Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are awarded in civil cases with the goal of returning injured parties to the state he or she was in prior to the accidents. Compensatory damages are typically categorized into special damages (also called economic damages) and general damages (commonly referred to as noneconomic damages), and are completely separate from punitive damages awarded specifically to punish defendants.
Certain accident victims, such as those who have suffered injuries that carry lifelong consequences or involved the deaths of loved ones, can never truly be “made whole” again. The nature of the harm involved as well as several other factors—such as a victim’s age, the impact the injury has on the victim’s daily life, and the effect on the victim’s earning capacity—will be considered in calculating an jury award for compensatory damages.
Personal Injury Attorney in West Chester, PA Discusses Compensatory Damages
If you sustained catastrophic injuries or your loved one was killed as the result of another party’s negligence in southeastern Pennsylvania, it is in your best interest to not say anything about the incident until you have legal representation. Contact Ciccarelli Law Offices as soon as possible.
Our West Chester personal injury lawyers represent clients in communities throughout Lancaster County, Delaware County, Chester County, Montgomery County, and the greater Philadelphia area. Call (610) 719-3190 to have our attorneys provide an honest and thorough evaluation of your case during a free initial consultation.
Pennsylvania Compensatory Damages Information Center
- What are special damages?
- How are damages awarded for pain and suffering?
- Where can I learn more about compensatory damages in West Chester?
Special Damages (Economic Damages) in Chester County
Special damages are often called economic damages because they involve aspects that concern quantifiable financial amounts. One of the primary factors in an award for special damages is medical expenses, which may include the costs of surgeries, doctor visits, prescription medications, and all other related hospital bills.
Some of the other types of special damages include, but are not limited to:
- Lost wages;
- Property damage;
- Household services;
- Rehabilitation; and
- Any other out-of-pocket expenses.
General Damages (Noneconomic Damages) in West Chester
General damages are commonly referred to as noneconomic damages because they cannot be calculated as easily as special damages. General damages typically account for such factors as “pain and suffering,” an aspect inherent to many injuries that victims must endure but has no quantifiable value.
General damages may include, but are not limited to:
- Emotional anguish;
- Loss of consortium;
- Injury to one’s reputation;
- Disfigurement.
Compensatory Damages Resources in Pennsylvania
Title 42 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute § 7102 | Comparative negligence — Comparative negligence is the legal doctrine under which any damages sustained by the plaintiff can be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributed to the plaintiff. View the full text of the state law governing comparative negligence in Pennsylvania, including recovery against joint defendant and apportionment of responsibility among certain nonparties and effect. The statute also discusses downhill skiing and savings provisions.
County Court of Common Pleas | Chester County, PA — Civil complaints in Chester County are filed with the Court of Common Pleas. Visit this website to access civil forms and find filing tips. You can also find fee schedules, judicial calendars, and local rules of the court.
Court of Common Pleas of Chester County
201 W. Market Street
West Chester, PA 19380
(610) 344-6170
Ciccarelli Law Offices | West Chester Personal Injury Lawyer
Did you suffer serious injuries or was your loved one killed in southeastern Pennsylvania as the result of another party’s negligence? You will want to avoid signing any paperwork or making any statements until you have first contacted Ciccarelli Law Offices.
Our personal injury attorneys in West Chester have office locations in Lancaster, Kennett Square, Radnor, Plymouth Square, Springfield, Malvern, Philadelphia, and King of Prussia.
You can have our lawyers review your case and discuss all of your legal options when you call (610) 692-8700 or complete an online contact form to take advantage of a free, confidential consultation.
Contact Our PA Personal Injury Lawyers
We are a team of Pennsylvania Personal Injury Lawyers our main offices located in West Chester, Chester County Pennsylvania and serving clients throughout the greater Philadelphia Metro Area including Lancaster County, Berks County, Bucks County, Delaware County and Montgomery County. If your family has been victimized by the negligence of another and you are seeking a free initial consult on you rights and possible claims, it is crucial you speak to an experienced Pennsylvania Injury lawyers in order to ensure your rights are protected and to review all of your legal options with you.
The Injury attorneys of Ciccarelli Law Offices have successfully represented individuals throughout the state of Pennsylvania that have been injured in accidents. Our Chester County based law firm is based at 304 North High Street, West Chester PA 19380 and serves clients throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to in Kennett Square, Downingtown, West Chester, Coatesville, Exton, Chester Springs, Chadds Ford, Landenberg, Lancaster, Media, Harrisburg, Reading, Philadelphia, Honey Brook, Oxford, Malvern, Parkesburg, Phoenixville and Paoli. Contact us now at (610) 692-8700 or call toll free (877) 529-2422. Don’t wait—contact an attorney immediately.