Damage is a term that refers to a payment made for harm caused. South Carolina allows dog bite victims to seek both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages refer to a payment made for the out-of-pocket expenses that you incurred as a result of your injury.
Common expenses included in a damage claim are:
- Medical treatment, including emergency department treatment, ambulance transport, prescription medication, hospitalization, surgical and physician services, and more.
- Lost wages if your injury caused you to miss work.
- Loss of future earning capacity, if your injury caused a disability that prevents you from returning to work or from earning in the same capacity as you did before the injury occurred.
Non-economic damages are compensation for how your injury has impacted your life.
Some common impacts included in a damage claim are:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of the enjoyment of life, if your injury prevents you from doing activities you previously enjoyed