Suffering a serious injury comes with many hardships. Victims usually face massive medical expenses due to hospitalization and continuing medical treatment. In most cases, victims will also miss a lot of work, which typically means that they lose a lot of income.
When an injury occurs because of another party’s negligence, victims can seek economic damages to help them pay their bills and replace lost wages. However, in many cases of negligent injuries, victims can pursue non-economic damages as well.
Louisiana is one of several states that allow victims to seek non-economic damages after suffering an injury caused by negligence. Examples of these damages include the following:
- Emotional and physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and/or emotional distress
- Disfigurement and/or physical impairment
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship and/or marital relations if the victim dies
- Loss of services the victim provided to family members
Non-economic damages can make a significant difference in the quality of life that victims and their families have in the aftermath of an injury. For example, obtaining these damages gives victims time to recover, both physically and emotionally. The money can also empower victims to continue providing support to their families even when they can no longer work.
Any time negligence caused or contributed to a personal injury, it may be possible to seek non-economic damages. Examples of negligent situations include car accidents and medical malpractice. The best way to find out if you can pursue such damages is to speak with an experienced attorney. Together, the two of you can discuss the details of your injury and find a remedy you can seek that meets all of your financial needs.