When an accident caused by another person's carelessness or negligence leaves you with a serious injury, the impact can be life-changing. Beyond the physical pain, you often face staggering medical bills, lost income, and the emotional stress of a long recovery.
A personal injury lawsuit is the legal process used to seek financial compensation, known as "damages," for these losses. Understanding what damages you can claim is a crucial first step in protecting your future and securing the resources needed for your recovery, especially in cases involving catastrophic harm.
If a severe accident has upended your life, do not hesitate to seek qualified legal guidance. Contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman for a confidential case review by calling (816) 542-5999 or by using our online contact form.
Understanding Damages: Economic vs. Non-economic
In personal injury law, "damages" are broken into two main categories: economic and non-economic. Think of monetary damages as those losses that are easy to count because they come with a bill, receipt, or clear wage history. Non-economic damages cover the losses that are more difficult to quantify, such as pain and suffering.
Economic Damages (Specific Losses)
These damages are intended to reimburse you for financial losses you have suffered and will continue to suffer because of the injury. They are verified using financial documents, bills, and professional forecasts.
For catastrophic injuries, these specific losses are often substantial. They account not just for what you have spent, but for the costs you will face for the rest of your life.
- Medical Expenses: This is often the most significant part of a severe injury claim. It includes ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, doctor visits, physical therapy, and prescription medications. In cases involving severe harm, this category also covers future needs, such as:
- Lifetime care and assistance.
- Ongoing specialized treatments and rehabilitation.
- Adaptive equipment, like wheelchairs, lifts, or home modifications.
- Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: If your injury kept you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you have already lost. If the injury permanently limits your ability to work or prevents you from ever returning to your previous career, you can claim for the loss of your future earning capacity.
- Property Damage: This covers the costs to repair or replace any personal property damaged in the accident, such as a vehicle in a serious trucking case.
- Other Costs: This can include travel expenses for medical appointments, vocational training to learn a new trade, or the cost of hiring help for tasks you can no longer perform, such as house cleaning or yard work.
Non-economic Damages (General Losses)
Non-economic damages address the non-financial losses that severely impact your quality of life. These are difficult to assign a dollar value to, but they represent the daily impact of the injury.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to compensation for the physical pain and discomfort resulting from the injury itself, the surgeries, and the recovery process.
- Emotional Distress: Severe accidents can cause anxiety, depression, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Compensation can be sought for these mental and emotional injuries.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: This encompasses the inability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed, such as hobbies, sports, or playing with your children.
- Loss of Consortium: In cases of severe injury, the uninjured spouse may be able to seek compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and assistance from the injured partner.
The Role of Catastrophic Injury in Damage Claims
When an injury is classified as catastrophic—such as a spinal cord or a traumatic brain injury—it fundamentally changes how damages are calculated. This is because the losses are not temporary; they are permanent and lifelong.
A lawyer handling severe injury cases must work with a team of financial professionals and medical specialists. These professionals create a "life-care plan." This detailed plan projects every cost the injured person will need over their remaining lifespan.
This comprehensive approach is essential because catastrophic cases, particularly those resulting from complex truck accidents, often involve securing settlements or verdicts large enough to ensure financial stability for the rest of the injured person's life.
Seeking Justice with a Personal Injury Lawyer
If you have suffered a life-altering injury due to someone else's negligence, you may feel overwhelmed by the legal and financial challenges ahead. Working with an experienced legal team is the most effective way to address these complex challenges.
A dedicated personal injury lawyer in Kansas City, MO, understands how to investigate severe accidents, gather critical evidence—such as "black box" data in a truck collision—and present a compelling case that clearly shows the full extent of your losses.
Your lawyer's primary goal is to seek a complete recovery of all damages you are entitled to under the law, ensuring that your financial needs are met now and in the future. To learn more about how we handle complex legal matters, visit our page on our work in personal injury cases.
Contact Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman Today
If you or a family member has suffered a devastating injury, the time to act is now. Our commitment is to provide formal, informative guidance to help you navigate this difficult chapter.
We encourage you to contact the professional team at Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman. Contact us today at (816) 542-5999 or complete our online contact form to schedule a case review.