Types of Compensation for Personal Injuries

Personal Injury Compensation - what can you ask for?

If you're considering suing due to a personal injury, you need to be aware of the types of compensation you may be eligible for. There are two main types of damages that you may ask for, but be aware that Wisconsin is a contributory negligence state, which means your financial award may be lower than expected depending on your action or inaction when you were injured. It's essential that you have a skilled lawyer on your side should you go to court.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are those that reimburse you for both incurred and projected losses. These include medical bills, lost wages, other out of pocket expenses, and other quantifiable amounts of money. These can also include future projected costs, such as future medical and wage loss. Compensatory damages also include awards for pain and suffering, which is not the same as punitive damages. Wrongful death also qualifies for compensatory damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are, as the name suggests, essentially punishment for causing the accident that injured you. Punitive damages become a factor if the defendant did something that was outrageous when causing your accident.
Contributory Negligence
If the court finds that you are partially responsible for your injury, your damages may be lower than you requested. For example, if you were in a car accident that was partially your fault, you may not get the full amount of damages that you asked for.
Working with a skilled attorney who understands Wisconsin's personal injury laws is vital if you want the best chance of recovering damages. The attorneys at Eisenberg Law Offices can help you put your case together and determine a reasonable award request. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
This post was originally published at http://www.eisenberglaw.org/types-compensation-personal-injuries/