Victims of New Mexico personal injury cases may be entitled to damages. This is an important concept in any type of lawsuit and application no matter if the case is a contract dispute, divorce, or foreclosure. But in terms of a personal injury case, there are a lot of different measures of damages that it is important for a victim to understand. Learn more from our New Mexico personal injury lawyers here.
Valuing Your New Mexico Personal Injury Case: What are Damages?
The main question when valuing your personal injury case is what can you get? The answer is “damages.” This is the measure of relief that a party can receive in a legal action. While there are many different types of “damages,” in a personal injury action the damages are usually monetary compensation.
This monetary compensation could be awarded for a variety of aspects related to your case. It is important to realize that each type of damages much be proven through competent evidence. This is weighed by a fact-finder, either the judge or the jury, who will then award you the damages. In terms of settling, the attorneys can advocate for their party’s position to come to an agreement which is fair and just.
What are Common Types of Damages in a New Mexico Personal Injury Case?
Damages may take many different forms. The most common types of damages in a personal injury case include the following:
- Pain and suffering – this could be awarded for past pain and suffering (date of accident to time of award), or awarded for future pain and suffering (date of award to end of life expectancy);
- Medical expenses – this includes past medical bills, but also future medical bills such as prescriptions, physical therapy, future surgeries, and related expenses;
- Non-medical expenses – this includes a ramp at your house, chair lifts, and vehicle modifications, but also expenses such as the need for a housekeeper, landscaper, or home nurse;
- Lost wage – the lost income from when you were unable to work due to your injuries or treatment to your injuries;
- Lost future earnings – the lost income due to your inability to return to the same line of work, and you have had to quit working or take a lower-paying job due to your injuries;
- Punitive damages – in rare cases that are exceptional, egregious, or shocking, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant who caused these injuries to you for deterrence but also to compensate you additionally for outrageous conduct against you;
- Loss of consortium – this is a general claim by one dependent, usually a spouse, parent, child, or other close family member or individual, who loses time with you because of an injury. This could be loss of enjoyment with you due to your injuries, loss of relations, loss of your companionship, and many other effects in your relationship; and
- Many other damages.
Victims of New Mexico Personal Injury Accidents Should Call the Mark Caruso
Understanding what types of damages you may be entitled to in your New Mexico personal injury case is important because it allows you to know your rights and how to tell your lawyer your injuries–including physically, financially, and emotionally. Our experienced Albuquerque auto accident lawyers can help obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Call to schedule your FREE appointment with our lawyers at the Mark Caruso by dialing (505) 308-1556.
We handle causes throughout New Mexico, including Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Roswell, Cuervo, Rio Rancho, Clovis, Farmington, Hobbs, Albuquerque where our office is located, and anywhere else throughout New Mexico. Please call to schedule for FREE appointment by dialing (505) 308-1556 or contact us through our website’s easy to use and convenient contact box available here.
