HOW ARE SPECIAL DAMAGES DIFFERENT FROM GENERAL DAMAMGES

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As noted in the previous article, Tort damages fall into two main broad categories….general damages and special damages. The previous article discussed general damages. This article will focus on special damages.

The primary difference between general damages and special damages is that general damages are inherently speculative whereas special damages are those damages that may be determined with relative certainty. Examples of special damages are medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, rental car expenses, and other such items of damage for which the amount can be ascertained. Put another way, special damages are damages that can be definitively measured in monetary terms.

As with all damages, the injured victim has the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence that all elements of special damages resulted from the accident at issue. In other words, the injured victim must present evidentiary proof of the casual connection between the accident and the claimed injury and damages. To illustrate, if an individual sustained property damages, in order to recover, the individual would have to prove the fact of the collision, the extent of damages (usually by a property damage appraisal and photographs) often accompanied by the testimony of a damage estimator. Likewise, to recover medical expenses incurred for treatment, the individual would be required to prove the fact of the collision or other injury causing event, the nature of the injuries sustained, and the cost of medical treatment accompanied by the testimony of a medical expert to the effect that the injury causing event was the most probably cause of the injuries suffered. Similarly, in order to recover lost income, the individual would be required to prove the fact of the injury causing event, the inability to work due to injury and present proof of the total measure of income lost due to the disability.

As with most legal issues, the law on special damages is very nuanced and special damages differ from case to case. Thus, navigating through the legal process and obtaining recovery of all damages owed requires not only knowledge of the law, but the ability to effectively prove the case and demonstrate to the judge or jury the appropriate measure of the damages sustained.

For many decades I have carried on the family tradition of restoring lives throughout the local communities and throughout the state of Louisiana. At Simon Law Offices, I have proudly embraced this tradition and strive every day to continue the legacy. Simon Law Offices, Cajun Strong and restoring lives throughout Louisiana one client at a time. If you have been injured, call our office today!

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