When it comes to expert legal care, people in and around Sacramento can
rely on the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley. Our personal injury lawyers
have years of experience fighting for victims, always seeking just and
fair compensation in their cases.
During a personal injury lawsuit, it's common to seek compensatory damages as well as punitive damages. Let's take a moment to consider compensatory damages. (We'll look at punitive damages on this blog in the future.)
About Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are damages that are sought in order to cover actual losses that have been sustained in an accident caused by negligence or any incident that has resulted in serious injury or impairment.
Some examples of compensatory damages include:
- Covering medical bills
- Covering damage to property
- Covering the cost of physical rehabilitation
- Covering lost wages
- Covering loss of future earning potential
Why Compensatory Damages Are Important
When another person or party's negligent actions result in injury or loss to you, it should be their legal responsibility to cover these losses. Compensatory damages help maintain fairness by holding the negligent party responsible and making them pay for various losses that have been sustained and hardships that have been endured.
Calculating Compensatory Damages: How It's Done
Since compensatory damages cover actual losses that have been experienced, calculating compensatory damages means adding up various bills and services that have been incurred as a result of an injury or loss. Since all of these kinds of services will involve a receipt of some kind, calculating compensatory damages is generally easy.
Examples of Compensatory Damages In a Lawsuit
Say a person was involved in a serious auto accident with the driver of a large truck. The truck driver was fatigued while behind the wheel, and the driver's drowsiness was directly responsible for the accident occurring.
In such an incident, the compensatory damages would cover the cost of the medical care required after the accident occurred. Compensatory damages would also be collected to cover the cost of damage to the person's vehicle. If the accident was especially serious, physical rehabilitation may be required after initial medical care; this physical therapy would also be covered. Any lost wages while recovering in the hospital or lost future wages due to a lasting disability would also be covered.
If a loved one were to die in this truck accident, compensatory damages would also be sought in order to cover the funerary costs as well as other losses related to the death of the individual.
Our Legal Team Will Help You Every Step of the Way
Whether fatal or non-fatal, major accidents need to be taken very seriously, and it takes skilled lawyers on your side to get the compensation that you deserve. We will fight diligently for you every step of the way to ensure that your legal entitlements are represented and your side is heard. We are here for you.
Learn More About Your Options in Personal Injury Lawsuits
For more information about all of your legal options following a serious injury or accident, it's important that you contact our team of personal injury lawyers today. The entire team at the Law Offices of Larry S. Buckley look forward to your visit and helping you receive just compensation for the losses that have been sustained.