What Are Non-Economic Damages in a New Hampshire Auto Accident Claim?
Non-economic damages may be very important after a car crash in New Hampshire. For many crash victims, this complicated term might seem like yet another headache in an already challenging legal process. However, it makes sense to gain at least a cursory understanding of how non-economic damages work. It might be easier to grasp this concept when you work alongside an experienced auto accident lawyer in New Hampshire.
Non-Economic Damages Represent Your Psychological Losses
Non-economic damages represent your psychological or emotional losses after a car crash. In contrast, economic damages include financial losses like medical bills or lost wages. In New Hampshire, you can pursue both types of damages after a car accident – but this is not always true in other states.
New Hampshire follows an “at-fault” or “tort” system when it comes to car accidents. This means that a car accident can lead to a direct lawsuit against a negligent party who caused the crash. In contrast, a few other states follow a “no-fault” system. Under this system, victims do not need to prove negligence or hold anyone liable for their injuries. They simply file a claim through their own insurance provider to recover compensation. The trade-off is that they lose the right to pursue non-economic damages.
Why Should I Pursue Non-Economic Damages?
Although non-economic damages can be difficult to prove in some cases, they also represent legitimate losses. You should be compensated for these losses, and pursuing non-economic damages can increase your total financial settlement or verdict after a crash. Your injury lawyer in New Hampshire can help you prove that your non-economic damages are legitimate.
What Are Some Examples of Non-Economic Damages?
Perhaps one of the most common non-economic damages is “emotional distress.” Another common term is “pain & suffering.” These are catch-all phrases that refer to the stress, discomfort, pain, and anguish you were forced to endure as a result of your crash. This might be the pain of surgery, the panic of a near-death situation, and the discomfort of a long recovery process.
There are more specific non-economic damages to consider. A notable example is disfigurement, which includes the physical and psychological challenges associated with burns, scars, and amputations that drastically alter your appearance. You might also hear the term “loss of enjoyment of life,” which occurs when victims lose the ability to engage in once-loved activities.
Post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and many other legitimate psychological disorders can become non-economic damages after a crash.
Can a New Hampshire Accident Lawyer Help Me Pursue Non-Economic Damages?
A Manchester accident lawyer at Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC may be able to help you pursue the non-economic damages you deserve. Compensation for these losses could prove critical, especially if your injuries will change the way you live your life. That being said, online research only provides basic information – and non-economic damages can be quite varied. For targeted, personalized advice, consider a consultation with Manning Zimmerman & Oliveira PLLC today.
Sources:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.979574/full#:~:text=Depression%20is%20common%20among%20survivors,disorder%20may%20also%20be%20observed.
