When someone is injured due to another party’s negligence, the legal system provides a way to recover financial compensation for their losses. In Connecticut, compensatory damages are awarded to victims to help restore their financial and personal well-being after an accident. These damages cover a range of economic and non-economic losses, ensuring that injured individuals receive fair compensation for their suffering.

Understanding how compensatory damages work in Connecticut can help victims of personal injury cases navigate the legal process. Whether you were injured in a car accident, slip and fall, or another type of incident, knowing what compensation you may be entitled to can be essential in securing the financial support needed for recovery.

We explore the different types of compensatory damages available in Connecticut, how they are calculated, and what factors impact the amount awarded in the following article.

Consult with a CT personal injury lawyer, such as Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, for legal advice.

Types of Compensatory Damages in Connecticut

Compensatory damages fall into two main categories: economic damages and non-economic damages. Each type is designed to address different aspects of the victim’s losses.

Economic Damages

Economic damages, also known as special damages, are meant to compensate for tangible financial losses directly resulting from the injury. These damages are often easier to calculate since they involve actual expenses and lost income.

Medical Expenses

One of the most common types of economic damages includes medical costs. This can cover:

• Hospital stays
• Surgery costs
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, prosthetics)
• Ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation

In Connecticut, a victim can claim compensation for both current medical expenses and any future costs related to their injury, provided they can demonstrate the necessity of future treatment.

Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity

If an injury prevents an individual from working, they may be eligible for compensation for lost wages. Additionally, if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability, the victim can seek damages for loss of earning capacity, which accounts for the income they would have earned had the injury not occurred.

Property Damage

If personal property, such as a vehicle, was damaged due to another party’s negligence, the cost of repair or replacement can be recovered as part of economic damages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages, or general damages, compensate for intangible losses that do not have a direct financial cost but significantly impact the victim’s quality of life.

Pain and Suffering

This category accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injury. The severity of the injury, the recovery time, and its impact on daily life all factor into the amount awarded for pain and suffering.

Emotional Distress

Victims who experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health issues due to the injury may receive compensation for emotional distress. Documenting these effects with medical or psychological records can strengthen a claim.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

If an injury prevents a person from participating in activities they once enjoyed—such as hobbies, sports, or family activities—they may be compensated for loss of enjoyment of life.

Loss of Consortium

In cases where an injury affects a victim’s relationship with their spouse, the non-injured spouse may be able to claim loss of consortium, which covers loss of companionship, affection, or support due to the injury.

How Are Compensatory Damages Calculated in Connecticut?

Calculating compensatory damages involves assessing the victim’s economic losses and estimating appropriate non-economic compensation. In Connecticut, economic damages are based on verifiable expenses, while non-economic damages may be determined by the court or negotiated during settlement discussions.

Factors that influence compensatory damages include:

• Severity of the injury – More serious injuries typically result in higher compensation.
• Impact on employment – If the injury affects long-term career prospects, compensation may be increased.
• Medical documentation – Strong medical evidence supports claims for ongoing and future medical expenses.
• Degree of fault – Under Connecticut’s modified comparative negligence rule, if the injured party is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages. If they are less than 50% at fault, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault.

Connecticut Laws That Impact Compensatory Damages

Connecticut has several laws that impact how compensatory damages are awarded:

Statute of Limitations

In Connecticut, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of injury. Failing to file within this time frame can result in losing the right to seek compensation.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Connecticut does not impose a cap on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no legal limit on the amount a victim can recover for medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Comparative Negligence Rule

Connecticut follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If a victim is partially at fault for their injury, their compensation is reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if they are more than 50% responsible, they are barred from recovering any damages.

Call Brandon J. Broderick For Legal Help

Navigating Connecticut personal injury claims can be challenging. Fortunately, you don't need to do it alone. The experienced personal injury lawyers at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, are available 24/7 to help you understand your legal options, gather necessary evidence, and build a strong case to secure the settlement you deserve.

Contact us now for a free legal review.