What Are Non-Economic Damages in a Boynton Beach Car Accident?

If you were injured by a Boynton Beach car accident, you may have recently heard the phrase “non-economic damages” for the first time. Perhaps you came across this legal term after researching potential compensation for your injuries. Can you claim non-economic damages for a car accident in Florida? How much are your non-economic damages worth? These are questions you might want to raise with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Non-Economic Damages Are Emotional or Psychological Challenges

Non-economic damages are emotional or psychological issues that you experience as a direct result of your car accident. They are “non-economic” because they do not involve financial losses. However, they still represent real losses, even if you can’t attach them to a specific reduction in your overall financial wealth.

Can I Claim Non-Economic Damages After a Florida Car Accident?

You may be able to claim non-economic damages after a Florida car accident, but this depends on various factors. First, you should know that Florida follows a no-fault insurance system when it comes to car accidents. This means that you can file a PIP claim regardless of who caused your accident. You can also file a claim even if you caused your own accident. However, no-fault insurance does not cover non-economic damages.

If your injuries are serious, you may have the right to file a car accident personal injury lawsuit instead of a PIP claim. Examples of serious injuries include amputations, disfiguring burns/scars, severe spinal cord injuries, complex/multiple fractures, and things of that nature. Death also qualifies as a serious injury, allowing families to sue on behalf of their lost loved ones.

What Are Some Examples of Non-Economic Damages in Florida?

Non-economic damages are varied, and they depend on the unique circumstances of each crash. Some of the most common examples include emotional distress and pain & suffering. These catch-all phrases encompass various psychological and emotional issues connected to crashes. Related damages include depression, anxiety, humiliation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

A more specific example is disfigurement. This non-economic damage represents the loss of self-esteem and self-confidence that often accompanies amputations, scars, and burns. You can claim disfigurement as a non-economic damage in addition to the various medical bills associated with your injuries.

Another example is loss of enjoyment of life. This might be relevant if you can no longer hike, play sports, dance, or engage in other active pastimes because of the limitations brought about by your injuries.

Can a Boynton Beach Car Accident Lawyer Help Me?

If you want to maximize your potential compensation for a car accident, it makes sense to contact a Boynton Beach car accident lawyer. While not all car accidents in Florida lead to compensation for non-economic damages, this is certainly a possibility worth exploring. Since each case is slightly different, it may help to discuss your unique circumstances with a lawyer instead of relying entirely on online research. Contact Steinberg Law today to continue this conversation in more detail.

Sources: 

hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/scars

valuepenguin.com/car-insurance/how-pip-works-florida