In New Mexico, What are Considered Personal Injury Damages?
After suffering an accident in New Mexico, you may be able to recover compensation for damages from the negligent party. But what exactly are damages? What types of situations following a personal injury would be considered damages for which you could recover compensation?
There are many things to consider after an accident. While you might have hospital bills or vehicle damages, your actual damages will likely extend much further. You’ll want to consider your emotional and mental damages as well as any losses your family members suffered as a result of your accident. This may make a seemingly simple accident cause much more complicated, but it’s important that you receive the compensation you need to ensure you become whole again. A New Mexico personal injury lawyer from The Lovett Law Firm can help value your damages.
Compensatory Damages
In a New Mexico accident, you have the legal right to receive compensation for the monetary damages you suffered. These include all medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, lab work and medical devices. If you require physical therapy or in-home care, you can receive compensation. Any future medical expenses would be covered as well.
Loss of income is also a compensatory damage for you and any loved ones who took time off to care for you. You could receive compensation for any future earnings as well.
Property damage is another damage common in personal injury cases. If you were involved in a car accident and your car was totaled, a lawsuit can help you recover the money to replace it.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering is a type of general damages for which victims can receive compensation. It refers to physical, mental and emotional distress. It may include pain from your physical injuries, such as back injuries, broken bones, lacerations and head trauma. It may also refer to emotional pain caused by the accident and subsequent injuries, such as depression, embarrassment (from scars or disfigurement), stress, anxiety and loss of enjoyment of life.
In New Mexico, economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, is capped at $600,000 for medical malpractice claims. If you are liable for the accident, you will not receive compensation for pain and suffering.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages may also be available in a personal injury case, but they are not common. They are available only in situations where malice or gross negligence occurred. Punitive damages serve as punishment to the negligent party and are often awarded in medical malpractice cases.
Contact a New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Today
In a personal injury case in New Mexico, you may be eligible to receive various types of damages. There are economic and non-economic damages to consider, and the value of your case will depend on the severity of your injuries.
A New Mexico personal injury lawyer at The Lovett Law Firm can value your case so you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at (575) 523-5555 or contact us online to request a free consultation.