Distinguishing general damages from special damages in a San Jose personal injury lawsuit can seem a little confusing. Emotional distress may only occur in special cases, but property damage commonly occurs. It is a little less confusing if you think of “special damages” as “specific damages.” Special damages in San Jose personal injury lawsuits are specific and measurable and amount to the actual loss. Conversely, general damages refer to losses in which there is no precise way to calculate a dollar amount.
Recovering General Damages In A San Jose Personal Injury Lawsuit
The first step to recovering general damages in a San Jose personal injury lawsuit is to prove them. General damages may be difficult to prove because they are more difficult to assign a specific dollar amount to. You may also have to hire an expert to give testimony regarding your medical records or mental state. If you think that you may be entitled to general damages stemming from a personal injury caused by a negligent individual you should contact a San Jose personal injury lawyer to discuss what your best options are for recovering general damages.