

You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more after an accident in Texas.
If you’ve been injured in Texas due to someone else’s negligence (like a car wreck, truck wreck or injury at a business), you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Understanding the types of compensation you can recover is a crucial part of knowing your rights and planning for your future. In Texas, personal injury victims can seek damages in three broad categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in rare cases, punitive damages. Let’s explore each category in detail.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are tangible, measurable losses that you have incurred because of your injury. These damages aim to reimburse you for the financial costs associated with the accident.
Common examples include:
- Medical Expenses
- Past medical bills: Costs for emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, and other treatments you’ve already received.
- Future medical expenses: Estimated costs for ongoing medical care related to your injury, such as future surgeries, rehabilitation, or assistive devices.
- Lost Income
- Lost wages: Compensation for the income you lost while recovering from your injury.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injury affects your ability to work in the future or forces you to take a lower-paying job, you can seek damages for the difference in income.
- Property Damage
- If your personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged in the incident, you can recover repair or replacement costs.
- Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses
- Expenses like transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for disability access, or the hiring of household help can also be included in economic damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate you for intangible losses that are more subjective and harder to quantify. These damages aim to address the emotional and psychological toll of your injury.
Examples include:
- Pain and Suffering – Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injury.
- Mental Anguish – Damages for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from the incident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life – If your injury prevents you from enjoying hobbies, activities, or other aspects of life you once loved, you may recover damages for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium – Spouses or family members may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, care, or support due to the injury.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are not meant to compensate the victim but to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future. In Texas, punitive damages are only awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were particularly egregious, such as:
- Intentional harm
- Gross negligence
- Fraud or malice
Punitive damages are subject to caps in Texas. Generally, the amount cannot exceed two times the amount of economic damages plus an equal amount of non-economic damages, up to a maximum of $750,000.
Factors That Affect Your Compensation
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation you receive in a personal injury lawsuit:
- The severity of your injuries: More severe or permanent injuries typically result in higher compensation.
- Shared fault: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you are found partially at fault for the accident. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
- Insurance policy limits: The defendant’s insurance coverage may limit the amount you can recover.
Conclusion
A personal injury lawsuit in Texas can provide a wide range of compensation to help you recover from the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an accident. From medical expenses and lost wages to pain and suffering and, in some cases, punitive damages, these awards are designed to help you rebuild your life.
If you’ve been injured, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney is the best way to ensure you understand your rights and maximize your compensation. Don’t let the complexities of the legal process stand in your way—take action today and contact HLAW for a free consultation. We want to help you secure the justice and financial support you deserve.