What Damages Can I Recover for My Injuries?

June 5, 2025 | By Greene Broillet & Wheeler

After an accident, you’re left juggling the pain of an injury, mounting bills, and the stress of an uncertain future. It’s a tough situation, and you might be wondering what kind of financial help you can get to make things right. The good news is that personal injury claims exist for exactly this reason—to make sure you’re not stuck carrying the financial burden caused by someone else’s negligence.

If you’ve been hurt, understanding the types of damages you can recover is one of the first steps toward rebuilding your life. Knowing what’s available to you isn’t just empowering—it’s the key to maximizing your compensation and getting the justice you deserve. Here’s a breakdown of the damages you may be entitled to in a personal injury case.

Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases

Damages in personal injury cases generally fall into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages. Each plays an important role in helping you recover financially and emotionally.

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages are straightforward—they compensate you for the financial losses you’ve suffered because of the injury. These are often the easiest damages to calculate because they’re tied to tangible expenses and losses. Here’s what might be included:

• Medical Expenses: This covers everything from hospital bills and doctor’s visits to physical therapy and prescription medication. Those costs can also be factored in if your injury requires long-term care or future treatment.
• Lost Wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you can recover your lost income. This includes your salary, tips, bonuses, or any other income you missed out on. If your injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may also be compensated for lost earning capacity.
• Property Damage: If your personal property—like your car — was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost to repair or replace it.
• Out-of-pocket expenses: You can also be reimbursed for any extra costs you had to cover because of the injury, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications to accommodate a disability.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are harder to quantify because they compensate for the intangible, personal losses you’ve experienced. These damages recognize that the impact of an injury extends far beyond dollars and cents. Common types of non-economic damages include:

• Pain and Suffering: This accounts for the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injury. Chronic pain, ongoing discomfort, and the overall toll on your quality of life are all considered here.
• Emotional Distress: Trauma, anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges you face as a result of the accident can lead to additional compensation.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injury prevents you from enjoying hobbies, physical activities, or spending time with loved ones the way you used to, you may be compensated for this loss.
• Loss of Consortium: If the injury has negatively affected your relationship with a spouse or partner—such as a loss of companionship, affection, or intimacy—your partner may be able to recover damages as well.

Because every case is unique, non-economic damages can vary widely. That’s why working with a legal expert who can help calculate an amount that fairly reflects your specific circumstances is so important.

3. Punitive Damages

While economic and non-economic damages focus on compensating victims, punitive damages are meant to punish the person or entity responsible for your injury. These damages send a message that reckless or egregious behavior won’t be tolerated.

Punitive damages are less common and typically only awarded in cases where the at-fault party acted with extreme negligence or intentional misconduct. For instance, a drunk driver who causes a severe accident might face punitive damages because their behavior was particularly reckless.

How Are Damages Calculated?

Calculating the damages in a personal injury case isn’t as simple as tallying up your medical bills. It involves evaluating the full impact of your injury—physically, emotionally, and financially—and often requires input from professionals like doctors, economists, and legal experts. Here are a few factors that can influence the amount you can recover:

• Severity of the Injury: More serious injuries generally result in higher compensation because they cause greater pain, longer recovery times, and higher medical costs.
• Impact on Your Life: If your injury affects your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy your usual activities, this will be factored into the calculation.
• Evidence: Strong evidence, like medical records, expert testimony, and eyewitness accounts, can strengthen your case and impact the amount of damages you’re awarded.
• State Laws: Each state has its own regulations that may cap certain types of damages or define what’s recoverable. For example, some states limit the amount you can receive in punitive or non-economic damages.

This is where having an experienced attorney by your side can make a huge difference. They’ll ensure that every factor is considered and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Why Legal Help Matters

Navigating a personal injury claim on your own can be overwhelming—especially when you’re dealing with pain and recovery. A skilled lawyer can remove that burden and help ensure insurance companies or legal complexities do not shortchange you.

Attorneys can assist with:

• Assessing the full value of your claim, including future expenses.
• Gathering critical evidence to back up your case.
• Negotiating with insurance companies who might undervalue your injuries.
• Representing you in court if necessary.

Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless they win your case. This allows you to focus on healing while they handle the heavy lifting.

Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys

In conclusion, understanding the various types of damages in personal injury claims is crucial for victims seeking compensation. By comprehensively addressing economic and non-economic losses, as well as considering punitive damages, you can build a robust case that reflects the full extent of your suffering. If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out to Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP in El Segundo, CA. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (866) 634-4525 to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards justice.