Once a personal injury has occurred, the person or party who has caused the suffering (the defendant) has the responsibility to compensate you for your loss. There are a few types of damages, or compensation, that you can ask for.
Compensatory damages are meant to make up for your injury.
Actual damages reimburse you for funds that you paid out of pocket, such as lost wages, medical bills, substitute transportation, property replacement, rehabilitation or other things that you have paid money for because of your injury.
General damages reimburse you for things that you have not paid money for, yet still suffer from. This includes harm to your marriage, future lost wages, emotional suffering, disfigurement, among other examples.
If a defendant is found to have acted intentionally or maliciously, courts may order the defendant to pay the plaintiff punitive damages, which are meant to punish the defendant for his or her actions.
In a case where the evidence of actual damages is slight, the courts may still choose to award the plaintiff a small sum of money to acknowledge that the defendant legally wronged him or her. Nominal damages may only be asked for in intentional harm cases where a physical injury to the plaintiff is not required for a defendant to be found guilty.
If a personal injury case is settled in favor of the plaintiff, he or she may also be able to be entitled to some of the expenses of taking the case to court.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, serving Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and communities throughout Massachusetts, an experienced personal injury attorney will assist you or your loved one in your case.
Remember, your initial consultation is free, and you don't pay us unless you win.
Contact our firm serving Boston, Springfield, Worcester, and communities throughout Massachusetts to schedule a consultation with a lawyer. Our attorneys are committed to helping victims obtain maximum compensation for their personal injuries.
Boston Area
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Ph:617-338-4321