What are Economic Damages?

Economic Damages is a term that encompasses any kind of financial loss that an injury victim has incurred due to an accident. They are damages that can hypothetically be measured at an exact dollar amount. Because of this, they are more objectively-measured than non-economic damages. They can include medical expenses, loss of income, and funeral expenses among other monetary costs. Economic damages are also known as pecuniary damages. 

Quantifying the level of economic damages incurred after an accident impacts the damages that may be received by a plaintiff in a lawsuit. A plaintiff being able to recover from financial losses and become whole again following a defendant’s negligence is considered a function of the justice system. Because economic damages need to be objectively measured, much evidence needs to be provided for accuracy.

According to the American Bar Association (ABA), many states follow the Economic Loss Doctrine, which holds victims from recovery when “the negligence of others results in purely economic loss.” That is to say that in many cases, something like injury or distress needs to be proven in order for a victim to recover damages. In concept, this is to prevent plaintiffs from seeking recovery that is greater than necessary.