What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages in a Florida injury case?

Personal injury damages in Florida generally fall into two categories. Economic damages are the measurable financial losses caused by the injury — medical bills, future medical costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages compensate for harms that do not have a precise dollar figure, such as pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. In mediation, the economic damages are often easier to quantify because they rest on records and bills, while the non-economic damages are more subjective and frequently where the parties disagree most. An experienced mediator helps the parties work through both categories realistically, which is essential to bridging the gap on overall value.