Disfigurement deserves a special mention because it is essentially a mix of both economic and non-economic damages.
If you’ve suffered injuries after a car accident in Boise, the last thing you need is to be confronted with complicated legal terms you can barely understand. After all, you need to focus on healing, and you might still be receiving treatment. When you encounter terms like “non-economic damages,” your situation can seem incredibly daunting. How are you supposed to get the compensation you need when you don’t even know the meaning of these phrases?
Fortunately, you don’t need to understand these terms because you can simply hire a qualified, experienced car accident attorney in Idaho. With help from one of these legal professionals, you can strive for the best possible results in a highly confident manner. Not only can an accident attorney explain these terms, but they can also take it upon themselves to deal with your case while you focus on healing. After all, there’s no need to become a legal expert simply because you’ve suffered a car accident injury.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are purely psychological or emotional in nature. In contrast to economic damages, these losses cannot be quantified with a clear dollar amount. You can’t present a receipt for your PTSD, and you certainly can’t show medical records that prove you have a “loss of enjoyment of life.” But even though these damages are not associated with specific dollar amounts, they are legitimate.
How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated?
So if non-economic damages are not associated with dollar amounts, then how is their value calculated when determining settlements? The multiplier method is the most common approach. This involves assigning the non-economic damages with a number – usually on a scale of one to four – and multiplying that number by your total economic damages. For example, if your medical expenses and missed wages totaled $200,000 and your general damages multiplier was 2, you would be left with a total settlement of $400,000.
Examples of Non-Economic Damages
Here are some of the most common non-economic damages:
- Depression2
- PTSD1
- Anxiety
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional distress
- Pain & suffering
- Disfigurement
Disfigurement deserves a special mention because it is essentially a mix of both economic and non-economic damages. While a disfigurement is a physical injury, it is also psychological in nature because it affects one’s sense of self-identity and self-worth.
Where Can I Find an Attorney Near Me?
If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced car accident attorney in Boise, look no further than Johnson & Lundgreen, P.C. Over the years, we have helped numerous injured plaintiffs in Idaho. We know that non-economic damages deserve legitimate attention, and we can help you get the compensation you need. Whether you’re struggling with depression, emotional distress, PTSD, or any other issue, we’ll fight for your rights effectively. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967#:~:text=Post%2Dtraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20is%20a%20mental%20health,uncontrollable%20thoughts%20about%20the%20event.
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
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