If you were injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses in a personal injury case in Georgia. However, it’s essential to understand what damages you can recover to determine the value of your claim.
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Economic Damages
Economic damages are losses that can be calculated and quantified, such as:
Medical expenses
Compensation for medical expenses includes all costs associated with treating your injuries, such as doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, therapy, and assistive devices.
Lost income and future earning capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to lost wages, including any bonuses, commissions, or other income you would have earned. In cases of permanent disabilities, you may also recover for future lost earning capacity.
Property damage
If your personal property was damaged in the accident, you can recover the cost of repairing or replacing it.
Funeral expenses
In wrongful death cases, the victim’s family may recover funeral and burial expenses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are subjective losses that cannot be calculated precisely, such as:
Pain and suffering
Compensation for pain and suffering includes the physical pain and emotional distress experienced by the victim as a result of their injuries.
Loss of enjoyment of life
If your injuries prevent you from enjoying regular activities, hobbies, or social life, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life.
Loss of consortium
Injuries can also affect the victim’s relationship with their spouse or partner. Loss of consortium damages compensate the spouse or partner for the loss of companionship, support, and intimacy.
Punitive damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish the negligent party for their reckless or intentional behavior and deter others from engaging in similar conduct. They are awarded in addition to compensatory damages and are rare in personal injury cases.
Statute of Limitations
In Georgia, personal injury claims must be filed within two years from the date of the accident or injury. Failure to file the claim within the statute of limitations may result in your case being dismissed.
Comparative Fault
Under Georgia’s comparative fault law, your damages may be reduced if you are partially at fault for the accident. For example, if you were 20% responsible for the accident, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney
Personal injury cases can be complex and require significant resources and expertise to obtain a favorable result. Hiring an experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize your compensation.
Overall, understanding the damages you can recover in a personal injury case in Georgia is essential to determine the value of your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.