Personal injury claimants can pursue compensatory and, in some cases, exemplary damages. Compensatory damages include both economic and non-economic losses. Exemplary damages, also called “punitive damages,” may be awarded in cases involving a defendant who acted with malice, oppression, or fraud.
Below is a breakdown of the compensatory damages that may be available in a California personal injury case:
- Medical bills (past and future);
- Property repairs or replacement;
- Lost income;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Other objectively verifiable losses such as child care, domestic help, and home/vehicle modifications;
- Emotional distress;
- Loss of enjoyment of life;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Loss of consortium.
