The following article is provided by Solum Space Law, APC for general information only and should not be taken as legal advice. Every case is unique—if you have questions about protecting your rights after an injury in Southern California, call our office for a free consultation.

When someone’s negligence leaves you injured, the civil-justice system allows you to seek damages—money designed either to repay your losses (compensatory) or to punish egregious conduct (punitive). Because compensatory damages make up the bulk of most verdicts and settlements, it is critical to understand how they are categorized and proven.

The Three Pillars of Compensatory Damages

Types of Damages

1. Special (Economic) Damages

These are the easier numbers to pin down:

Medical expenses – emergency care, surgery, prescriptions, rehab, future treatment plans.
Lost income / diminished earning capacity – wages already missed plus projected losses if you can’t return to the same career.
Property damage – vehicle repairs, replacement of personal items.
Miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs – travel to doctors, home modifications, hired help.

Careful record-keeping is vital: insurers negotiate off what they can verify on paper.

2. General (Non-Economic) Damages

Putting a dollar figure on human experience is inherently subjective, yet California law recognizes:

Pain and suffering – chronic pain, physical limitations, day-to-day discomfort.
Emotional distress – anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, sleep disruption.
Loss of enjoyment of life – hobbies abandoned, milestones missed, diminished
independence.
Loss of consortium – negative impact on marital or family relationships.

Adjusters consider injury severity, treatment length, future prognosis, and comparative fault when valuing non-economic losses. Persuasive medical opinions and lay-witness testimony can move the needle dramatically.

3. Wrongful-Death Damages

When negligence proves fatal, the decedent’s heirs may recover:

 Funeral and burial expenses.
 Lost financial support and household services.
 Loss of companionship, guidance, and affection.
 Medical bills incurred before death.

California’s wrongful-death statute allows these funds to help families regain stability while honoring the emotional magnitude of their loss.

Punitive Damages: A Separate Question

Compensatory damages restore. Punitive damages punish. In rare cases—drunk-driving crashes, intentional assaults, gross corporate indifference—a California jury may award additional sums to deter future misconduct. Proof must show the defendant acted with oppression, fraud, or malice.

Maximizing Your Recovery—Without Missteps

Even meritorious claims can be undercut by avoidable errors:

Delayed medical care or gaps in treatment.
Social-media posts suggesting you are “fine.”
Signing broad medical authorizations or quick settlement releases.
Giving recorded statements without counsel.

Early involvement of experienced trial counsel helps you gather evidence, document losses, and navigate insurer tactics designed to minimize payouts.

Injured in Los Angeles? Protect Your Claim Today.

Our team has recovered significant awards for injured Californians by methodically proving both economic and human losses. We collaborate with medical professionals, economists, and life-care planners to ensure every dollar is documented and demanded.

Ready to discuss your case? Call (310) 405-0014 or complete our online form for a free, no-pressure case evaluation. Solum Space Law is here to bring order to the aftermath of your injury—building a strong case so you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you’re owed.

This blog is attorney advertising. The material below is presented by Solum Space Law, APC for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for tailored legal advice. Cases are fact-specific; if you have questions about the value of your claim, contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Understanding Compensatory Damages in California Personal-Injury Cases