What is the difference between compensation and damages in an accident claim?

In South Carolina, when someone is injured in an accident claim, they may be eligible for both compensation and damages for the harm they have suffered. The main difference between the two is the purpose of the award. Compensation is designed to reimburse the injured person for the losses they have experienced as a result of the accident. These losses can range from lost wages and medical bills to the costs of repairing damage to property or vehicles. Compensation is awarded to the injured person to help make them “whole” again and is often calculated based on the amount of financial losses suffered. Damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the individual responsible for the accident and to deter others from engaging in similar behavior in the future. Damages can include awards for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and punitive damages, which are designed to punish the wrongdoer for their intentional or reckless behavior. Unlike compensation, damages are not based on the financial losses experienced by the injured person; rather, they are intended to recognize the intangible losses suffered due to the accident. Damages awarded in accident claims can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the particular circumstances of the case.

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What is the difference between compensation and damages in an accident claim?

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