Serious Injuries in VA Archives - Page 10 of 20 - Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp
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What Types of Monetary Compensation Can an Injured Person Receive in Virginia?

Virginia laws allow plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death cases to claim compensatory economic and noneconomic damages, as well as punitive damages in certain circumstances.
 

Compensatory damages are compensation for the person’s injuries and losses. These injuries and losses include the bodily injuries; the impact of these injuries on the person’s health and function; physical pain; mental anguish; inconvenience; medical expenses incurred in the past and likely to be incurred in the future; loss of earnings and lost capacity to earn; and property damage.  Some of these damages are quantifiable but mental anguish and pain and suffering are not. 

 

Punitive damages are recoverable in very limited circumstances. They are awarded make an example of the defendant  that is intentional or so reckless as to demonstrate a willful disregard for the rights of others. The actual payment of punitive damages is relatively rare.

Typically you see these in a case involving a DUI with high levels of intoxication. 

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