Getting injured due to the negligence of someone else can turn your whole life upside down. You may become swamped in medical bills, in constant pain, and in medical treatment. With an injury changing your world in the blink of an eye, it is crucial that you understand what your rights are. There are several damages that occur in a personal injury case, but none are more pressing than economic damages. Economic damages refers to any actual financial damages that occur as a result of a defendant causing harm. In this article we will be delving into the intricacies of economic damages. including what qualifies as an economic damage under Utah’s Laws and Codes.
What are Economic Damages?
Economic damages refers to the tangible financial losses that you incur as a result of an injury. These are the concrete costs of your case and can be calculated and verified. These losses provide a clear picture of the financial toll that the injury has had on your life.
What Qualifies as Economic Damages?
Medical Expenses:
This is often the most immediate concern. Emergency room visits and ongoing physical therapy costs can be staggering. Under Utah law, you are entitled to claim for all medical related expenses and costs that have been caused by your injury. These can include emergency room visits, MRI’s, physical therapy, emotional therapy, as well as chiropractic visits.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity:
If your injury has kept you away from work, under Utah law you have the right to make a claim to receive the income that you have lost. More significantly, if your ability to earn a living the future has been compromised, Utah law also allows for compensation to cover your lost earning potential.
Property Damage:
If your personal property was damages as part of the incident that caused your injury, such as a motor vehicle accident, under Utah law you are entitled to the right to make a claim for the costs for repair or replacement of any damages property.
Additional Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
If there are any other costs that are directly related to your injury you may be able make a claim for these expenses. Services such as travel costs for medical treatment, or hiring assistance for household tasks that you can no longer perform may also be claimable.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Utah
Utah operates under a comparative negligence system (Utah Code § 78B-5-818). Comparative Negligence means that if you are found partially responsible for the incident that caused your injury, your compensation may also be reduced proportionally to your degree at fault. This is important to keep in mind as medical expenses and other costs may rise throughout your personal injury claim. Navigating this aspect of law can require skilled legal expertise to ensure fair treatment.
The Statute of Limitations: A Time Conscious Matter
In Utah, any legal issue is subject to the statute of limitations (Utah Code § 78B-2-307). The statute of limitations is a legal deadline that requires any formal claim be made for the statute of limitations has passed. In the state of Utah a personal injury claim has 4 years to be filed, if you try to file a claim once this statute has passed it will be denied. This deadline emphasizes the importance of acting swiftly to ensure that your right to compensation is not forfeited.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney?
The complexities of a personal injury claim can be difficult to manage alone, that is where LifeLaw Personal Injury steps in. Our team of the best personal injury lawyers in Salt Lake City understand the complexities of personal injury law, and are dedicated to fighting for your right to fair compensation. LifeLaw will help you through every step of the legal process, making sure that you understand your rights and feel that you are heard throughout your claim. Our team is dedicated to helping you navigate the legal system with ease and confidence, so you can focus on your recovery while we do the rest. For a personalized consultation and expert advise on an injury, contact us at LifeLaw Personal Injury today!