What Are Non-Economic Damages?

If a plaintiff can prove the defendant’s responsibility in cases such as personal injury or medical malpractice cases they can receive compensation for both economic and non-economic damages as well. Monetary or economic damages refer to compensation received for financial damages caused by an accident caused by the defendant.

Non-monetary or non-economic damages are the compensation received for subjective, non-financial damages including emotional agony, pain, and the like.

Factors to Be Considered for Non-Economic Damages

There are a few factors that are considered by the judge and jury when looking at non-economic damages. These are:

• The severity of the victim’s injuries and the time it took them to recover
• Did the injuries change the victim’s physical appearance?
• The amount the victim’s daily life has changed
• Have the victim’s injuries lessened their ability to perform household chores?
• Have the victim’s injuries affected their lives as compared to before? If so, then how much?
• Has the injury irreversibly changed the course of their lives or caused major changes to it?

Often, non-economic damages are available but they need to be proven. The documentation for non-economic damages is different from economic damages. In most cases, giving the judge the point of view of the accident from the victim’s perspective or the psychological effects the victim has suffered is enough for them to decide on non-economic damages.

Examples of Non-Economic Damages

Some things that qualify for non-economic damages are:

• Pain
• Emotional agony
• Suffering
• Loss of companionship
• Lack or loss of enjoyment of life 

Connect with a Personal Injury Lawyer to Seek Compensation 

Manard Law, LLC is full of lawyers who are experienced with cases involving non-economic damages. They have your best interest in mind and will try their best to help you with your case. You can find a lawyer who is best suited for you by calling us at 504-585-7777 or filling out the form.