Types of Personal Injury Damages in California

California personal injury damages generally fall into categories. Understanding them helps you evaluate whether an early settlement offer actually covers what the law allows you to pursue — not just today's ER bill.

Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses tied to the injury, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses (ER, specialists, surgery, therapy, medication, equipment)
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Household services you can no longer perform
• Property damage in vehicle cases
• Other out-of-pocket costs reasonably caused by the incident

Non-Economic Damages

These compensate for harms that do not come with a receipt:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Physical impairment or disfigurement

Insurers often undervalue this category because it is harder to quantify — not because it is less real.

Future Care and Long-Term Impact

Serious injuries may require life-care planning: ongoing treatment, home modifications, reduced work capacity, or permanent limitations. Settling before doctors understand the long-term picture is one of the most expensive mistakes claimants make.

How Comparative Fault Affects the Total

Your damage categories are calculated first; then comparative negligence may reduce the award by your share of fault.

Related: Insurance tactics · Personal injury practice

Disclaimer: Available damages depend on the facts and applicable law. This page is general information, not a valuation of your case.

For representation, visit our Personal Injury practice area.