In a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for more than just the injury itself. These additional expenses generally fall under economic (special) damages. Here are the main categories:
Economic (Special) Damages
These are tangible, documented costs:
- Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
- Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity if you can’t return to work.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of damaged property (e.g., your car in an accident).
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Travel for medical appointments, parking fees, childcare during treatment, or hiring help for household tasks you can’t perform.
- Future Financial Losses: Projected costs for ongoing care or long-term disability support.
What Proof Do You Need?
If claiming for these Special Damages you will be required to supply vouching documentation, for example, receipts from hospital visits or documentation from your employer confirming your absence from work. It is important that you retain the vouching documentation should an personal injury claim arise as you can not recover your costs without receipts.