What Are Nominal Damages?
Damages are the different forms of compensation that may be available after a Bedford personal injury accident. If you have been in a car accident, slip and fall, or other incident, it is important to understand the damages you may be entitled to, including nominal damages.
While less commonly awarded, nominal damages are essentially symbolic. Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers team will fight for all damages you may be entitled to, including nominal damages, if applicable to your case.
Types of Damages Under Texas Law
Texas law recognizes many types of damages. These are designed to compensate you for injuries and losses in a personal injury case. Victims of personal injuries in Bedford may be awarded three categories of damages:
- Economic Damages: These are compensation for monetary losses incurred from your injury. They cover medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and other expenses linked to your injury.
- Non-Economic Damages: These address the non-monetary aspects of your injury, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of companionship. Unlike economic damages, non-economic damages are subjective and do not have a fixed price tag.
- Punitive Damages: These damages are not intended to compensate you for the accident but to punish the responsible party for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future.
A Bedford personal injury lawyer can evaluate the economic, non-economic, and punitive damages available in your case.
What Are Nominal Damages in Bedford, TX?
Nominal damages are different than other types of damages. Rather than compensating you for your direct losses, nominal damages are small, symbolic amounts. They are awarded when your rights have been violated, but you suffered little to no actual financial harm for which economic or non-economic damages would be awarded.
Why Seek Nominal Damages in Bedford, TX?
You may choose to pursue nominal damages in your personal injury case if you have not suffered actual financial harm. There are many different reasons to do so, including for:
- Formally acknowledging that your rights were violated
- Getting vindicating against those responsible for violating your rights
- Setting a legal precedent
- Encouraging others to uphold their rights
- Obtaining closure and justice
While nominal damages are minimal, their symbolic value cannot be overstated. They play an important part in allowing accident victims to pursue justice and receive formal recognition that misconduct occurred, no matter how small.
Examples of Nominal Damages
Two high-profile cases show how nominal damages may be awarded by a judge or jury over traditional economic and non-economic damages.
Gwyneth Paltrow Ski Accident
The first example involves actress Gwyneth Paltrow, who was accused of recklessly colliding with a retired optometrist while skiing in Utah. The optometrist sued her for negligently causing the collision and his resulting injuries, while Paltrow countersued for just $1 in damages, plus her legal fees, for her own losses.
After a three-day trial, the jury ruled in Paltrow’s favor and awarded her $1 in damages as requested. This gave her vindication against the allegation that she was responsible for the collision.
Taylor Swift Assault Trial
A second high-profile example involves pop star Taylor Swift, who was sued for defamation by a former DJ. The DJ argued that her comments about his conduct at a club caused him to be wrongfully terminated.
Swift countersued and alleged battery and sexual assault, but sought just $1 in damages. The trial concluded with the jury ruling in her favor and awarding the $1 she requested.
Swift explained to Rolling Stone that she did not sue for substantial damages because her purpose was to hold the DJ accountable and strengthen the social norm against sexual assault.
If You Are Seeking Nominal Damages, Schedule a Free Consultation With a Bedford Personal Injury Lawyer
Pursuing nominal damages is primarily about vindicating your rights and recognizing legal wrongs, even if you do not suffer actual harm. If you find yourself in such a situation, a Bedford personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the justice and vindication you deserve.
Contact the Personal Injury Law Firm of Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers in Bedford for Help Today
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have convenient locations in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas.
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth
209 N Hampton St,
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 510-9400
Parker Law Firm Injury Lawyers – Bedford
2317 Plaza Pkwy #100,
Bedford, TX 76021
(817) 503-9200
