In a personal injury lawsuit, “damages” refer to the monetary compensation awarded to the injured party for losses and injuries resulting from the defendant’s wrongful conduct or negligence. In New Jersey, personal injury claims typically involve three types of damages: economic, non-economic, and punitive damages.
1. Economic Damages: Also known as special damages, these are verifiable financial losses incurred due to the injury. Examples include:
– Medical bills
– Lost wages
– Loss of earning capacity
– Property damage
2. Non-Economic Damages: Referred to as general damages, these compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are not directly quantifiable.
3. Punitive Damages: These damages are not intended to compensate the victim but to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior. Punitive damages may be awarded in cases where the defendant acted with intent to cause harm or displayed gross negligence.
Compensatory damages encompass both economic and non-economic damages, providing financial relief to the injured party for their losses. It is essential to understand the different types of damages available in order to pursue a personal injury claim effectively.
In summary, personal injury damages in New Jersey fall into three primary categories: economic damages for quantifiable losses, non-economic damages for intangible suffering, and punitive damages aimed at deterring wrongful conduct. Understanding these categories can help injury victims seek appropriate compensation for their experiences.
Cooper Levenson is a full-service law firm established in 1957. Kathleen F. Beers, Esq. handles personal injury law and can be reached at kbeers@cooperlevenson.com or (609) 572-7570. Visit our blog at https://blog.cooperlevenson.com/ for more information.