FAQ: What are economic damages?

Q: I have heard that I can recover economic damages after an accident. What does that mean?

This comes up primarily in the area of Prop. 213 cases. As you know from reading this blog, if you fall under Prop. 213, then you can not get money for "pain and suffering." You can only get money for your "economic damages."

So, what are economic damages? Economic damages are your money damages. In other words, economic damages are your medical bills, your lost wages, and any other money that you have to pay. For example, if you have to pay a copay to your doctor, this is an economic damage. If you have to pay to get crutches to walk, this would be an example of economic damages.

Remember, if you are a Prop 213 individual, you will only be able to recover your economic damages. Make sure you include all of your economic damages in these situations.