Compensatory Damages Education

Compensatory damages are awarded after a lawsuit to victims to compensate them for past, present, and future monetary losses as well as pain and suffering. Learn more about compensatory damages, including common compensatory awards and who may file for compensatory damages.

What Kind of Compensation Can Victims Expect?

Compensatory damages are awarded in an attempt to minimize the effects of a personal injury upon the victim and his or her family. In the event of a personal injury claim, victims may experience physical and emotional trauma which is only compacted by the financial stress of mounting bills and lost wages. With the assistance of a qualified lawyer, personal injury victims may collect compensatory damages for both their physical/psychological injuries as well as for financial losses. Some common reasons for which compensatory damages may be awarded include:

• Medical bills
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Disability
• Disfigurement
• Mental anguish
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Loss of spousal support 

In some cases, such as wrongful death claims, direct family members of victims may also be eligible to collect compensatory damages. In more severe personal injury cases, victims may be compensated through a structured settlement, while plaintiffs in minor injury cases may receive a lump sum payment for their injuries.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Victims in personal injury cases are entitled to compensatory damages to help them recover financially and physically. Unfortunately, defendants in these cases often hire top-gun lawyers to help them pay victims as little as possible, and victims without representation often feel pressured to accept a settlement that is far less than what they deserve. If you wish to seek compensatory damages as a result of a personal injury claim, an aggressive personal injury attorney can defend your rights and pursue justice on your behalf.