Types of Damages in Personal Injury Cases: What You Can Claim in California

TL;DR

If you’ve been injured in California, you might be able to claim a few types of damages:
1. Economic damages – things you can actually put a number on, like medical bills, lost wages, or property damage.
2. Non-economic damages – harder-to-measure stuff, like pain and suffering, emotional distress, or a lower quality of life.
3. Punitive damages – rare, meant to punish really reckless behavior, like DUI, street racing, or ignoring safety laws.
Knowing the different types of damages can help you get a clearer picture of what you might be entitled to.

If you’ve been injured in an accident, you’re most likely wondering what you can actually claim. Personal injury law is designed to help people recover losses caused by someone else’s negligence—but understanding the types of damages in personal injury cases can feel a little overwhelming. Let’s break it down in plain terms so you know what you might be entitled to and how damages work.

Economic Damages

Economic damages cover the direct financial losses caused by an accident. These are usually proved with documents such as bills, receipts, and pay records. The following are a few examples:

Medical Bills

This includes all accident-related medical costs—ambulance rides, ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, rehab, and even future treatment you may need.

Property Damage

Most often, this means damage to your car. It can also include towing fees, rental car costs, and repairs or replacement of personal items damaged in the accident.

Lost Wages

If your injuries keep you from working, you can seek compensation for the income you missed, whether that’s hourly pay, salary, overtime, bonuses, or commissions.

Loss of Earning Capacity

When an injury affects your ability to work long-term—like forcing you to cut back hours or change careers—this accounts for the income you’re likely to lose in the future.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages focus on how the injury actually affects your life. While they aren’t tied to receipts, they play a major role in the value of a personal injury claim. Such damages can include:

Pain and Suffering

Covers the physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries, including ongoing or chronic pain.

Emotional Distress

This includes things like anxiety, depression, PTSD, fear, sleep problems, and the emotional toll an accident can take.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If your injuries stop you from doing things you used to enjoy—hobbies, exercise, travel, or even everyday activities—you may be compensated for that loss.

Loss of Companionship or Consortium

Serious injuries can affect close relationships, including the loss of support, affection, or intimacy experienced by a spouse or family member.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages aren’t meant to reimburse the victim. Instead, they’re meant to punish extremely reckless or intentional behavior and discourage others from doing the same. These damages are rare and usually reserved for the most serious cases, such as:

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Causing an accident while intoxicated or having a prior DUI history can lead to punitive damages because of the danger it puts everyone else in.

Street Racing or Aggressive Road Rage

Actions such as street racing, excessive speeding, tailgating, or forcing another driver off the road demonstrate a blatant disregard for public safety.

Intentional or Malicious Acts

If someone intentionally causes harm or acts with the intent to injure another person, punitive damages may be awarded to punish that conduct.

Safety Violations

This applies when a driver or company ignores safety rules, such as a commercial driver skipping required rest breaks or operating a vehicle they know isn’t safe.

Understanding Personal Injury Damages

Personal injury damages are the financial compensation you can receive after an accident. These damages are meant to make you “whole” again—covering medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and even the emotional toll of an injury. Personal injury damages come in different forms, and knowing the difference can help you understand your claim better. So, what are the different types of personal injury damages?

How Are Damages Calculated in Personal Injury Cases?

For economic damages, it’s relatively straightforward: add up all the costs and losses related to the injury. Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to put a price on. Lawyers might consider the severity of the injury, the length of recovery, and the impact on your daily life. Essentially, it’s about capturing the full effect the injury has had, beyond just the bills.

​Knowing how to calculate pain and suffering in a personal injury case often involves a mix of documentation, expert testimony, and legal strategy. Your attorney will gather medical records, pay stubs, and any evidence of emotional or physical suffering. In some cases, courts or insurance adjusters may also consider factors like age, pre-existing conditions, or long-term effects when determining a fair settlement.

Understanding the different types of damages in personal injury cases gives you a clearer picture of what to expect. It also helps you communicate effectively with your attorney who can help build a strong personal injury case. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills or emotional suffering, knowing how everything is calculated will give you peace of mind during your claim process.

Do You Need Legal Help?

If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, contact Yepremyan Law Firm for a free case evaluation. Our injury lawyer in North Hollywood can ensure that all aspects of your losses are considered. Remember, insurance companies are not on your side—they’re in the business of minimizing payouts, not protecting your rights. That’s why having a knowledgeable legal professional by your side is crucial.

An experienced attorney can guide you through the complex legal landscape, explain all your options in plain language, and make sure you fully understand the consequences before you sign anything. With the right guidance, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure your case is handled fairly from start to finish.

​Available 24/7, we’re ready to take your call and help you schedule an appointment today. Serving clients throughout Southern California, our personal injury law firm in North Hollywood has been a trusted legal advisor since 1998. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis—no recovery, no fee.

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