What Damages Can I Claim in a Texas Personal Injury Lawsuit?

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Texas, you may be entitled to various types of compensation. At Dodson Law Firm, we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge and clarity about their legal rights. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the different types of compensation you might receive in a Texas personal injury case, helping you understand what to expect as you seek justice and recovery.

1. Economic Damages

Economic damages are the most straightforward type of compensation in personal injury cases. These damages cover the quantifiable financial losses you’ve incurred due to your injury.

a) Medical Expenses

This includes all costs related to your medical treatment, such as:

• Hospital bills
• Surgeries
• Doctor’s visits
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Medical equipment (like wheelchairs or crutches)
• Future medical expenses for ongoing treatment

At Dodson Law Firm, we work diligently to ensure that all your medical expenses, both current and future, are accounted for in your personal injury claim.

b) Lost Wages

If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for:

• Wages lost during your recovery period
• Reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to your previous job
• Future lost wages if you’re unable to work long-term or permanently

Our team at Dodson Law Firm understands the impact that lost wages can have on your life and family. We’re committed to helping you recover every dollar you’re entitled to.

c) Property Damage

If your personal property was damaged in the incident that caused your injury (such as your car in an auto accident), you can claim compensation for repairs or replacement.

2. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are more subjective and cover the intangible losses you’ve suffered due to your injury. These can be more challenging to quantify, but they’re equally important in ensuring you receive full and fair compensation.

a) Pain and Suffering

This compensation acknowledges the physical pain and discomfort you’ve endured due to your injury. Factors that may influence pain and suffering damages include:

• The severity of your injury
• The length of your recovery
• The impact on your daily life

b) Emotional Distress

Injuries can take a significant toll on your mental health. Compensation for emotional distress may cover:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep disturbances
• Other psychological effects related to your injury

At Dodson Law Firm, we understand that the emotional impact of an injury can be just as devastating as the physical effects. We’re committed to ensuring that your emotional distress is properly recognized and compensated.

c) Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injury has prevented you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of enjoyment of life. This could include:

• Hobbies
• Sports
• Social activities
• Travel

d) Loss of Consortium

In cases where your injury has affected your relationship with your spouse or partner, you may be able to claim loss of consortium. This covers the loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy resulting from your injury.

3. Punitive Damages

In some cases, you may be awarded punitive damages. Unlike economic and non-economic damages, which are meant to compensate you for your losses, punitive damages are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.

In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• $200,000, or
• Twice the amount of economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages (up to $750,000)

Punitive damages are relatively rare and are only awarded in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

4. Wrongful Death Damages

In the tragic event that a personal injury results in death, the deceased’s family members may be entitled to wrongful death damages. These can include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of the deceased’s income and benefits
• Loss of inheritance
• Loss of care, maintenance, services, support, advice, and counsel the
• deceased would have provided
• Mental anguish and emotional pain suffered by the family
• Loss of companionship and society

At Dodson Law Firm, we handle wrongful death cases with the utmost compassion and dedication, ensuring that families receive the support and compensation they deserve during such difficult times.

Trust Your Personal Injury Claim with Dodson Law Firm

Knowing what you’re entitled to after an accident is only the first step.

The road to actually securing that compensation can be long and difficult, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries. That’s where we come in. At Dodson Law Firm, we’re not just your legal representatives – we’re your partners in this journey. Our personal injury lawyers guide you through the entire process, from evaluating your case to negotiating with insurance companies, always with an eye on getting you the full compensation you deserve.

Remember, in Texas, you typically have two years from the date of your injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t wait to get help. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, reach out to us at Dodson Law Firm. Let us show you how a different kind of law firm can make a difference in your case. When it comes to getting you the compensation you deserve, we live by our motto: “Dodson Gets It Done.”