What are the different types of damages I can recover in a Houston marine personal injury case?

Maritime personal injury

Maritime personal injury cases involve injuries sustained by individuals while working in or near navigable waters, including oceans, rivers, lakes and canals. These cases can arise from a variety of incidents, such as boat accidents, falls at sea or at the dock, accidents with loading and unloading equipment, and exposure to dangerous chemicals.

If you were injured in a personal marine accident in Houston, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. The types of damages you can recover will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case, but generally fall into two categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

I. Economic Damage

Economic damages are those that have a monetary value and can be calculated with reasonable certainty. They include:

1. Medical and Rehabilitation Expenses

• Past, present and future medical costs
• Prescription drugs and medical devices
• Rehabilitation therapy and assistive devices
• Long-term care and nursing home expenses

2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Past and future lost wages
• Loss of bonuses, commissions and benefits
• Reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries

3. Property Damage

• Repair or replacement of damaged personal property
• Compensation for lost or destroyed property

II. Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are those that do not have a monetary value and cannot be calculated with certainty. They include:

1. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain and discomfort
• Emotional suffering and mental anguish
• Loss of pleasure in living

2. Disfigurement and Scars

• Permanent physical scars or disfigurement
• Emotional distress and embarrassment

3. Loss of Consortium

• Loss of companionship, intimacy and support
• Impact on marital or family relationships

4. Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and to deter similar conduct in the future. They are not intended to compensate the plaintiff for their losses, but rather to send a message to the defendant and others.

• Purpose of Punitive Damages
• When Punitive Damages May Be Awarded
• Factors Considered in Determining Punitive Damages

The amount of compensation you can recover in a Houston marine personal injury case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. It is important to seek legal advice from an experienced marine personal injury lawyer to accurately assess the value of your claim and ensure that you are fully compensated for your losses.