Awarding Damages

Damages in Rhinelander personal injury lawsuits vary largely since there is no consistent formula for determining a reward. Depending on where the case is tried, juries may be more or less sympathetic to a victim.

General damages are the most subjective and difficult to prove. They include items such as future wages if the injury resulted in your inability to work; loss of promotion if the injury will interfere with the possibility thereof; and lack of ability to perform housework or drive. In addition, they include amounts for loss of enjoyment of life from the inability to participate in daily activities. The largest and most common amount generally is classified as pain and suffering. This is where the award can greatly vary between juries, as the amount awarded is highly subjective. However, some states do not award general damages.

Special damages are direct costs incurred as a result the injury. Payments for hospital and medical bills, bandages, heating pads, child care, transportation to doctor’s appointments, physical therapy, medicines, prescription drugs, and ambulances costs are all included. The amount of these damages is relatively easy to calculate as they can be proven by paperwork such as receipts, statements, etc.

Punitive damages are payments are given as punishment to a defendant whose actions were willful, malicious, or reckless. For instance, if a driver was drunk, punitive damages may be awarded to the victim to deter the offender from engaging in such behavior in the future.

An experienced Rhinelander personal injury attorney will be knowledgeable of the law and be able to advise you about your case and the amount of damages to which he feels you are entitled. If you have been seriously injured in an accident, contact a Rhinelander personal injury lawyer at Habush, Habush & Rottier today by calling 1-800-369-5900.