What Is the Difference Between Economic and Non-Economic Damages in an Illinois Injury Claim
“Damages” in a personal injury case refers to compensation. Economic damages are your actual costs, while non-economic damages cover intangible losses. Understanding the difference between them is key to getting the total amount you need to recover.
Our experienced Marion, IL personal injury lawyer helps injured victims and their loved ones in these cases. We explain what’s included in both types of damages and other types of compensation available in a claim.
What Counts as Economic Damages in an Illinois Injury Claim
Personal injuries in Illinois can happen due to vehicle crashes, slips and falls, getting struck by objects, dog bites, or other so-called “accidents.” When the reckless behavior of others is to blame, you have the right to hold them liable for your losses.
Under the Illinois Statutes, economic damages cover your actual financial costs. They can often be proven through receipts, pay stubs, and medical bills, making them easier to calculate than other types of losses. Common types of economic damages in an Illinois personal injury claim include:
- Medical expenses, covering emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, medication, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost wages for time missed from work.
- Future lost income and reduced earning capacity when injuries cause ongoing impairments.
- Property damages, such as the cost to replace your vehicle.
- Out-of-pocket expenses, including transportation to medical appointments and the cost of in-home care during recovery.
These costs add up quickly, and keeping thorough records from the start makes it far easier to recover the full amount you are owed.
Non-Economic Damages and Other Compensation in Illinois Personal Injury Claims
While economic damages cover actual costs, non-economic damages cover the intangible losses that often result from personal injuries in Illinois. These generally include:
- Pain and suffering, which includes physical pain and discomfort due to your injuries and the treatment you receive.
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress.
- Lost enjoyment of life, when an injury prevents someone from participating in hobbies, activities, or experiences they once valued.
- Loss of consortium, which covers the impact an injury has on a spousal relationship.
- Disfigurement and scarring, which courts recognize as having a lasting effect on a person’s quality of life and self-confidence.
Both economic and non-economic damages may be available, whether filing a claim through insurers or a personal injury lawsuit in the Illinois courts. In some cases, a lawsuit may also entitle you to punitive damages, an additional amount that punishes those at fault and aims to prevent others from engaging in similar behavior.
Contact Our Experienced Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer Today
When personal injuries occur in Illinois, they can impact your health. finances long afterward. Don’t leave money on the table.
At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, we provide the trusted legal help victims and their families need. Our experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer reviews the situation, advises you on the types of compensation available, and fights for the maximum amount you are entitled to. We represent clients in Madisonville, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Marion, Illinois. Contact us today to request a consultation.
Source:
ilga.gov/documents/legislation/ilcs/documents/073500050K2-1115.2.htm
