When someone else’s careless actions cause you harm, Pennsylvania law allows you to seek compensation for the losses you suffer. In a personal injury claim, one major category of compensation is known as “economic damages.” These damages pay you back for real, measurable costs that come from the accident. If you’ve been injured due to another person’s negligence, it’s important to understand how economic damages work and why they matter to your case.
Below, we explain the basics of economic damages in Pennsylvania so that you can be prepared when it comes time to file your claim. We’ll also outline how working with a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
What Are Economic Damages?
“Economic damages” are the part of your compensation that covers financial losses caused by an accident. These losses usually have a clear dollar value you can show through bills, receipts, or other documents. Economic damages can be simpler to prove than non-economic losses (like pain and suffering), but you still need strong evidence and a clear argument that ties these costs to your injury.
In Pennsylvania, if you can show that another party is at fault for your injuries, you have the right to demand repayment for these direct expenses. The goal is to make you “whole” again by reimbursing money you would not have spent without being harmed.
Examples of Economic Damages in Pennsylvania
If you’re filing a personal injury claim, you might qualify for various types of economic damages. While each case is unique, some of the most common examples include:
- Medical Bills: This can include hospital stays, doctor’s appointments, emergency room visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitation costs.
- Lost Wages: If you miss work because of your injuries, you can seek compensation for your lost paychecks.
- Future Lost Earning Capacity: If your injuries force you to change jobs or reduce your work hours, you might also recover damages for the long-term impact on your career.
- Property Damage: If your car, bike, or other personal property was destroyed or damaged in the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacements.
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses: This includes costs such as crutches, wheelchair rentals, home modifications, travel to medical appointments, or anything else you had to pay for because of the accident.
Each of these categories can add up quickly. Medical bills alone might cost tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you need surgery or follow-up care. If your injuries prevent you from working for weeks or months, lost wages can become a serious financial burden. Economic damages are designed to help ease that burden by covering these expenses for you.
Proving Economic Damages
You must provide clear proof of your financial losses to claim economic damages after a car accident or other incident. Strong evidence might include:
- Medical records and bills, which break down each treatment and related cost
- Pharmacy receipts showing the expense of prescription drugs or medical supplies
- Proof of lost income, such as pay stubs or letters from your employer
- Property repair estimates or receipts if your vehicle or personal items were damaged
- Invoices or receipts for any extra services you needed, like home care or childcare
The more details you collect, the better your chances of recovering the full amount. In some cases, your lawyer may consult with financial or medical experts who can also estimate your future expenses.
How Much Time Do I Have To File a Claim?
It’s also important to remember Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims. In most cases, you have two years from the date of the accident to either settle your claim or file a lawsuit.
If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover any damages at all—economic or otherwise. Because of this, it’s smart to contact a lawyer and start building your case as soon as you can.
Contact a Kingston Personal Injury Lawyer Today for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured in Pennsylvania and face growing medical bills or other expenses, you shouldn’t have to struggle on your own. Economic damages can help you recover the money you’ve lost so you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about debt. An experienced lawyer in Kingston can review your case, identify your possible claims, and guide you toward a fair resolution.
Call our offices today at (570) 714-4878 to schedule a free consultation with a Kingston personal injury attorney at Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC. Keep in mind that most injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay attorney’s fees if you win compensation.