When you’re hurt in a personal accident, the physical pain and financial stress can be overwhelming. You might be wondering what compensation you’re entitled to and how a personal injury attorney can help. In Texas, personal injury claims allow you to recover different types of damages, and they usually fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.
Understanding these can help you know what to expect and what to ask for when working with a lawyer injury near you.
For personalized advice, please contact Attorney Tyler Monahan, partner at Turner-Monahan, PLLC, to discuss your case.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages are the financial losses you suffer because of the accident. These are things that can be measured in numbers and often come with receipts, bills, or pay stubs.
Common examples of economic damages:
- Medical bills
Hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, doctor visits, prescriptions, and other healthcare costs.
- Future medical care
If your injuries require ongoing treatment or long-term care, that’s part of your claim.
- Lost wages
If you miss work because of the injury, you can ask for the money you would’ve earned.
- Loss of future earning ability
If your injury makes it harder to work or forces you into a different job with lower pay.
- Property damage
Repairs or replacement for your car, motorcycle, or bike if it was damaged in the accident.
If you were in a motorcycle accident or hit by a commercial vehicle like an 18-wheeler, these costs can quickly add up. That’s why working with experienced motorcycle accident lawyers or 18-wheeler truck accident attorneys is so important.
For thoughtful, trial-tested representation from someone who truly understands what injury victims face, contact Attorney Matthew T. McLain at Turner-Monahan, PLLC.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are harder to measure with a price tag. These are about how your injury has affected your life, your emotions, and your well-being.
Examples of non-economic damages:
- Pain and suffering
The physical pain from your injuries, surgeries, or ongoing discomfort.
- Emotional distress
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or mental trauma caused by the accident.
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If you can no longer enjoy hobbies or activities you once loved.
- Loss of companionship
If your injury affects your relationships, especially in wrongful death cases.
- Scarring or disfigurement
Visible injuries that change your appearance and confidence.
Unlike a medical bill, these damages don’t have a clear number. But they are just as real, and a personal injury lawyer near you can help prove them with evidence like therapy records, journal entries, and testimony.
Why This Matters in a Personal Injury Claim
Insurance companies may try to settle your claim fast, but often they focus only on economic damages and ignore how your life has changed in other ways. A skilled personal injury attorney will work to recover the full value of both types of damages.
Whether you were hurt in a bike crash, a commercial vehicle wreck, or a semi-truck accident, your legal team should know how to document everything and fight for your rights.
How Are These Damages Calculated?
Economic damages are calculated based on:
- Bills and receipts
- Past pay stubs and tax returns
- Expert opinions (like doctors or economic experts)
Non-economic damages are based on:
- How severe your injuries are
- How long your recovery takes
- The impact on your daily life and mental health
Texas does not have a cap on non-economic damages for most personal injury claims, unless it’s a medical malpractice case. But every case is different.
Example: Rear-End Collision with a Commercial Truck
Let’s say you were rear-ended by a delivery truck. Here’s what your claim might include:
Economic damages:
- $20,000 in hospital and rehab bills
- $4,000 in vehicle repair costs
- $8,000 in lost wages
Non-economic damages:
- Chronic back pain
- Anxiety while driving
- Loss of ability to play sports with your kids
An experienced commercial truck accident lawyer will help gather the right documents and evidence to support both categories of damages.
Do You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Yes, especially if your case involves serious injuries, disputed fault, or a large company like a trucking firm. Trying to handle this alone can lead to missed compensation. A personal injury law firm near you will handle everything from start to finish and make sure you’re not pressured into settling for less.
A personal injury attorney can help you:
- Gather all medical and accident evidence
- Deal with insurance adjusters
- Calculate all possible damages
- Represent you in court if needed
- Maximize your total compensation
If you’re searching online for an attorney for personal injury near you, or PI lawyers near you, choose someone local, experienced, and aggressive when it comes to protecting your rights.
Whether it’s a car accident, defective product, or serious injury, Matthew T. McLain brings the skill and compassion you need. Reach out today to discuss your case.
Types of Cases Where These Damages Apply
You can recover economic and non-economic damages in many types of personal injury claims, such as:
- Car accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- 18-wheeler and semi-truck collisions
- Bicycle or pedestrian injuries
- Commercial vehicle wrecks
- Wrongful death claims
If you were involved in any of these, especially with a large vehicle or company, it’s important to talk to a commercial vehicle injury attorney or motorcycle personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Protect Your Case from Day One – Talk to Turner Monahan PLLC
Economic and non-economic damages are the foundation of your personal injury claim. Both matter, and both deserve to be fought for.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Fort Worth personal injury attorneys, Tyler Monahan or Matthew McLain, to discuss your case and explore your options. Let us help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state to obtain legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PLLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
