The words "damages" refers to the compensation a plaintiff may receive if it is proven they were injured because of another party’s negligence or incompetence.
Potential Damages if You're Injured in Texas
Texas law recognizes economic and non-economic damages. The former refers to damages easily determined in dollars and cents, such as motor vehicle repair bills. The latter are “quality of life” issues. People who do not work outside the home, such as homemakers, senior citizens, and children, are more likely to receive non-economic damages.
There is a third category known as punitive damages. These damages are awarded by a jury when a defendant exhibits behavior that goes beyond negligence into willful malice. “Punitive” means punish, and that is how these types of damages are meant to affect the defendant.
Cost of Medical Bills
The cost of medical bills, including rehabilitation, medication, and future treatments, are considered economic damages.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If someone suffers a serious personal injury, they may not only lose income for the short term, but the injury may prevent them from ever holding the same type of job again or preclude any employment. Lost wages and future earning capacity are considered economic damages.
Physical Impairment or Disfigurement
Any physical impairment, such as loss of vision or hearing, amputation, mobility problems, and sexual function loss, is considered a non-economic damage. That also holds true for disfigurement because the person’s quality of life has been deeply impacted.
Mental Anguish and Pain and Suffering
Along with the physical injury, you may seek compensation for the mental anguish and pain and suffering endured because of it. You must provide evidence of suffering, which might include treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression, and unrelenting grief.