Non-Economic Damages

When you’re injured in an accident, your focus is understandably on your physical recovery. However, in addition to your medical bills and lost wages, there are other significant losses that should be compensated.

Non-economic damages are one of those types of compensation. Unlike economic damages, which cover tangible financial losses, non-economic damages compensate for the intangible losses you experience as a result of your injury.

It is important to understand your legal rights and options after you suffer an injury. You should know that you may be able to recover non-economic damages under Alaska law. Keep reading to learn more about the process of recovering the compensation you deserve.

What Are Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages refer to compensation for losses that are difficult to quantify in monetary terms. Economic damages provide compensation for medical bills and lost wages.

These are straightforward because they involve clear, calculable amounts.

On the other hand, non-economic damages address the more personal, emotional impact of an injury. These types of damages are intended to compensate you for the pain, suffering, and other intangible hardships that result from your injury.

Examples of non-economic damages include:

Pain and suffering: This is the physical pain you endure from your injury, including both the immediate pain and any ongoing discomfort you may experience.
Emotional distress: Injuries can have a significant psychological impact, leading to anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other emotional issues.
Loss of quality of life: If your injury prevents you from participating in activities that you previously enjoyed (such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with family), you may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
Loss of consortium: This refers to the impact your injury has on your relationship with your spouse or partner. If your injury prevents you from sharing physical or emotional intimacy, your spouse may be able to claim loss of consortium as part of the damages.
Disfigurement or permanent disability: In some cases, injuries can lead to scarring, amputations, or long-term disability. This can affect your appearance and your ability to lead a normal life.

Non-economic damages are meant to help compensate you for the profound, life-altering effects that injuries can have on your mental and emotional well-being, as well as your relationships.

What Are Non-Economic Damages Intended to Provide Compensation For?

Non-economic damages are designed to provide compensation for the less tangible but still significant aspects of your injury. These damages compensate you for the emotional and physical consequences that can’t be measured in dollars alone.

These damages help recognize the suffering that accompanies a serious injury, such as:

Chronic pain and long-term physical discomfort
Emotional trauma caused by the injury or the circumstances of the accident
The inability to participate in social, work, or recreational activities
Permanent changes to your lifestyle, appearance, or ability to work
The strain on your family or relationships due to your injury

Essentially, non-economic damages are there to provide compensation for the quality of life you lose after an injury. You can receive these damages whether you suffer due to physical, emotional, or social consequences. The goal is to make you whole again, even if it can’t be measured with a price tag.

How Can You Recover Non-Economic Damages in Alaska?

In Alaska, the process of recovering non-economic damages is similar to recovering economic damages, but there are some key differences. To pursue non-economic damages, you must demonstrate that the injury you sustained has caused significant hardships in your life. This may include pain, suffering, or emotional distress.

Here’s how you can recover non-economic damages:

Establish liability: To recover any type of damages, you must first prove that another party was at fault for your injury. Whether through negligence, intentional misconduct, or strict liability, you must show that the other party caused the accident or injury.
Document your injuries and symptoms: The more evidence you can provide to demonstrate the impact of your injuries, the stronger your case will be. For non-economic damages, this may include medical records, psychiatric evaluations, and testimony from medical professionals that address the pain, suffering, and emotional impact of your injury. It may also include journal entries, photographs, or witness statements that help convey how your life has changed as a result of the injury.
Provide evidence of the impact on your life: Non-economic damages require showing how your injury has affected your life. You will need to demonstrate how the injury has altered your ability to work, enjoy daily activities, or maintain relationships. This can include testimonies from loved ones, employers, or anyone who can speak to the change in your quality of life since the injury occurred.

Non-economic damages are subjective, and proving them can be difficult. That’s where an experienced personal injury attorney can make a huge difference. Attorneys will gather the necessary evidence, work with experts, and present a compelling case that fully addresses the emotional and psychological impact of your injury.

How to Prove Non-Economic Damages

Proving non-economic damages can be more challenging than proving economic damages. They don’t have an obvious dollar amount attached.

However, there are several ways to build a strong case for non-economic damages:

Medical records: These records can show the extent of your injuries and the pain you’ve experienced.
Testimony from experts: Doctors, therapists, and psychologists can provide testimony about the long-term impact of your injury.
Personal testimony: Your own testimony about the pain and suffering you’ve endured can be crucial.
Witness testimony: Family members, friends, coworkers, or anyone who witnessed the changes in your life can provide valuable testimony.
Journals or diaries: Keeping a journal about your pain and emotional struggles can provide significant evidence to support your claims.
Photographs or videos: If your injury caused visible scarring or disfigurement, photos or videos can be powerful evidence in proving the emotional impact of your injury.

Gathering the necessary evidence to support your claim for non-economic damages can be essential in your pursuit of justice.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Today

Non-economic damages are a vital part of the compensation process in personal injury cases. They address the emotional, physical, and social losses that come with an injury.

At Farnsworth & Vance Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping injured victims recover the full range of damages they deserve. If you’ve been hurt in an accident, contact us today for a free consultation at (907) 999-9999. Let us help you navigate the legal process to get the compensation you need to move forward with your life.