What Are The Damages Available in a Connecticut Personal Injury Case?
If you have been injured by another person, you have the right to pursue financial compensation. In Connecticut, victims of negligence can file personal injury lawsuits, which hold an at-fault party accountable for any losses, known as damages, that the victim experienced.
When filing a personal injury lawsuit, it is common to wonder what types of damages you can claim. You have the right to recover compensation for any financial, physical, and emotional losses that you suffered and, in some cases, punitive damages. A Connecticut personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve.
Medical Expenses
If you have been injured, you may have incurred medical bills related to the accident, such as hospital costs, doctor visits, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation. In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover compensation for these medical expenses. You may also be entitled to compensation for future and ongoing medical costs, as long as they are related to the injury.
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
In many personal injury cases, the victim is unable to work due to the accident. If this applies to your case, you can recover compensation for any wages lost during the time you were unable to work. Additionally, if your injury has a long-term impact on your ability to work, you may be entitled to any future earnings that you would have otherwise received.
Property Damage
If your property is damaged in the accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of repairing or replacing it. This compensation can help pay for damage to your car, home, clothing, electronics, or any other personal possessions.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering damages are designed to compensate you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the injury. These damages can encompass many types of harm, such as the following:
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Chronic pain
- Permanent disability
- Anxiety and depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Loss of quality of life
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, you may qualify for punitive damages. This form of compensation is intended to punish a perpetrator for especially reckless and egregious actions, rather than compensate the victim for his or her losses. Like most states, Connecticut has very strict laws regarding who may claim punitive damages.
Connecticut courts typically only grant punitive damages in cases where there is clear evidence of reckless disregard for the rights of others or intentional and wanton violations of those rights. However, unlike many other states, Connecticut places a limit on the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded under this rule, typically restricting them to attorney’s fees and other litigation costs.
Contact a Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyer
If you plan on pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you need an attorney on your side. A Connecticut personal injury lawyer can help you identify the types of compensation that you may qualify for and accurately estimate your potential award. Using this information, your attorney will advocate aggressively for your right to fair compensation, negotiating with insurance companies and defense attorneys to secure the settlement that you deserve.
Your lawyer can also help you understand your legal rights and options and navigate the complex legal process of pursuing a personal injury claim. As soon as possible following your accident, contact a Connecticut personal injury attorney to discuss your case and plan your next steps.