Damages in a Personal Injury Claim South Carolina
When you’re hurt in an accident, understanding what you can recover is critical to making informed decisions. In South Carolina, damages in a personal injury claim cover more than just your medical bills—they’re meant to address all the ways the accident has changed your life. At Jung Disability and Injury Advocates, we guide you through the categories of damages and help you document every loss, so you can build a strong, clear claim.
Economic Damages: The Tangible Costs
Economic damages are the financial losses tied directly to your injury. These are the easiest to document and include hospital and ER bills, ongoing doctor visits, physical therapy, surgeries, medication, lost wages from missed work, and any property damage (such as your car after a wreck). If you’re unable to return to your previous job, your claim may also include future lost earnings or the cost of vocational retraining.
All of these losses can be proven with receipts, pay stubs, insurance statements, and employer documentation. If you’re in Charleston or Mount Pleasant and missed work because of an injury, we make sure every cost is counted and supported by the right paperwork.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain, Suffering, and More
Non-economic damages address the harder-to-measure impacts of an injury—physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, loss of enjoyment of life, or permanent scarring. These damages are especially important if your accident caused chronic pain or changed your ability to enjoy daily life, whether it’s walking the Ravenel Bridge or playing with your kids.
Because pain and suffering are subjective, insurance companies often push back. Our firm works with your doctors and, when appropriate, mental health providers to document the real impact on your life. Sometimes, keeping a journal of your symptoms and day-to-day challenges helps show the true scope of your experience.
Punitive Damages in South Carolina
In some cases, the court may award punitive damages—money meant to punish the at-fault party for reckless or intentional misconduct. This is rare, but it can apply when, for example, a drunk driver causes a serious crash. Punitive damages are not available in every case, and strict rules apply in South Carolina. We’ll explain if your situation might qualify and what proof is needed.
What Helps Prove Damages?
Every claim is built on documentation. Medical records, photographs of injuries, bills, pay stubs, and even daily notes about your recovery all help make your case clear and credible. The more detailed your records, the less room there is for the insurance company to dispute your losses. We organize all documentation for you, so your claim stands on solid ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What damages can I recover after an accident in SC?
You can recover the cost of medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and—in rare cases—punitive damages if the other party’s conduct was egregious.
How is pain and suffering calculated?
There’s no fixed formula. Insurance companies look at the severity of your injuries, medical documentation, recovery time, and how the injury affects your daily life. Detailed records and a well-documented claim help maximize this category.
What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages?
Economic damages are your actual financial losses (bills, lost wages). Non-economic damages are the personal, harder-to-measure impacts (pain, emotional distress).