Personal injury claims can occur due to many circumstances, and the injuries suffered can range from death to a broken bone or an abrasion. In the United States, automobile accidents are the number one cause of personal injury claims.

If you’ve been injured in an accident or otherwise, you may be entitled to a monetary recovery to compensate you for your injuries.  It’s important to understand the types of damages you might be entitled to so that you can be fully apprised of your right to recovery. The following is a non-exclusive list of the many types of damages that you may be able to recover:

• Medical expenses ― Payments and bills for doctors, treatment, ambulance fees, hospital stays, and the like that resulted from your injury.  In addition, you may be able to recover for future medical expenses that are reasonably necessary to treat your injury.
• Pain and suffering ― Past and future physical pain associated with an injury. This may include anxiety, apprehension, nervousness, embarrassment, terror, or shock.
• Lost wages ― The amount of wages you would have earned from the time of the injury to the date of the judgment or settlement.
• Lost earning capacity ― When your ability to earn future income is impaired or diminished by the injuries you’ve sustained, you may be able to recover for your lost earning capacity.
• Loss of enjoyment of life ― An inability, or diminished ability, to enjoy the everyday pleasures of life.
• Loss of consortium ― Deprivation of the benefits of married life after an injury, including companionship and affection.
• Disfigurement ― Deformities such as scars or other permanent effects on your personal appearance resulting from an injury sustained.
• Punitive damages ― Damages intended to deter the wrongdoer and others from engaging in similar conduct to that which formed the basis of the lawsuit.

As noted previously, this list represents some of the common types of damages for which a personal injury claimant may recover. If you have sustained injuries, contact an experienced Southwest Arizona personal injury attorney to learn more about your personal injury claim and the damages you can recover.