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What Are Non-Economic Damages?

If you’re injured in an accident, you may be entitled to certain damages that aren’t strictly economic. These are known as non-economic damages, and they can help compensate you for the pain and suffering you experience as a result of your injury. 

Non-economic damages can vary depending on the case but may include compensation for physical or emotional damage, loss of consortium, or pain and suffering. If you’ve been injured in an accident, it’s important to understand your rights and what types of damages you may be eligible for. Our South Carolina personal injury attorney goes into more detail about non-economic damages.

What Are Non-Economic Damages And What Do They Include?

Non-economic damages are damages that are not related to financial loss. This means they cannot be easily calculated like medical bills or lost wages. 

Instead, non-economic damages are intended to compensate an injured person for more intangible losses. Non-economic damages may include: 

  • Pain
  • Fear of loss, illness, or injury
  • Suffering
  • Physical impairment
  • Inconvenience
  • Disfigurement
  • Injury to reputation
  • Humiliation
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of consortium (companionship of a spouse)
  • Loss of society and companionship

How Can You Calculate Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

In South Carolina, there is no set formula for calculating non-economic damages. Instead, jurors are given wide discretion to award whatever amount they believe is fair, based on the evidence presented at trial. This can make it very difficult to predict the outcome of a personal injury case, as the jury’s decision may be based on factors that are difficult to quantify. 

However, an experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you build a strong case for non-economic damages and ensure that you are compensated fully for your injuries.

Why Are Non-Economic Damages Important in Personal Injury Cases?

Non-economic damages are important in South Carolina personal injury cases because they compensate the victim for non-financial losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These types of damages are harder to quantify than economic damages, but they can be just as significant. A personal injury can profoundly impact every aspect of a victim’s life, and non-economic damages help to recognize that fact. For many people, non-economic damages are the most important part of a personal injury settlement or verdict. They provide a measure of justice that is difficult to put a price tag on.

How Can an Injured Person Ensure That Their Interests Are Protected When Pursuing Non-Economic Damages in a Personal Injury Case?

When pursuing non-economic damages in a personal injury case, it is important to take steps to protect your interests. This includes keeping detailed records of the ways in which your injuries have affected your life and working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you build a strong case for compensation. By taking these steps, you can increase your chances of recovering the full extent of the damages that you are entitled to.

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence, you may never be made whole, but we can help minimize the financial impact your injuries may cause. Contact us today for a free consult.