5 Damages That You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Lawsuit

An injury caused by someone else can affect every part of your life. Pain, medical visits, missed work, and stress can add up fast. Many people focus only on their immediate bills, but a personal injury lawsuit can cover much more. Understanding the types of damages available helps you see the full picture of what recovery may involve.

White Plains is a busy city in Westchester County with active roads, workplaces, and public spaces. With its bustling downtown, pedestrian-friendly streets, and frequent commuter traffic, the city sees a variety of accident scenarios each year.

Accidents can happen in many settings, from traffic crashes to slips in commercial buildings. In these situations, people often look for a White Plains personal injury lawyer to understand what compensation may be available and how to move forward.

1. Medical Expenses

Medical costs are often the largest part of a personal injury lawsuit. These expenses can begin right after the accident and continue for months or even years.

Medical damages may include:

• Emergency room visits
  
  
• Hospital stays and surgeries
  
  
• Doctor appointments and follow-up care
  
  

These damages are meant to cover both current treatment and future medical needs related to the injury.

2. Lost Wages

An injury can keep you from working for days, weeks, or longer. Lost wages account for the income you were unable to earn because of the accident.

This type of damage may cover time missed from work due to medical appointments, recovery, or physical limitations. In some cases, it may also include lost bonuses or reduced hours. Proof often comes from pay stubs, employer records, or tax documents.

3. Loss of Future Earning Capacity

Some injuries affect your ability to work long-term. Even if you return to your job, you may not be able to perform the same duties or work the same hours.

This damage looks at how the injury impacts your future income. It considers factors like your age, career path, skills, and the severity of the injury. The goal is to address the income you are likely to lose over time, not just what you have already missed.

4. Pain and Suffering

Pain and suffering damages address the physical and emotional effects of an injury. These losses are real, even though they do not come with receipts.

Pain and suffering may include:

• Physical pain and discomfort
  
  
• Emotional stress or anxiety
  
  
• Loss of enjoyment of daily activities
  
  

The value of these damages depends on how the injury affects your quality of life and how long the effects last.

5. Property Damage

In many personal injury cases, property is damaged along with the person. This is common in car accidents but can also happen in other situations.

Property damage may cover the cost to repair or replace items such as vehicles, phones, or other personal belongings. Estimates, repair bills, and photos are often used to support this part of a claim.

How Courts and Insurers Evaluate Damages

Each case is different. Courts and insurance companies look at the facts, the severity of the injury, and the impact on daily life. Clear records and consistent information help support the value of damages.

Medical reports, work records, and personal statements all play a role. The more organized and detailed the information, the stronger the claim tends to be.

Why Documentation Matters

Strong documentation supports every type of damage. Without records, it becomes harder to show what you lost and why compensation is justified.

Keeping copies of medical bills, treatment plans, repair estimates, and work records can make a meaningful difference. Personal notes about pain, recovery, and daily struggles can also help explain the human impact of the injury.

Final Key Takeaways

• Medical expenses often make up the largest portion of damages.
  
  
• Lost wages cover income missed during recovery.
  
  
• Future earning capacity addresses long-term work limitations.
  
  
• Pain and suffering reflect physical and emotional impact.
  
  
• Property damage covers repair or replacement costs.
  
  

Understanding the damages you can recover in a personal injury lawsuit helps you make informed decisions and focus on healing while protecting your future.