If you’ve been injured in New Hampshire due to someone else’s actions, you may be entitled to compensation. Personal injury lawsuits are designed to help victims recover damages for the harm they’ve suffered. Understanding the types of damages you can recover is an important part of the process. This page will guide you through the different kinds of damages typically available in personal injury cases in New Hampshire, helping you better understand what you might be entitled to.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are awarded to cover the financial losses that result from the injury. These damages are intended to compensate for the actual expenses you’ve incurred, and they can be backed up with receipts, bills, and other evidence of costs. The most common form of economic damages in a personal injury lawsuit includes medical expenses. This covers the costs of all past and future medical care related to the injury, from emergency room visits to surgeries, rehabilitation, or long-term care needs.Lost wages are another significant economic damage you can recover. If your injury has caused you to miss work or if it limits your future ability to earn, you are entitled to compensation for those lost wages. This also includes any potential future earnings that may be lost due to the injury. In some cases, your ability to perform your job may be permanently impaired, which can impact your lifetime earnings.Another area where you can recover damages is for property damage. If your personal property was damaged in the accident, like a car in a collision, you can recover the cost of repairs or the value of replacing the property. Additionally, any out-of-pocket expenses that arise due to the injury are considered economic damages. This could include transportation costs to and from doctor appointments, special equipment for recovery, or paying for help around the house because you’re temporarily unable to do certain tasks.
Non-Economic Damages
While economic damages cover tangible financial losses, non-economic damages are meant to compensate for more intangible harms. These damages address the emotional, physical, and psychological pain that an injury can cause. The most commonly sought form of non-economic damages is pain and suffering. This refers to the physical pain that you experience as a result of your injury, as well as the emotional distress that comes with it. For example, if you’re dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression caused by the injury, this would be reflected in your pain and suffering damages.Loss of enjoyment of life is another form of non-economic damage. If your injury prevents you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as playing sports, hiking, or spending time with your family, you can be compensated for that loss. Similarly, emotional distress caused by the injury—such as anxiety, fear, or the psychological toll of having your life disrupted—can be factored into non-economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are less common than economic and non-economic damages, but they may still be awarded in certain cases. Unlike other damages that compensate for losses, punitive damages are designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct. These are usually reserved for situations where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, reckless, or malicious. For example, if the responsible party was driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident, the court may decide to award punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages.
Wrongful Death Damages
In the unfortunate event that someone loses their life due to an accident caused by another party’s negligence, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. New Hampshire law allows family members to recover both economic and non-economic damages in such cases. This can include the costs of funeral and burial expenses, as well as compensation for the loss of financial support. If the deceased person was a primary income earner in the family, their future earning potential can also be factored into the compensation.Additionally, wrongful death damages can compensate family members for the emotional loss of their loved one. The grief, suffering, and loss of companionship are all considered when determining the amount of non-economic damages to be awarded.
How Damages Are Determined
The amount of damages you can recover depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, how much your life has been affected, and the degree of fault attributed to the responsible party. Insurance companies, attorneys, and the court will all assess various forms of evidence, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony, to determine the appropriate amount of compensation. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the victim is fully compensated for their losses.
The Statute of Limitations in New Hampshire
It’s important to remember that New Hampshire has a statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file your claim. If the lawsuit involves a wrongful death claim, the statute of limitations is also three years from the date of death. Failing to file within this timeframe can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.
Maximizing Your Compensation
If you’ve been injured, it’s crucial to have skilled legal representation to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. An experienced personal injury lawyer will work to collect the evidence needed, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. By working with an attorney, you can avoid costly mistakes and focus on your recovery without worrying about the legal complexities of your case.At Tenn And Tenn, PA, we understand how difficult it can be to deal with an injury and the aftermath of an accident. If you’ve been injured, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you recover the compensation you’re entitled to and support you throughout the legal process.If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, contact Tenn And Tenn, PA today for a consultation. Let us guide you through the legal process and help you pursue the damages you deserve.
