When you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, your losses often go far beyond medical bills and lost income. You may experience chronic pain, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, or permanent scarring — none of which have a clear price tag. That’s where non-economic damages come in.
Texas personal injury law allows injured victims to recover compensation for these intangible losses. Here’s what non-economic damages are, how they’re calculated, and why they’re a vital part of many personal injury cases.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are compensation for losses that are real and often severe — but not directly measurable in dollars. Unlike economic damages (like medical expenses or lost wages), these are subjective, emotional, and personal impacts of an injury.
Examples of Non-Economic Damages
Common types of non-economic damages in Texas personal injury cases include:
- Pain and suffering – Physical discomfort and chronic pain caused by the injury
- Mental anguish – Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Inability to participate in hobbies, travel, or daily activities
- Disfigurement or scarring – Visible changes to your body that affect self-image and confidence
- Loss of consortium – Impact on your relationship with a spouse or partner
- Permanent impairment – Ongoing limitations in movement, strength, or independence
These damages reflect the human side of injury — the suffering that doesn’t show up on a receipt but still affects your life every day.
How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated?
There is no formula set in stone, but several factors are considered:
- Severity and duration of the injury
- Type of medical treatment required
- Whether the injury is permanent or disfiguring
- Impact on quality of life and daily activities
- Credibility of the injured person’s statements and medical records
- Testimony from doctors, family members, or mental health professionals
In many cases, insurance companies use a multiplier method — multiplying economic damages by a number between 1.5 and 5, depending on the severity of the injury. However, this is just a rough estimate. Jury awards for non-economic damages can vary widely based on the unique facts of each case.
Are There Caps on Non-Economic Damages in Texas?
In most personal injury cases, there is no cap on non-economic damages. However, Texas law does impose caps in certain types of cases:
- Medical malpractice: Non-economic damages are capped at $250,000 per defendant, with a maximum of $500,000 total for all healthcare providers.
- Claims against the government: Damage caps apply depending on the agency involved.
If your case doesn’t fall into one of these categories, the amount of non-economic compensation is determined by evidence and argument — not a set limit.
Why Non-Economic Damages Matter
For many injury victims, non-economic losses are the most devastating part of the injury. While financial costs can be calculated and paid off, pain, trauma, and permanent changes to your lifestyle may last a lifetime. Seeking full compensation means accounting for everything you’ve lost — not just the bills.
Talk to Spagnoletti Law Firm About Recovering Full Compensation
If you’ve been injured in Texas, you may be entitled to far more than just reimbursement for your medical expenses. Non-economic damages can and should be part of your personal injury claim — but they require strong evidence and skilled advocacy.
Spagnoletti Law Firm helps injury victims across Texas pursue the full scope of damages allowed under the law. We understand how to document pain and suffering, negotiate with insurance companies, and make your story heard.
📞 Call 713-804-9306 today for a free consultation with a Texas personal injury attorney. No fees unless compensation is recovered.