What Types of Damages are Available in an Alabama Lawsuit?

Damages in an Alabama Lawsuit

When a civil lawsuit is filed, the Plaintiff usually seeking to recover compensation for a loss they have suffered because of a Defendant’s wrongful conduct. In order to understand the potential value of a lawsuit, clients need to know the types of damages that are available to them through Alabama courts.

There are three primary types of monetary damages a Plaintiff could receive as part of resolving a civil lawsuit.

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Available Damages in Alabama Lawsuits

Compensatory Damages

Compensatory damages in Alabama are usually the easiest to figure out. Examples of compensatory damages include amounts for:

  • Lost Income/Lost Wages
  • Property Damage
  • Medical Bills resulting from the Defendant’s Actions.

Our team of personal injury attorneys work with clients to obtain the needed documentation related to the damages you have suffered. After our team gathers the documentation, we are typically able to seek a specific amount of compensatory damages based on the injuries to a Plaintiff’s person and property.

General Damages

General damages in Alabama are often paired with compensatory damages. Unlike compensatory damages, general damages are sometimes less specific. A few examples of general damages in Alabama include:

  • Pain and Suffering,
  • Mental Anguish, and
  • Loss of Consortium.

General damages may also include future losses like the loss of earning capacity or future medical care. There are things to consider when evaluating the potential value of general damages in a case. This includes:

  • The Plaintiff’s age,
  • The Plaintiff’s occupation,
  • Income level, and
  • The severity and permanency of the injuries.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages in Alabama are meant to punish a Defendant for appalling conduct. Out of the three types of damages, punitive damages are the hardest to win. The burden the Plaintiff must meet to get punitive damages is very high.

Every state handles punitive damages differently. In Alabama, there is a cap on the amount of punitive damages which can be awarded. If won, punitive damages often exceed the amount of compensatory or general damages received. Large punitive damage awards are almost always appealed by the Defendant. These appeals could potentially result in a reduction of the punitive damages by an appellate court such as the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals or the Alabama Supreme Court.

Unsure About Available Damages in Alabama Lawsuits? CALL US TODAY

If you or a loved one have been involved in an automobile accident, slipped and fell, or a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you hire an attorney quickly. Accidents are not a common thing for most people. When it does happen, you aren’t sure what to do next. That’s where our team of Alabama personal injury attorneys step in. We’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at 205-968-1302 or fill out our form online.

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