting for is critical for the client to have a solid grasp of the various phases of the case.
Calculating what would be considered fair compensation for an injury can be incredibly complex. This is exactly why it is so important to hire an experienced personal injury attorney; to protect the client’s interests and be there for them from the start of the injury case to the very end. I have the monetary resources to hire expert witnesses and to pay for everything we need to successfully prove a personal injury case.
For a personal injury claim we can seek two types of compensation.
The facts of a personal injury case will dictate the type of damages we can seek; compensatory damages and punitive damages are two compensatory types.
Compensatory damages can be economic as well as non-economic.
The following are examples of compensatory damages:
- cost for potential medical problems in the future
- pain and suffering
- lost wages
- emotional distress
- loss of any future earnings
- loss of companionship
- property damage
- household expenses
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damage,s are awarded to deter similar action from occurring in the future.
Punitive damages can only be recovered in certain cases and for certain reasons. When punitive damages are awarded it is with the purpose of punishing the wrongdoer and to discourage them or others from similar behavior. Punitive damages will only be awarded if the facts of the case prove intentional disregard for safety and/or reckless behavior that was a direct cause of the injury. In Ohio, punitive damages are difficult to recover, proving all the more reason to have an experience attorney by your side.
As your Ohio personal injury lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®