Your ability to recover is usually limited to the amount of available insurance money. But assuming there is adequate insurance coverage, the value of your lawsuit depends on the severity of your injuries and damages. The greater your injuries and damages, the more money you will likely be able to recover.
The Oakes Firm specializes in all types of injuries, including:
Spinal Injuries – i.e., Paralysis/Quadriplegia, Fractures, Herniations, and Whiplash
Soft Tissue Damage – i.e., Muscles, Ligaments, and Tendons
Amputations
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Disfigurement and Scarring
Burns
Broken Bones
Lacerations, Cuts, and Abrasions
Premature Death
Damages generally fall into three different broad categories: Economic Damages; Non-Economic Damages; and Punitive Damages:
Economic Damages are monetary losses that can be calculated and quantified – usually proven through treating medical providers and attorney-hired experts. These types of damages may include past medical bills, costs for future medical treatment, lost past income, and loss of future earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages are less concrete than Economic Damages and are subjectively calculated by a jury. Non-Economic Damages may include pain and suffering, emotional anguish, embarrassment, scarring/disfigurement, and loss of life’s pleasures. Additionally, your spouse may be able to recover a type of Non-Economic Damage called loss of consortium – which is essentially how your injuries have impacted the marital relationship.
Punitive Damages are not available in every case, only when a defendant’s conduct was intentional or reckless. In these rare circumstances, the law allows punishment damages to deter the defendant and others from conduct similar to the actions that gave rise to the lawsuit. A jury assesses Punitive Damages based upon numerous factors, including the nature of the conduct and seriousness of the plaintiff’s injuries, and can be many times greater than Economic and Non-Economic Damages.
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The Oakes Firm is dedicated to helping injured people and grieving families obtain answers, justice, and full compensation. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, don’t hesitate to contact us now. We are available 24/7 for a free case consultation to evaluate your potential claims. Learn how an award-winning Philadelphia personal injury lawyer at The Oakes Firm can get you the help you need and the money you deserve.