What Are Economic Damages in Florida?

When you’ve been seriously injured in an accident, whether it was a car crash or a slip-and-fall, you are probably wondering who is going to pay for all the losses you’ve suffered. Right out of the gate, you are likely to be smacked with expensive medical bills from treating your injury—and that’s just the beginning.

How are you going to get a paycheck if you can’t go to work when your injuries prevent you from performing your duties? Who is going to pay for the childcare you now need, as your injury might prevent you from caring for your children? These questions are actually a few examples of economic damages that you can recover in a personal injury case.

So, what exactly are economic damages in Florida?

Economic Damages vs. Non-Economic Damages

When you suffer losses because of someone else’s negligence, those losses are sometimes referred to as “damages.” Economic damages are the losses that you’ve suffered that have a price tag attached to them and that are directly related to your accident.
Below are detailed some of the most common economic damages claimed in personal injury lawsuits, but virtually any monetary loss or damaged property that directly results from an accident can qualify.

Medical Bills

Your medical bills will likely make up the largest portion of the financial compensation you receive. Medical expenses can range from diagnostic visits and follow-up appointments to prescription medications and mobility equipment to surgeries and physical therapy.

It’s possible that you’ll require medical care for your injuries far into the future, so these upcoming expenses will need to be accurately estimated and factored into your settlement.

Lost Wages and Income

It’s entirely possible that your injury will prevent you from working—possibly completely. The at-fault party will need to compensate for any salary or income you miss out on while you recover.

If your future earning capacity is decreased or otherwise negatively affected, this, too, will need to be included in your demand for compensation.

Property Damage and Repair

Sometimes accidents damage more than just your body. A car crash, for example, is almost certainly going to result in damage to your automobile. Whatever the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged property is, it needs to be included in your claim.

Transportation Expenses

The cost of travel related to your accident and medical care are expenses that you shouldn’t have to cover yourself. Whether you need to hop on a plane to meet with a specialist or just need a rental car while yours is repaired, the negligent party is the one who should be footing the bill.

Home Renovations

Sometimes injuries take a very long time to recover from. Others leave lasting disabilities that impact your mobility or cognitive functions. It’s not uncommon for serious injuries to require that your home be modified in order to accommodate a disability.

From wheelchair ramps to widened doorways, these home renovations are needed expenses you shouldn’t have to pay out for.

A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

Economic damages make up the bulk of most personal injury settlements, but it can be surprisingly easy to overlook some of them or incorrectly assess their value. Our firm can help you ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of your claim.

To speak with a personal injury lawyer from Lavent Law, P.A., simply call (305) 257-9464 or complete our online contact form to arrange a free consultation today.