What Damages Can I Recover in a New Hampshire Personal Injury Case
Suffering an injury due to the negligence of another person or a company may entitle you to monetary compensation. There are several reasons why you may need to recover damages from an injury including medical expenses, missing long periods of work, as well as other factors. Continue reading to learn more about how damages are determined in New Hampshire personal injury cases.
General Damages in New Hampshire
General damages refer to the intangible or sometimes invisible damages you may be suffering from after an injury. These types of damages cause issues that are not always directly seen or obvious but are the direct result of an injury. Some examples of general damages include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Physical disabilities
- Reduced quality of life
Though the above conditions may not necessarily cost money or cause you to stop working, they are conditions that may change elements of your day to day life, and under New Hampshire law, those who suffer these conditions may be eligible to receive monetary compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the damages that cost money or cause you to lose money. Some examples of economic damages include:
- Reduced earning potential
- Loss of wages
- Medical expenses. (past and future)
- Necessary home or personal care
Economic damages for things that have cost you money, or will cost you money in the future may be able to be recovered. For example, if you were involved in a car accident that caused you to lose a limb, you would be entitled to be repaid for the medical bills accrued during your hospital stay, and since your need for a prosthetic limb was a direct result of the car accident, you would potentially be entitled to be compensated for the prosthesis and future care of it as well.
New Hampshire’s Law Regarding Enhanced Compensatory Damages
Enhanced compensatory damages are another way that damages can be awarded to a plaintiff in New Hampshire. While economic and general damages are to reimburse or repay a victim for the loss of their money, time and quality of life, the goal of enhanced compensatory damages is to punish the defendant, or at-fault party, for causing the injury. It is rare for this type of damages to be awarded in the state of New Hampshire, and it must be found that the at-fault party was acting out of malice or hatred— not just negligence.
Personal Injury Lawyer in New Hampshire
If you have suffered an injury due to the negligence of another party, it is likely that you are entitled to monetary compensation. The victim of an injury should never be liable for medical bills and other losses associated with an injury— the at-fault party should be held responsible. Navigating the legal system in regards to personal injury can be complicated and confusing, so it is best to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer for your New Hampshire personal injury claim.
At Seufert Law, we’ll review your case for free to determine what type of damages you’re entitled to. From there, our staff will be available to help you through this trying time and fight to recover damages you are entitled to, in the amount you deserve. Schedule a free consultation today to get started.