Whether seeking worker’s compensation or pursuing a claim for a car accident, personal injury settlements aim to compensate victims for the losses incurred due to others' negligence.
While it can be a lengthy process for judges to determine a fair settlement amount in personal injury lawsuits, victims often have the option to accept initial monetary offers.
In many cases, accepting the first settlement offer can be beneficial for plaintiffs, as it provides quicker financial relief and emotional comfort without the prolonged stress of the judicial process.
But what if a personal injury victim decides to reject the initial or subsequent offers and continues to pursue a higher settlement?
In this post, we explore the types of damages you may be entitled to and offer guidance on how to contact one of our skilled personal injury lawyers, who can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
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4. Contact Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers
Economic Damages
In a civil case seeking monetary compensation for personal injury, plaintiffs may be entitled to more than just a few damages related to their suffering.
One significant type of damage is economic damages, also known as special damages. These cover actual expenses incurred by the personal injury victim and can impact them financially both now and in the future.
Economic damages are relatively straightforward to calculate, as they involve quantifiable financial losses. Plaintiffs can substantiate these damages with receipts, police reports, and video evidence from the accident scene.
Here are some examples of what qualifies as economic damages when seeking fair compensation in a personal injury case:
Loss Of Income (Past or Future)
While most special damages can be substantiated, proving a loss of income can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case due to the various factors involved in calculating compensation.
The severity of the injury plays a crucial role in determining whether a loss of future income is justifiable. This depends on whether the victim is still physically capable of working and if they can perform at their previous level of productivity.
Future damages are assessed based on their present value, which evaluates whether the injuries will impact the victim's potential for career advancement or salary increases.
On the other hand, past loss of income is more straightforward to determine. It is calculated by documenting the number of workdays missed due to the injury and the corresponding earnings that would have been received if the plaintiff had been working.
Medical Bills (Past and Future)
Medical bills and expenses represent the out-of-pocket costs that plaintiffs incur following an incident, which can impact any earnings they may have lost due to seeking medical care.
When plaintiffs seek treatment for their injuries, health insurance companies often place a medical lien on the case, meaning they will be reimbursed from the settlement.
However, any medical expenses paid directly by the injury victim are eligible for reimbursement, provided they can present appropriate documentation and receipts in court.
Additionally, plaintiffs may be reimbursed for future medical costs if their injuries are permanent and require ongoing treatment for medical improvement and complete recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are more challenging to measure and prove since there is no specific legal documentation for them.
Despite this, compensation for non-economic damages is valid and reflects the impact of the injury on the victim's quality of life. These damages address the more subjective effects of the injury.
Examples of general damages in a personal injury case include:
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life
- Emotional Distress
- Loss of Companionship
- Disfigurement
- Pain and Suffering
In states like Georgia, the multiplier method is used to calculate these damages. This method involves multiplying the total economic damages by a factor that reflects the severity of the injury suffered by the plaintiff.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages, also known as exemplary damages, are awarded in court when a party's wrongful actions go beyond mere negligence and can be classified as intentional or in bad faith concerning someone's safety.
These damages are intended to compensate for the harm caused by the liable parties and reflect the seriousness of their actions that resulted in both economic and non-economic damages for the plaintiff.
For example, consider a situation where two individuals engage in a physical altercation, and one party deliberately inflicts as much harm as possible rather than merely defending themselves.
The more egregious the conduct, the more likely punitive damages will be awarded, which can potentially lead to expanded legal consequences, including criminal charges for the defendant.
Contact Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Navigating the complexities of personal injury law - whether dealing with motor vehicle accidents, defective products, workplace injuries, or medical malpractice - requires expert legal representation.
The Law Offices of Julian Lewis Sanders & Associates, a premier personal injury law firm in Georgia, is committed to securing the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in an accident, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our experienced lawyers at The Law Offices of Julian Lewis Sanders & Associates for a free consultation.
Our skilled attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and help you achieve the maximum compensation possible.
At The Law Offices of Julian Lewis Sanders & Associates, we understand the gravity of personal injury situations - it's our priority. Committed to aiding you in your time of need, we specialize in listening to your story, discerning your individual needs, and swiftly executing strategic actions to secure the compensation you deserve. Based in Georgia, our legal team comprises experienced personal injury attorneys dedicated to delivering optimal service tailored to your unique circumstances.
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