
If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing in Kansas City, Missouri, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses.
One of the key types of compensation in a personal injury case is economic damages. These damages are designed to reimburse victims for financial losses directly related to their injuries.
Understanding what economic damages are and how they apply to your case is essential for knowing what you can recover.
This article will explain the types of economic damages available and how they are calculated in personal injury cases, such as those based on car or truck accidents.
What Are Economic Damages?

Economic damages are the measurable costs and losses you’ve incurred because of your injury. Unlike non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, economic damages are quantifiable and can be documented through bills, receipts, and other records.
These damages aim to make you financially whole by covering the costs of your medical treatment, lost income, and other related expenses.
In Missouri, economic damages are a vital part of any personal injury case and can make up a significant portion of your compensation.
Types of Economic Damages in a Missouri Personal Injury Case
Several types of economic damages may be available to you, depending on the nature of your injury and its impact on your life. Here are some of the most common types:
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often comprise the largest portion of economic damages in personal injury cases. These expenses include not only the immediate costs of medical treatment but also any ongoing and future care you may need.
Medical expenses may include:
- Hospital stays
- Surgery costs
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medications
- Medical equipment (such as wheelchairs or crutches)
- Future medical care and treatment
It’s crucial to document all medical costs and keep records of your treatment, as these will be necessary to prove your economic damages.
Lost Wages
If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages. Economic damages can cover any income you’ve lost during your recovery period.
This includes:
- Past lost wages: Income lost from the time of the injury to when you return to work.
- Loss of earning capacity: If you are unable to return to work in the same capacity or at the same income level, you may be entitled to compensation for future lost earnings.
This type of compensation helps cover the long-term impact your injury has on your ability to earn a living.
Property Damage
In cases where your personal property was damaged as a result of the accident, you can seek compensation for repairs or replacement. For instance, if you were involved in a car accident, economic damages could cover the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Economic damages can also include other out-of-pocket expenses that arise because of your injury, such as:
- Transportation costs to and from medical appointments
- Costs for hiring help with household chores or childcare
- Expenses for modifying your home or vehicle to accommodate a disability
- Over-the-counter medical supplies
Any expense you wouldn’t have incurred if not for the injury could potentially be considered economic damages.
How Are Economic Damages Calculated?
Economic damages are generally calculated by adding up all the financial losses you’ve sustained due to the injury.
This requires thorough documentation of all costs, including:
- Medical bills: Collect all invoices and statements from healthcare providers.
- Wage statements: Gather pay stubs, tax returns, or employer statements to prove lost income.
- Receipts: Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury.
- Estimates for future costs: For ongoing medical care or loss of earning capacity, expert testimony may be needed to project future expenses.
Being diligent in tracking these expenses ensures that you receive full compensation for your losses.
Proving Economic Damages in a Missouri Personal Injury Claim
Proving economic damages requires solid evidence. In Missouri, you will need to present documentation to verify your financial losses.
Common types of evidence include:
- Medical records and bills detailing your treatments and associated costs
- Employment records showing missed workdays and wage information
- Property damage estimates or receipts for repairs
- Expert testimony from professionals, like economists or medical experts, about future costs or impacts on earning capacity
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in gathering and presenting this evidence. An attorney will know how to compile the necessary documentation and, if needed, bring in experts to help calculate future losses.
An Experienced Kansas City Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help You Identify and Prove Your Damages
Navigating a personal injury claim can be complex. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Missouri, consider consulting a Kansas City personal injury attorney to discuss your case. An experienced lawyer can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf, and work to maximize your compensation.
Don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance to ensure that you receive the full economic damages you’re entitled to. Contact a qualified personal injury lawyer in Kansas City today at (816) 376-3058 to get started on your path to recovery.