When you are injured in an accident, you are owed financial compensation for your losses and expenses. Special damages (also known as economic damages) are a direct result of your accident and are considered recoverable in a personal injury case or insurance claim.
Special damages vary from case to case and are dependent on your injury and the losses incurred as a result. Insurance companies hope claim filers aren’t fully aware of the extent of their physical and financial damages when they first file a personal injury claim. Filers who aren’t aware of the total financial repercussions of their injuries may accept a lower payment than they are rightfully owed.
An Ohio personal injury attorney can help document your full range of losses and expenses so your insurance company cannot take advantage of you.
Special damages are one of two types of damages (general damages being the other) in a personal injury claim. They are clearly definable because the damages can be calculated with the right documentation (i.e., medical bills, car repairs, employer timesheets, etc.). This is why it is so important to keep track of all receipts and expenses that incur following an accident.
Insurers may intentionally or unintentionally leave out significant damages when they send you a settlement agreement to sign. An attorney can help you make a list of recoverable damages to include in your personal injury claim.
Special damages can often include expenses like:
Some insurers utilize their own formulas to calculate payouts, but their algorithm may greatly underestimate the actual value of damages.
To avoid an unfair settlement after being in an accident, do your best to keep track of all relevant costs. All documentation becomes evidence that can be used to prove your special damages when you file your claim or negotiate with the insurance company.
Important documents to keep track of might include:
General damages are non-economic damages that are harder to quantify. There are no receipts for the suffering you experienced due to your injury or the loss of a loved one.
This is where the insurance company might use its formulas to calculate your losses because the value of general damages is subjective. They might look at things like the nature and severity of your injuries and if you suffer from any lasting impairments because of the accident.
Your special damages are often a variable in the equation they use to calculate your general damages payout, which is another reason why accurately calculating and documenting special damages is so important.
General damages include:
If you have been wrongfully injured and you believe you have a case, consider speaking with a personal injury attorney at the Buckeye Law Group Inc. We offer free consultations and require no upfront fees for residents across Ohio. Our attorneys operate out of offices in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and Akron.
At the Buckeye Law Group Inc., we handle the common types of personal injury cases from auto accidents to workers’ compensation and product liability.
Schedule a personal injury consultation with us today by calling 1-800-411-PAIN.
Bicycle accidents often result in severe injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens for victims and their families. At Buckeye Law Group, we are committed to helping victims of bicycle accidents
Pedestrian accidents can be life-altering, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the vulnerability of those on foot. At Buckeye Law Group, we recognize the devastating impact
Motorcycle accidents are among the most dangerous types of vehicular collisions, often resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities due to the lack of protection for riders. At Buckeye Law
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, with devastating consequences for victims and their families. At Buckeye Law Group, we understand the dangers of distracted driving
At Buckeye Law Group, we understand the life-altering effects car accidents can have on victims and their families. These incidents often lead to physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial
At Buckeye Law Group, we understand the devastating implications of a diagnosis involving fetal acidosis due to birth injury. This condition can have long-lasting effects on both the infant and
At Buckeye Law Group, we recognize the profound impact that amputation due to medical malpractice can have on patients and their families. The consequences of such an event are life-altering
At Buckeye Law Group, we recognize the profound impact that cerebral palsy, often resulting from birth injuries, has on individuals and their families. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders
At Buckeye Law Group, we are deeply aware of the profound impact a breast cancer diagnosis has on individuals and their families. Breast cancer is a significant health concern, and
Welcoming a new baby into the world should be a joyous occasion, but when a birth injury occurs, it can bring immense fear, frustration, and uncertainty. Birth injuries can range