If you or your loved one has been the victim of an airplane accident, you may be able to recover damages. A lawsuit for an airplane accident can be complex, but with the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you can get the compensation you deserve. In Tennessee, the damages recoverable in an airplane accident claim fall into two broad categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Table of Contents
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible and quantifiable losses that have resulted from the accident. They include:
Medical Expenses
Injuries from an airplane accident can be life-altering, requiring expensive medical treatments. You can recover the medical expenses related to the injury, including hospital bills, medications, rehabilitation costs, and any other necessary medical expenses incurred.
Lost Wages
If the injury requires you to stay home from work for a while, you can recover any income you lost. If your injury makes it impossible to return to work, you can recover the loss of future earnings.
Property Damage
If your personal property, such as luggage or personal effects, was damaged in an airplane accident, you can recover the cost of repairing or replacing the property.
Funeral Expenses
If you lost a loved one in an airplane accident, the cost of the funeral and burial can be recovered.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to losses that cannot be easily quantified, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. These types of damages can be more difficult to prove, but they are just as important to recover.
Pain and Suffering
If you have experienced physical or emotional anguish due to the accident, you can recover damages for pain and suffering.
Emotional Distress
If the accident caused emotional distress, such as nightmares or anxiety, you can recover damages.
Loss of Companionship
If you have lost a loved one in an airplane accident, you can recover damages for the loss of their companionship and guidance.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded in Tennessee if the defendant’s behavior was particularly egregious or willful. These damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter similar behaviors in the future.
Limitations on Damages
In Tennessee, there are limitations on the amount of damages that can be recovered in an airplane accident claim. These limitations vary depending on the type of case and the individuals involved.
Statute of Limitations
It is important to keep in mind that there is a strict time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit in Tennessee. The statute of limitations for airplane accident claims is generally one year from the date of the accident. Missing this deadline could result in a complete loss of legal rights.
Comparative Fault
Tennessee follows the doctrine of comparative fault. If a court determines that the plaintiff was partially responsible for the accident, it can reduce the amount of damages awarded by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff.
Liability Insurance Limits
The amount of damages that can be recovered may be limited by the defendant’s liability insurance policy. If the defendant’s insurance policy does not cover the full amount of damages, you may need to seek additional compensation from other sources, such as your own insurance policy.
Conclusion
If you have been the victim of an airplane accident in Tennessee, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. If you believe that you have a case, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. With their help, you can recover damages and move forward with your life.