What types of compensation can victims in Sorrento expect to receive after an accident?

Sorrento, LA – Civil accident lawsuits are focused on helping victims pay for costs of medical treatment, time away from work, and other forms of financial losses. Attorneys who dedicate their efforts to helping accident victims have extensive experience with negotiating settlement agreements or asking a jury for a significant damage award if the case goes to trial. However, there are laws related to exactly what types of damages are available and how these amounts can be calculated. Questions about the value of any specific case should be directed to a lawyer.

Economic damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages in Louisiana, are meant to compensate victims for known losses that can be proven through evidence. Things like property repairs, medical treatment costs, lost income, and future projected costs for loss of the ability to work and rehabilitation can all be demonstrated through bills and invoices. If there is a fatal accident, family members can collect the costs of funeral and burial expenses through a wrongful death lawsuit as well.

Non-economic damages

Like most other states, Louisiana also allows victims to collect money for intangible losses related to pain and suffering. These are sometimes called general damages. It is very difficult to estimate the amount of general damages available, as the lawyer is given a chance to argue for compensation related to certain quality of life issues caused after an accident. This can include trauma and mental health issues, physical pain associated with injuries, disabilities, and loss of consortium with family members.

Punitive damages

There may be some situations where the defendant acted recklessly or maliciously, and they can be punished through the civil court system. This is why punitive damages may be awarded in civil accident cases. Under Louisiana law, this type of damages can only be awarded if there was proof that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when they caused the injuries to the plaintiff. As a practical matter, punitive damages are almost exclusively allowed during drunk driving accident lawsuits.

Settlement negotiations

Because it is very rare for cases to go to trial, it is up to the victim’s attorney to use this system to argue for the most damages possible for their client. Anyone who is about to enter this phase of the case can get information from their lawyer about what to expect and how close their settlement amount should be to their costs of all these losses combined.

Meeting with local injury attorneys in Louisiana

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf is a trusted source of information for people who have been injured in the Sorrento area. Victims can speak with a lawyer to receive advice regarding the best course of action after an incident.

Firm contact info:

Miller, Hampton, and Hilgendorf

3960 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806

225-343-2205