In the wake of a severe accident where someone else’s wrongdoing injured you, one question looms large above all others: “How much is my personal injury case worth?” Understandably, you want to get the compensation you deserve when someone else caused your injuries. Without the money from a personal injury claim, you might have trouble paying for medical treatments and meeting your other financial obligations. This is a situation no one wants to find themself in.
In this blog, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys at W. Winston Briggs Law Firm shed some light on this complex subject to help you through these uncertain waters. Our focus is on you, your journey, and your rightful compensation under Georgia law.
Compensation in a Georgia Personal Injury Case
While every personal injury case in Georgia is different, your compensation typically falls into three broad categories: Economic damages, non-economic damages, and, in some instances, punitive damages.
Economic Damages
This compensation is for the financial losses directly related to your injury. This money covers past and future medical expenses and can also include money for lost income due to your inability to work or reduced earning capacity. Your economic damages in a Georgia personal injury case may include money for:
- Medical bills
- Future medical care and treatment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications
- Assistive devices
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Alterations to your home, if required because of your injury
Non-Economic Damages
Unlike economic damages, these damages aren’t as easily quantifiable. The losses they cover are subjective and can vary greatly depending on the specifics of the case. Your non-economic damages in a Georgia personal injury claim may include money for:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Disfigurement and disability
- Lowered quality of life
Punitive Damages
These are not awarded in every case but are applicable when the defendant’s actions were fraudulent, malicious, wanton, or intentional. Instead of compensating you for losses you’ve sustained, punitive damages punish wrongdoers and deter others from engaging in similar behavior. In Georgia, there’s typically a cap on punitive damages, except in cases involving certain types of misconduct. It’s also worth noting that you must take your case to trial and win in order to recover punitive damages.
Does Georgia Limit Compensation in Personal Injury Cases?
In Georgia, the law is clear: There are no caps on economic and non-economic damages in personal injury cases. On the other hand, Georgia law does place a cap on punitive damages. The limit is generally set at $250,000. However, it’s worth noting that there are exceptions to this cap in cases involving intentional misconduct, drug or alcohol impairment, or acts committed with a specific intent to cause harm. In such cases, punitive damages can be higher.
Remember, these are general principles, and every case has unique elements. It’s always smart to consult an experienced personal injury attorney to accurately assess the potential value of your case.
How Our Personal Injury Attorneys Can Help Maximize Your Compensation
The path to just compensation is rarely straightforward in a personal injury case, but our experienced attorneys can illuminate your way. By leveraging their knowledge of Georgia law, our lawyers can advocate for you, uphold your rights, and fight to maximize your compensation.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. An adept personal injury lawyer from W. Winston Briggs Law Firm is your dedicated ally, striving to convert your hardship into a brighter future. Call (404) 522-1500 today or reach out online for a complimentary consultation.