Central Oregon Legal Blog
If you were injured because of someone else’s negligence, you know how difficult the aftermath of an accident can be. A traumatic injury changes your life. You can no longer get up and go to work in the morning like you used to. If you had a physical job, you may never be able to perform your job duties again. The healing process is often paired with exorbitant medical costs. Finding happiness may now be a challenge. All of this can take its toll on your family as well.
When this dramatic change in your livelihood was caused by another person, it is important to know that you have options. One of those options is to seek justice through a personal injury claim.
A personal injury claim allows you to hold those responsible for your injuries accountable by seeking compensation. In Oregon, there are two types of compensation available to victims of personal injury: economic and noneconomic.
What are economic damages?
Economic damages encompass anything related to the accident that can be quantified into a dollar amount. This may include:
- Health care services, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs and others
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Funeral and burial services if a loved one died in an accident
Calculating the total damages you incurred from an accident can be difficult. This is why many people find it beneficial to work with a personal injury attorney who has the resources to ensure you seek a fair and accurate amount of economic damages.
What are noneconomic damages?
Noneconomic damages are losses that cannot be quantified into a dollar amount. Noneconomic damages may be awarded based on:
- Pain and suffering caused by the accident
- Emotional distress
- Loss of companionship
- Others
In Oregon, the amount of noneconomic damages an injury victim can receive is capped at $500,000.
Why should you seek damages?
Seeking damages through a personal injury claim is a personal decision. However, many people – especially those who were severely injured – find that a successful claim provides the financial compensation they need to move on from an accident. Additionally, many victims and their families view it as a way to seek justice for the negligent behavior that caused the accident.