Getting into an accident in Las Vegas, or any other place for that matter, can be a traumatic experience both physically and emotionally. However, if the accident was due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to recover damages. Understanding the types of damages you can recover can help you in making informed decisions about pursuing a legal claim.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are concrete, verifiable costs supported by documents like bills, receipts, and employment records. These quantifiable expenses include various financial losses linked to an injury, providing compensation for objective, out-of-pocket impacts. According to the Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Harris & Harris Injury Law, the following costs are economic damages you may be able to recover:
Medical Expenses
First and foremost, victims can recover the cost of medical care associated with the accident. This includes:
- Emergency services
- Hospital stays
- Follow-up doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Prescription medication
- Medical devices
- In-home health services
Keep all records and receipts as they will be necessary when making a claim.
Lost Wages
If you’ve missed work due to injuries, you can recover lost wages. This includes:
- Salary
- Wages
- Bonuses
- Benefits
- Other earnings
In case of severe injury leading to disabling conditions that prevent you from returning to work or diminish your earning capacity, you may also be entitled to future lost wages.
Property Damage
Compensation for damage to your vehicle or any valuables that were in the car at the time of the accident is also recoverable. Estimates and receipts will be integral for claiming these damages.
What are Non Economic Damages?
Noneconomic damages refer to a form of compensation granted in personal injury cases to address intangible, subjective losses resulting from an injury. Unlike quantifiable monetary losses such as medical bills or lost wages, these damages are challenging to assess in financial terms yet can profoundly affect a person’s overall quality of life. The following costs are considered noneconomic damages:
Pain and Suffering
Not all damages are visible or quantifiable. Pain and suffering refer to the physical and emotional stress caused by the accident. This encompasses:
- Chronic pain
- Discomfort
- Mental anguish
- Depression
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Quantifying these damages can be more complex and often requires expert testimony.
Emotional Distress
Closely related to pain and suffering, emotional distress covers the psychological impact of the accident. It often includes:
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Insomnia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Medical records and psychological evaluations can substantiate these claims.
Loss of Consortium
Spouses of accident victims can claim loss of consortium, which refers to the deprivation of the benefits of a family relationship, including companionship, affection, and sexual relations.
Nevada’s Comparative Negligence Laws
Nevada operates under a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, your recoverable damages will be reduced accordingly. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover any damages.
Nevada’s Statutes of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims
Nevada sets time limits, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a lawsuit. For most personal injury suits, the limit is two years from the date of the injury. In property damage cases, the statute is three years.
Remember, each personal accident case in Las Vegas may have different variables and potential for recovery. The information presented here is a guideline and for any specific case or legal advice, always consult with a qualified attorney.