When you have been involved in a personal injury accident in Tennessee, you may be entitled to certain damages to compensate for your losses. Personal injury law in Tennessee is designed to help you recover damages and compensate you for the harm caused by another person or entity.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of damages that are available in a Tennessee personal injury case.
Table of Contents
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are designed to compensate an injured victim for the losses they have suffered. These damages are intended to restore the victim to their pre-injury condition as much as possible. There are two types of compensatory damages:
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to the monetary losses that the victim has suffered. These damages include:
Medical Expenses
The victim can recover the cost of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, medical supplies, and any other costs associated with the injury.
Lost Wages
The victim can recover the wages they have lost as a result of the injury. This includes wages lost during the recovery period and future earnings that may be affected by the injury.
Property Damage
The victim can recover any damage done to their property. This includes damage to their car or any other property involved in the accident.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the non-monetary losses that the victim has suffered as a result of the injury. These damages include:
Pain and Suffering
The victim can recover damages for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the injury.
Emotional Distress
The victim can recover damages for emotional distress, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD caused by the injury.
Loss of Enjoyment
The victim can recover damages for the loss of enjoyment of life caused by the injury.
Punitive Damages
In addition to compensatory damages, under certain circumstances, a victim may also be able to recover punitive damages.
Punitive damages are designed to punish the defendant for their actions and to deter others from committing similar acts in the future. Punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant acted with intentional misconduct, gross negligence or recklessness.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a personal injury accident in Tennessee, it’s important to understand your rights and the types of damages that are available in a personal injury case. Whether you suffered economic or non-economic losses, compensatory damages can help you recover what you’ve lost. Punitive damages may also be available in certain circumstances.
If you need help recovering damages after an injury, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. They can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.