What are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are compensation for non-monetary and subjective losses. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, and more.
According to Black’s Law Dictionary, non-economic damages are defined as “compensation for intangible losses, such as pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium, which do not have a readily determinable monetary value.”As such, they are damages for non-financial aspects of an injury. Unlike economic damages, which reimburse specific financial losses such as medical expenses or lost wages, non-economic damages compensate for subjective harms such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of enjoyment of life.
These can include:
- Pain and suffering: Physical discomfort, emotional distress, and mental anguish experienced due to an injury or traumatic event.
- Emotional distress: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues resulting from a negligent act or intentional harm.
- Loss of consortium: Deprivation of companionship, support, or intimacy with a spouse or family member due to their injury or death.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Inability to participate in activities or hobbies enjoyed before the injury, impacting the quality of life.
Non-economic damages are most common in personal injury lawsuits and wrongful death claims. The purpose of awarding non-economic damages allows for both fair compensation for injury and restitution. Understanding non-economic damages is essential in legal proceedings to ensure that injured parties receive comprehensive compensation for all aspects of their losses and suffering.
More information about Non-Economic Damages
CHESTER COUNTY — Tree Smashes Car Along PA Route 52
PENNSBURY TOWNSHIP, PA (April 8, 2025) —— A tree abruptly came crashing down on a driver’s SUV on Monday, April 7 along Pennsylvania Route 52.
The tree abruptly crashed on the back of the SUV on Monday morning, while traffic was stopped on Lenape Road before East Street Road in Pennsbury Township.
The driver who was inside the car sustained injuries from the tree falling. She was transported to a hospital for treatment. Her car was taken to the impound lot, as it was completely destroyed by the tree.
PennDOT placed a damaged sign on the northbound lane shoulder. There has been no update on any tree maintenance.
Legal Options After a Tree Falls on Your Car in Pennsylvania
When a tree falls on your car while driving on a Pennsylvania highway, you’re suddenly faced with property damage, possible injuries, […]
Read MoreMore information about Non-Economic Damages
Full Tort vs Full Coverage Insurance in PA: What’s the Difference?
Full tort and full coverage insurance are two distinct concepts in Pennsylvania’s auto insurance system. While it’s easy to confuse the two, a lack of clarity about your insurance coverage can lead to a rude awakening after a car accident.
Pennsylvania’s choice no-fault car insurance system gives drivers important options that directly affect their rights to compensation following a collision. While full tort insurance preserves your legal rights to pursue all damages including pain and suffering, full coverage refers to a package of protections that may or may not include a full tort selection. Understanding these differences before purchasing a car insurance policy can save you from discovering limitations too late.
Pennsylvania Auto Insurance Options
Pennsylvania operates under a unique insurance framework that combines elements of both fault and no-fault systems. Unlike traditional no-fault states, Pennsylvania offers drivers a choice in how their insurance will function after an accident. […]
Read MoreMore information about Non-Economic Damages
LEHIGH VALLEY, PA — One Motorcyclist Killed by Wrong-Way Driver in PA Turnpike Crash
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA (March 31, 2025) —— One man was killed and one was hospitalized in a multi-motorcycle wreck with a car on Sunday, March 30.
The crash occurred near mile-marker 67 and police were dispatched around 9 a.m.
A driver in a car was driving south in the northbound lanes, when she collided with two motorcycles. They had been riding with four others, who were not hit. Police are investigating why the woman was in the wrong lane, but the death was ruled an accident.
One of the motorcyclists was transported to the hospital. The other was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police continue to investigate. All roads have reopened.
Legal Steps to Take After Fatal Motorcycle & Wrong-Way Car Crashes in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s roadways witness countless tragedies each year, with motorcycle accidents and wrong-way crashes representing some of the most devastating incidents on our highways and local roads. […]
Read MoreMore information about Non-Economic Damages
Stroudsburg Workers Compensation Lawyer
A Stroudsburg workers compensation lawyer can help anyone injured while on the job in Stroudsburg. Monroe County workers have the right to receive compensation for a workplace accident. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Workers often face obstacles to getting the benefits they deserve. Knowing your next steps following a workplace injury can be challenging with the complex workers’ compensation system.
Serving the Stroudsburg community for 65 years, Munley Law has earned our clients’ trust and our peers’ respect. Our board-certified Stroudsburg workers comp attorneys can help you get your benefits following a workplace accident. Contact our Stroudsburg office to schedule a free consultation. We do not collect a fee for our services unless we recover your benefits.
Types of Workers Compensation Benefits in Stroudsburg
According to the Pennsylvania Workers Compensation Act, workman’s compensation benefits are meant to pay any expenses related to your work injury. […]
More information about Non-Economic Damages
UNION COUNTY — 10-Year-Old Dies in Pennsylvania ATV Accident
WEST BUFFALO TOWNSHIP, PA (March 25, 2025) — A 10-year-old girl driving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) was killed in a wreck on Saturday, March 23.
The girl was reportedly driving along Red Bank Road near Mifflinburg around 2:30 P.M. when the wreck occurred.
Emergency responders acted to save her, before she succumbed to the injuries. Mifflinburg and Reliance Ambulance, William Cameron Ambulance, Geisinger Life Flight, and the Montour County Coroner all assisted.
Authorities have not released further details.
Single-Vehicle Accidents, Fatal Auto Accidents & ATV Crashes in Pennsylvania
Fatal crashes can be psychologically and physically traumatic for the loved ones and survivors of these crashes. The aftermath of a single-vehicle accident extends far beyond property damage. Victims often face:
- Life-altering traumatic injuries requiring extensive rehabilitation
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD and anxiety about driving
- Financial burdens from medical expenses and lost income
- Long-term disability requiring lifestyle adjustments
ATV accidents often include multiple liability parties, […]
Read More