In Idaho, personal injury law allows victims to recover various types of damages, including economic, non-economic, and punitive damages. Here we will look at each of the types that can be claimed.
Economic
Economic damages are damages that can be quantified in monetary terms and compensate the victim for financial losses incurred due to the injury. Economic damages may include medical expenses, such as costs associated with medical treatment, hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and prescription medication, lost wages, which include past and future lost earnings, property damage, such as damage to a vehicle in a car accident, and rehabilitation costs, such as physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Non-economic compensation
Non-economic damages compensate the victim for subjective losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Pain and suffering, which include physical pain and emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, and trauma, is a major component of non-economic damages. Idaho does have a cap on non-economic damages. The 2022 cap is $430,740.03 per plaintiff. This cap does not apply when the Defendant’s conduct was either reckless or intentional.
Punitive
Punitive damages may be awarded in Idaho cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious or intentional, and the purpose is to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future. These damages are rare and typically reserved for cases involving intentional misconduct, reckless behavior, fraudulent conduct, or malicious conduct.
Every case is unique
It’s important to note that the types and amount of damages that can be claimed in an Idaho personal injury case can vary depending on the jurisdiction, the facts of the case, and other factors. It’s best to consult with a personal injury attorney licensed to practice in Idaho to determine what damages may be available in a specific case. An experienced personal injury attorney can help victims recover the maximum amount of compensation available to them and ensure their rights are protected.
