Lee Law Firm logo
(973) 315-9080

Hablamos Español!

The Different Types of Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

New Jersey Personal Injury Claims
April 1, 2023
By
Lee Law Firm , LLC

The Losses that May Be Recovered after an Accident

When you have been hurt because of the negligence or carelessness of another person, you have the right to file a legal claim, or lawsuit, asking the at-fault party to pay “damages” for your losses. Damages are generally an amount of money paid by one party because of a breach of duty to that party. In a personal injury lawsuit, damages are typically a consequence of the breach (by the defendant) of the duty to act reasonably under the circumstances.

The Types of Personal Injury Damages Available

In a personal injury lawsuit, a defendant may be required to pay two different types of damages: compensatory and punitive damages. As a general rule, punitive damages are extremely difficult to obtain. Accordingly, nearly all damages awarded in personal injury lawsuits are compensatory (designed to compensate the injured party). There are six specific types of compensatory damages a jury may award:

  • Lost wages or income—This may cover actual lost income resulting from the accident, as well as projected lost income, should the injury keep the plaintiff from working in the future. For injuries that prevent a person from ever working again, lost wages are calculated to a reasonable date of retirement.
  • Unreimbursed medical expenses—An injured person may only recover those medical expenses not covered by insurance or otherwise paid for
  • Physical and emotional pain and suffering—This includes past and future physical and emotional discomfort or distress
  • Loss of companionship or consortium—This includes loss of the benefits of an intimate relationship with a spouse, as well as the loss of comfort, affection, love and guidance of other family members
  • Loss of enjoyment of life—This covers the inability to engage in activities that brought joy, fulfillment or meaning before the accident, including the ordinary activities of daily life
  • Property damage—The jury can award compensation for the loss of property, or the loss of value in personal property

Contact Our Office

At Lee Law Firm, we have extensive knowledge and experience successfully handling personal injury claims. We take all personal injury cases on a contingency basis—you won’t pay any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your losses.

Call us at 973-315-9080 or contact us online to schedule an appointment. We are available to meet with you evenings and weekends, if necessary. We welcome all major credit cards. ¡Nosotros hablamos español!

Related Blog Post

bicycle injury claim

Understanding Bicycle Accidents

November 29, 2017
By
Lee Law Firm , LLC
Car Accidents
People in New Jersey may not be well-informed about the ways in which most bicycle accidents occur and what they can do to prevent being involved in one. Because bikes are a popular mode of transportation, it is important for bikers to understand how they can be safe. Although there are many causes of bicycle […]
PIP claim

How Evidence Is Collected in New Jersey Personal Injury Claims

December 10, 2021
By
Lee Law Firm , LLC
New Jersey Personal Injury Claims
The Tools Your Lawyer May Use to Gather Information about Your Case When you file a lawsuit to recover compensation for injuries caused by the carelessness or negligence of another person, it’s not enough to simply allege that the defendant engaged in wrongful conduct. You must provide evidence that convinces jurors that your statement of the facts […]
motorcycle riding

Enjoy Your Motorcycle By Staying Safe On Your Ride

June 27, 2017
By
Lee Law Firm , LLC
Car Accidents
If you own a motorcycle, chances are you are familiar with the thrill and excitement of riding the open roads of New Jersey. However, with the unique delight and adventure that accompany motorcycling, there are also risks that require you to be attentive and careful to avoid. At Lee Law Firm, LLC, we are familiar […]

PROUDLY SERVING THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Email us using this contact form and we will quickly reach back out with answers.

lee law firm Springfield map

SPRINGFIELD OFFICE

150 Morris Ave. Suite 202 
Springfield, NJ 07081
 (973) 315-9080
(973) 315-9081
GET DIRECTIONS

NEWARK OFFICE

600 Mt. Prospect Avenue
Newark, NJ, 07104
 (973) 315-9080
(973) 315-9081
GET DIRECTIONS

SERVING AREAS

Springfield
Elizabeth
East Orange
Perth Amboy
Essex County
Passaic County
Bergen County
Hunterdon & Somerset County
Newark
Clifton
Plainfield
Jersey City
Union County
Middlesex County
Hudson County
Monmouth County
© 2025 Lee Law Firm, LLC . All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy
Powered By: