If you've been injured by someone else's negligence, you're entitled to seek compensation — but what exactly does that include? Here's a breakdown of the types of damages commonly available in personal injury cases in West Virginia.
Economic Damages
These are the tangible, measurable financial losses resulting from your injury:
- Medical Expenses: Emergency room visits, surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy, prescription medications, and future medical care related to the injury.
- Lost Wages: Income you lost while you were unable to work due to your injuries.
- Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or limit your ability to earn in the future.
- Property Damage: The cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle or other personal property.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home care assistance, medical equipment, and other costs directly tied to the injury.
Non-Economic Damages
These compensate for the more personal, subjective impacts of your injury:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort caused by the injury and its treatment.
- Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychological impacts of the accident and recovery.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from engaging in hobbies, recreational activities, or other aspects of life you previously enjoyed.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the impact of your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family members.
Punitive Damages
In cases involving particularly reckless or malicious conduct, West Virginia courts may award punitive damages — designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior in the future. These are less common but can significantly increase a verdict in egregious cases.
How We Maximize Your Recovery
Calculating the full value of your damages — especially future losses and non-economic harm — requires experience and skill. Insurance companies routinely undervalue claims. At Persinger & Persinger, we work to document every loss and fight for the full compensation you're entitled to.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation. No fee unless we win.