If you win, a judge or jury awards you money, known as damages, for your injuries. Damages may include compensation for such expenses as medical bills and lost wages, as well as compensation for future wage losses. It also may compensate you for medical expenses and for pain and suffering. In addition, you may receive damages for any physical disfigurement or disability that resulted from your injury.

The amount awarded is intended to compensate you for your loss, is not considered as income, and is not taxable as income by the federal government or the states.

In some states, the judge may change the amount awarded if the award is excessive or inadequate.