What Damages Can You Recover in a Florida Injury Case?
Following a car crash, a slip and fall, or another serious incident, you may suddenly face medical bills, time off work, and ongoing pain. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you make informed decisions about your recovery and your future.
Recovering damages after a personal injury isn’t just about money, it’s about regaining stability, independence, and peace of mind. Every case is unique. Talk to a knowledgeable Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer about the details of your situation and the impact an accident has had on your life.
Measurable Financial Losses
Economic damages are the most straightforward type of compensation, they’re based on your actual, documented financial losses. These damages are designed to make you whole again by reimbursing you for money you’ve spent or lost due to the accident.
Common examples include:
- Medical expenses. Hospital stays, surgeries, medications, doctor visits, physical therapy, and even future medical care.
- Lost wages. If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can recover the income you’ve missed.
- Reduced earning capacity. Serious injuries that limit your ability to work long-term may entitle you to compensation for lost future income.
- Property damage. This includes vehicle repairs, replacement costs, or damage to personal items that were destroyed in the accident.
Keep detailed records of every expense related to your injury. In a personal injury case, documentation is key to proving the extent of your financial losses.
The Cost of Pain and Suffering
Not every loss can be measured in dollars. Non-economic damages compensate for the emotional, mental, and physical suffering caused by your injuries. These can include chronic pain, discomfort, and loss of enjoyment in daily life. In other situations, non-economic loss is connected to emotional distress or loss of companionship. These damages can vary widely from case to case.
In rare cases, Florida courts may award punitive damages, not to compensate the victim, but to punish especially reckless or intentional conduct. For example, if a drunk driver causes a severe crash or a company knowingly sells a dangerous product, punitive damages may apply. Florida law limits punitive damages to prevent excessive awards, but they serve as a strong deterrent for dangerous behavior.
Under Florida’s comparative negligence rule, your recovery may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. So, if you were 20% responsible, your total compensation may be reduced by that percentage. This makes it crucial to have experienced legal representation that can build a strong case and counter any attempts to shift blame onto you.
If you’ve been injured in Boca Raton or anywhere in Florida, contact an experienced Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer. Your attorney can help you identify every available source of compensation, negotiate with insurers, and fight to ensure you receive the full recovery you’re entitled to under the law.
Could both economic and non-economic losses be part of your claim? Speak with the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez about harm sustained in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
