What Are Special Damages in a Personal Injury Case?
After an accident, the financial strain can hit fast. Medical bills, lost income, and unexpected expenses can quickly overwhelm you and your family. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover these losses through special damages in a personal injury claim.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we help clients identify, calculate, and fight for every dollar they are owed.
Understanding Special Damages
Special damages—also known as economic damages—are the measurable financial losses directly tied to your accident. These damages are calculated using documentation like bills, receipts, and employment records.
The purpose is straightforward: to recover the money you have lost—and will continue to lose—because of your injury.
Common Types of Special Damages
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, hospital stays, surgery, rehabilitation, and future treatment)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage and repair or replacement costs
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
- In-home care or personal assistance
- Costs associated with long-term disability
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases
These damages are often the foundation of a strong personal injury claim because they are supported by clear evidence.
Special vs. General Damages
Not all losses are financial. In addition to special damages, you may also recover general damages, which compensate you for the personal impact of your injuries.
These may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
While general damages are harder to quantify, they are just as important in understanding the full impact of your accident.
Cases That Commonly Involve Special Damages
Special damages can arise in nearly any type of personal injury case, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle crashes
- Slip and fall incidents
- Pedestrian and bicycle accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Defective product claims
If your injury resulted in financial loss, those damages should be accounted for in your claim.
Serious Injuries Often Mean Higher Financial Losses
Severe injuries don’t just affect your health—they can impact your future.
We frequently represent clients suffering from:
- Spinal cord injuries requiring long-term care and mobility assistance
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) requiring ongoing therapy and supervision
- Severe burns needing specialized treatment
- Broken bones requiring surgery and rehabilitation
- Internal injuries causing lasting complications
These cases often involve significant special damages, especially when ongoing medical care and lost earning capacity are involved.
Can You Recover Punitive Damages?
In rare cases, you may also be awarded punitive damages. These are intended to punish especially reckless behavior and send a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.
However, punitive damages are not available in every case and require a higher legal standard.
Why Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney Is Critical
Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to minimize payouts—even when your losses are clear.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we:
- Identify all sources of compensation
- Calculate the true value of your damages—including future costs
- Gather the documentation needed to support your claim
- Handle all negotiations with the insurance company
- Take your case to trial if necessary
You only get one opportunity to recover compensation. We make sure it’s done right.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
Accepting a quick settlement may feel like relief—but it can cost you in the long run. Once you accept an offer, you typically cannot reopen your case, even if your condition worsens.
Before speaking with insurance adjusters or signing anything, talk to an attorney who understands what your case is truly worth.
What to Bring to Your Free Consultation
To help us evaluate your case, bring any available documentation, including:
- Medical records and bills
- Proof of lost income
- Photos or videos from the accident scene
- Police or incident reports
- Property damage estimates
- Witness contact information
If you don’t have everything, we will help you gather it.
Time Is Limited to File Your Claim
Personal injury cases are subject to strict deadlines. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover compensation entirely.
The sooner you contact our team, the sooner we can begin protecting your rights and building your case.
Let Applebaum Accident Group Fight for You
An accident can change your life in an instant—but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we are committed to helping injury victims recover the compensation they need to move forward. That includes every dollar of your special damages—now and in the future.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today
There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact (855-Call-Paul)Applebaum Accident Group today to get the experienced legal representation you deserve.
