What Damages Can I Recover in a Tennessee Personal Injury Lawsuit?
Nashville Attorney Explains the Available Compensation
After any kind of accident that causes you injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit to cover your subsequent expenses. The kind of compensation that is available to you depends on the type of accident and damage caused. In some cases, you may only recover the cost of your medical treatment. However, you may also be entitled to reimbursement for other damages, such as lost wages and pain and suffering.
Nashville personal injury attorney Stanley A. Davis has decades of experience with all types of injury cases. In fact, he has been named one of the most prolific trial lawyers in Tennessee on multiple occasions. As a result, he is familiar with the different kinds of personal injury compensation that is available, and can tell you what you may expect. No matter what kind of accident caused your injuries, Stan can guide you through your personal injury claim.
What Kinds of Personal Injury Compensation Are Available?
When you file a personal injury lawsuit after an accident, there are generally two kinds of compensation you may seek. They are:
- Compensatory damages. In a personal injury lawsuit, an award of compensatory pays you back for the expenses that resulted from the accident. These damages can include:
- Special compensatory damages. These costs are calculable and specifically relate to money that you lost as a result of the accident. Your medical bills, household expenses, lost wages and even future expenses associated with a permanent impairment are all part of this category.
- General compensatory damages. This compensation is for damages that have no explicit monetary value. Pain and suffering as well as loss of enjoyment of life are two common types of general damages. However, in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases, family members may seek compensation for loss of guidance or companionship as well.
- Punitive damages. In certain cases, the courts may award punitive damages to the victim in a personal injury lawsuit. This kind of judgement is meant to punish the defendant for causing intentional harm or behaving with extreme recklessness at the expense of your safety. This punishment is separate from any possible criminal proceedings. In Tennessee, punitive damages are usually limited to twice the total compensatory damages or $500,000, whichever is greater. However, there is an exception to this rule. If the person responsible for your injuries was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, there is no cap on punitive damages. Therefore, you can probably file for additional compensation in a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident caused by a drunk driver.
Questions on Compensation? Call Our Nashville Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you sustained injuries in a truck crash or car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation to make up for this injustice. Nashville personal injury attorney Stan Davis devotes his practice to representing accident victims throughout Tennessee. If you have questions about a personal injury lawsuit, call Stan today. He can then explain the different types of compensation that may be available to you.
Contact his Nashville law office online or call today to schedule a free initial consultation.