Types of Personal Injury Damages You Can Recover in Your Case
If you’ve been in an accident caused by someone else, you can recover various types of damages in your case.
When you’re injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence—whether it’s a car crash, truck accident, slip and fall, or another personal injury—your life can be turned upside down in an instant. Between the medical bills, time off work, and emotional toll, it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Washington law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for various types of damages to help them get back on their feet.
Let’s break down the key types of damages you may be entitled to in a personal injury case.
Personal Injury Economic Damages: Your Tangible Financial Losses
Economic damages cover the measurable financial impact of your personal injury. These are the most straightforward to calculate and prove, and typically include:
Medical Expenses
This includes both past and future costs related to your care:
- ER visits and hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy and rehab
- Medications
- Assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs
- In-home care or long-term treatment
If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, future medical needs are also considered in your personal injury claim.
Lost Wages
If your injury caused you to miss work—even just a few days—you can seek compensation for your lost income. Your lawyer may use pay stubs, tax returns, and letters from your employer to prove the extent of your lost earnings.
Loss of Earning Capacity
In more serious cases, you might not be able to return to your previous job or any job at all. For instance, a construction worker who suffers a spinal injury may be unable to perform physically demanding tasks ever again. In these situations, you can pursue compensation for the income you would have earned had the injury not occurred.
Property Damage
If your vehicle or personal belongings were damaged in the incident—especially common in auto and truck accidents—you can claim repair or replacement costs as part of your lawsuit.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
These are often overlooked but can add up quickly. Examples include:
- Travel to and from medical appointments
- Home modifications to accommodate a disability
- Childcare or housekeeping assistance during recovery
Personal Injury Non-Economic Damages: The Invisible Costs of Injury
Non-economic damages are harder to quantify but no less important. These compensate you for the emotional and physical toll the accident has taken on your life.
Pain and Suffering
This refers to the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured, both short- and long-term. Chronic pain or permanent disability may result in higher compensation.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress includes symptoms like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and sleep disturbances that can follow a traumatic accident. These may be supported by medical records, mental health diagnoses, or testimony from loved ones.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Have your injuries prevented you from doing the things you once loved—playing sports, hiking, or spending time with your family? This type of damage seeks to acknowledge the loss of those meaningful activities.
Loss of Consortium or Companionship
If your injury affects your relationship with your spouse or loved ones, damages may be awarded to recognize the emotional impact on your family unit.
Personal Injury Punitive Damages: Holding Bad Actors Accountable
While rare, Washington courts may award punitive damages in cases where the at-fault party acted with malice, oppression, or reckless disregard for your safety—such as a drunk driving incident or extreme negligence. These are meant to punish the wrongdoer and send a message that such behavior won’t be tolerated.
Every Case Is Unique—That’s Why You Need a Skilled Advocate
At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, we know that no two injuries—and no two clients—are alike. We dig deep into your situation to uncover every possible avenue of recovery. Whether you’ve been injured in a car accident, truck crash, or suffered a serious injury through no fault of your own, we’ll fight to make sure you’re compensated for everything you’ve lost.
Injured in Yakima or Central Washington? Let’s Talk.
The legal team at Abeyta Nelson has recovered millions for injury victims across Yakima, the Tri-Cities, and beyond. We’re here to answer your questions, explain your rights, and guide you toward the compensation you deserve.
Call Abeyta Nelson Injury Law at 509-575-1588 or contact us for your free, no-obligation consultation. Let us take on the legal burden so you can focus on what matters most—your recovery.