If you’ve been injured in Dallas due to someone else’s negligence, you might wonder what compensation you can claim.
When filing a personal injury case, understanding the types of damages—special and general—is essential. This knowledge lets you know what you’re entitled to and prevents leaving cash on the table.
If you need help, consult a personal injury lawyer in Dallas first. They can explain your rights and help you through the process of recovering compensation.
There are two types of damages you can recover: special damages and general damages. These are explained in the sections below.
What Are Special Damages?
Special damages are losses that you incur because of your injury. They are measurable damages that can be proved with receipts, bills, or other documentation.
As an example, in case your injury requires you to visit a hospital, undergo surgery, or get medication, the price of those treatments will be special damages.
Special damages may also include lost wages. If your injury kept you from work, you might get back the income you lost during that period. Special damages may also be awarded for expenses such as traveling to medical appointments or hiring help for household tasks.
Consider special damages as compensation for actual losses you sustained. Due to the fact these are specific to your situation, you should keep accurate records of all expenses to optimize what you can claim.
What Are General Damages?
General damages are less tangible but just as important. These cover the emotional and physical pain you have suffered from the injury. Unlike special damages, such losses do not carry receipts or invoices. Instead, they reflect the quality of life that your injury has affected.
For example, if your injury kept you away from family gatherings, hobbies, or social events, you can pursue general damages. Similarly, emotional trauma, anxiety, or a loss of enjoyment in daily life fall under general damages.
The total amount you are awarded for general damages depends upon the seriousness of your injury and its long-term consequences. A personal injury lawyer will help you determine a fair amount, depending on your particular circumstance.
Why Do Both Types of Damages Matter?
Special and general damages combine to compensate you for your losses. Special damages pay for immediate financial losses like medical bills and lost wages. General damages, however, acknowledge the non-economic losses like the emotional and physical toll of the injury. Include both types of damages when filing a personal injury claim in Dallas. Failing to do so could leave you underpaid for your claims.
How to Build a Strong Case?
You need evidence to recover special and general damages. For special damages, keep all bills, receipts, and proof of income loss. For general damages, record your pain and suffering. This might consist of keeping a journal detailing your daily life following the injury, getting statements from family or friends, or providing medical records detailing your injury’s long-term effects.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a personal injury lawyer helps your case become strong and complete. They know how to collect evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed. For those injured, knowing the difference between special and general damages is critical to getting fair compensation.
