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What Are The Damages In California Personal Injury Claims?

  • Jan 16, 2022
  • 4 min read

Updated: Sep 4, 2022

How Much Can You Get From California Personal Injury Claims?

The most significant advantage of filing Personal Injury Claims is the ability to get the compensation you deserve. When an insurance company refuses to give you the proper compensation for your losses, you'd be able to stand your guard and defend your claim.


That said, Personal Injury Claims aren't just to get more payouts. You'd need to prove how much compensation you deserve based on the facts of the case. So, let's discuss how these personal injury damages are calculated:


Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer

Economic Damages

Economic damages are the first type of damages available in a personal injury case. These costs, expenses, and financial losses are related to the accident victim's costs, fees, and financial losses. The following are some examples of economic losses:

1. Medical Expenses

Damages include the expense of your medical care and therapy following an injury. This is the most prevalent damage in a personal injury case.


Medical expenses can include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Costs for ambulances and emergency rooms

  • Doctor's fees

  • Surgery and hospitalizations

  • Lab tests, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and other diagnostic tests

  • Physical, occupational, vocational, and other types of therapy

  • Medical supplies

  • Medications

Almost any reasonable and necessary medical expense can be included in a personal injury case. Therefore, victims should seek urgent medical attention after an injury and preserve meticulous records of all medical expenditures and costs.


Our Los Angeles Personal Injury Lawyer advises every client to keep all receipts and documents, as these can be used as proof to justify your claim.


California Personal Injury

2. Loss Of Income

If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for your lost wages. Income loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

  • Wages

  • Salaries

  • Benefits

  • Commissions

  • Bonuses

  • Losses based on projected earning potential

Loss of opportunities and other forms of compensation may also be considered as damages for loss of income. As with medical bills, meticulously documenting your losses improves your chances of collecting full reimbursement for your economic losses.


If you're currently struggling with a possible personal injury claim, consult with a California Attorney For Personal Injury to help move forward.


3. Out-Of-Pocket Expenses

In a personal injury case, medical expenditures and lost wages are two of the most common types of economic losses. That said, other financial losses, depending on the circumstances, may be included in a claim for damages, including:

  • Expenses for getting to and from medical appointments

  • Personal care or in-home health care

  • Medical or personal care that is required on a long-term basis

  • Because of a disability or impairment, modifications to a home or vehicle are required.

  • Assistance with household tasks

For financial losses, keep all bills, invoices, receipts, and proof of payment. Your California Personal Injury Attorney will determine which of these losses can be included in a settlement demand.

Non-Economic Damages


In a personal injury case, "pain and suffering" damages may be awarded, often known as non-economic damages. You have a right to compensation for the pain and suffering you have had due to the accident and your injuries.


The person who caused your injury may be held financially responsible for:

  • Pain and suffering

  • Disabilities and long-term impairments

  • Scarring and deformity

  • Mental agony and emotional distress

  • PTSD, anxiety, and depression are examples of psychological damage

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

California Car Accidents

There is no set method for calculating the value of a person's pain and suffering. However, numerous elements influence the amount of pain and suffering damages awarded in a personal injury case. Let's take these examples:

  • A person who suffers a catastrophic accident that results in lifelong impairments, such as amputations, paralysis, or brain damage, is seen to suffer more than someone who breaks a bone and heals in a few months.

  • A person who suffers several broken bones or complex fractures that require surgery, on the other hand, may not suffer as much as someone who breaks a finger. Everything is dependent on the facts of the situation.

By keeping a journal throughout your case, you can assist your Personal Injury Attorney Los Angeles in maximizing pain and suffering damages. Make a list of your everyday pain levels and how your injury has affected your life. Take note of how you felt, including whether you had flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or distress.

Punitive Damages


Punitive damages are a third type of compensation awarded in particular personal injury instances. However, punitive damages are rarely awarded in personal injury cases.

1000Attorneys.com is a California Bar Association Certified Lawyer Referral Service that can refer you to a prescreened attorney that's fit to handle your unique case.

You may contact us via our 24/7 live chat (or fulfill our case submission form) for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.


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