personal injury attorney

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you probably know that you can be compensated for your medical bills and lost wages. But what about everything else—the pain, the stress, the way your life has changed? In New York, the law recognizes that not all losses come with a price tag or a receipt. That’s where non-economic damages come in.

At Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson, we’ve spent more than 80 years helping people pick up the pieces after life takes an unexpected turn. We know that behind every case is a real person, with a real story, and real struggles that go far beyond the numbers.

Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages: What’s the Difference?

Let’s break it down simply:

Economic damages are the “easy to count” losses. These are things like:Medical bills (doctor visits, hospital stays, medication, physical therapy)Lost wages (the paychecks you missed while you were out of work)Future lost earnings (if your injury affects your ability to work down the road)Property damage (like your car after a crash)

If you can show a bill, a pay stub, or a receipt, it’s probably economic.

Non-economic damages are the “hard to count” losses. These are the things that keep you up at night, change your daily life, or affect your relationships. They’re just as real—sometimes even more so—but they don’t show up on a spreadsheet.

What Counts as Non-Economic Damages?

Non-economic damages cover the ways your injury changes your life, your happiness, and your sense of self. In New York, these can include:

Pain and suffering: The physical pain you feel, whether it’s sharp, dull, constant, or comes and goes.Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, fear, or trauma that lingers long after the accident.

Loss of enjoyment of life: Maybe you can’t play basketball with your kids, go hiking, or even walk your dog like you used to.

Loss of companionship or consortium: The strain an injury puts on your marriage or close relationships.

Scarring or disfigurement: The emotional impact of visible injuries.

Loss of society: When your injury keeps you from connecting with friends and family the way you once did.

These losses are deeply personal. They’re about what makes your life yours.

Imagine being an avid runner who, after an accident, can no longer lace up for a morning jog or feel the rush of crossing a finish line—missing not just the activity, but the stress relief and sense of accomplishment it brought. Or picture someone who, after a workplace injury, lives with daily pain and visible scars, but what hurts most is not being able to pick up a child, dance at a family party, or feel comfortable in social situations. Then there are those who lose the ability to do something they love—like playing an instrument—because of a medical mistake, and every glance at that unused piano brings a wave of sadness and frustration. These are the kinds of losses that don’t show up on a bill, but they matter deeply. That’s what non-economic damages are all about.

How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated?

There’s no magic formula. No two people experience pain or loss the same way. In New York, juries and insurance companies look at things like:

• How serious and long-lasting your injuries areHow your daily life has changedWhat your doctors and loved ones say about your conditionYour own story—how you describe your pain, your struggles, and your hopes for the future

There’s no cap on non-economic damages in most New York personal injury cases. That means you have the right to seek full compensation for everything you’ve lost—not just what’s on paper.

Why Non-Economic Damages Matter

Here’s the truth: Medical bills can be paid, and paychecks can be replaced. But the loss of independence, the strain on your marriage, the hobbies you can’t enjoy, and the emotional toll of an injury? Those are the things that really change lives.

At Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson, we’ve seen it all. We’ve helped people who just want to get back to gardening, to playing with their kids, to laughing with friends. We know that your case isn’t just about money—it’s about getting your life back.

Why Trust Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson?

For more than 80 years, our family has been helping New Yorkers through some of their hardest days. We listen. We care. And we fight for every dollar you deserve—because we know what’s at stake. We take the time to understand your story, not just your bills. We work with doctors, therapists, and your loved ones to paint a full picture of your losses. And we’re not afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes.

If you or someone you love has been injured, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Let us help you understand your rights and what your case is really worth—including those losses that are hardest to put into words.

Call Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward healing.

You’ve been through enough. Let our experience work for you.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice regarding your specific situation, please contact our office directly.