What types of damages can I pursue in my personal injury lawsuit?

Most of us suffer minor injuries from time to time. Sometimes these injuries can be chalked up to clumsiness on our part. Other times we are seriously injured due to the actions or inactions of another.

For example, you could be using the stairs at a department store that has a rickety railing that was never fixed. The railing broke when you held on to it, causing you to fall and suffer serious injuries. If so, you may want to pursue a lawsuit against the store owner, not just to recover what you are due but to teach them a lesson.

Compensatory and, in some cases, punitive damages

If you are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you can seek compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are meant to make you whole again. For example, they could cover medical bills, lost wages or even account for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment and loss of consortium.

If you are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, you can also seek punitive damages. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for their wrongdoing, to hold them accountable and serve as a deterrence to future negligent acts. Punitive damages go above and beyond what you are owed in compensatory damages.

Ultimately, if you are successful in your personal injury lawsuit you deserve fair compensation. This can include being awarded compensatory damages or even punitive damages. You were injured due to another’s negligence, and you are entitled to seek appropriate compensation for the harms you suffered.