If you live in Georgia and get hurt in an accident, like a car crash or a fall in a store, you might decide to file a lawsuit. This is a way to ask for money to help you deal with the effects of your accident.
If you win your case, you’ll get money for your injuries, called compensation. In Georgia, this compensation is split into two main types:
Economic Damages
These damages are for the money you’ve spent or lost because of the accident. They cover things you can easily count or show proof for, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Future medical expenses
Economic damages are usually calculated directly with proven expenses. You show receipts, bills, and pay stubs to the court, and you might bring in experts to talk about future costs. Economic damages help you regain the money you spent because of the accident. They’re usually easier to calculate because you have clear numbers.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages intended to compensate you for ways the accident has affected your life in ways that aren’t monetary. They cover things that are real but harder to put a price on, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of companionship
Remember, every case is unique. The specific details of your accident and how it has affected you will determine what kind of damages you might receive. A local Georgia lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best present your case.
Common Types Of Economic Damages In Georgia
When you’re hurt in an accident in Georgia and seek economic damages, there are several types you may be awarded. The main types compensate you for:
- Medical bills: This includes tests like X-rays, blood tests, and MRI scans, emergency room visits, surgeries, and doctor appointments.
- Rehabilitation Costs: Includes physical therapy to help you recover, occupational therapy to help you relearn daily tasks, and any other treatments to help you get better
- Property damage: Compensates you for fixing or replacing your car if it was damaged and repairing or replacing other items that were broken in the accident.
- Lost Income: Compensates you for money you didn’t earn because you couldn’t work after the accident. This includes time off for recovery and doctor appointments. You’ll need to show pay stubs from before the accident and records of time missed from work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensates you for money you won’t be able to earn in the future because of your injury.
Keep receipts for medical bills, repairs, estimates for replacements, and any other relevant expenses. These will strengthen your claim and help you prove how much you spent.
Talk to a lawyer who knows Georgia law to make sure you’re asking for all the right damages. Every case is different. The damages you can claim depend on your specific situation. A lawyer can help you determine what applies to your case and how to prove it.
How Courts Decide How Much Money an Injured Person Gets
When someone gets hurt in an accident in Georgia, like a car crash, they might ask for money to cover their costs. Here’s what courts and insurance companies look at to figure out how much money to compensate:
- Medical bills: Both current and future treatment costs
- Damaged property: Includes your car or other property that was damaged
- Lost wages: Money you couldn’t earn because you were hurt
- Insurance coverage: What kind of insurance the person who caused the accident has
Talk to our Kennesaw personal injury attorneys today. We have helped many accident victims maximize their economic damages so that you can be confident in our estimates.
Is There a Limit on How Much Money You Can Get in Georgia?
Good news! In Georgia, there’s no limit on economic damages. This means you can ask for as much money as you need to cover all your costs from the accident.
In order to receive economic damages, you usually need to prove four things:
- The other person had a responsibility to be careful (like driving safely)
- They weren’t careful (like texting while driving)
- Their carelessness caused your injury
- You have costs because of the injury
Usually, courts look at the evidence to determine fault. You can provide things like:
- Videos of the accident
- Photos of the accident scene
- Police reports
- Your medical records
- Statements from people who saw what happened
Not everyone who gets hurt can be compensated, but if someone else caused your injury, you might have a case. Consulting with an experienced attorney in Georgia will help you understand your options.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim For Economic Damages In Georgia?
In Georgia, the statute of limitations is two years from the day of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you might lose your chance to get any money. A lawyer who knows Georgia law can help you understand your situation and what you should do next within this limited timeline.
Contact Our Law Firm Today For More Information on Your Compensation Options
Starks Byron, P.C., can help you fight for compensation for economic losses after you are injured in Georgia. Contact our offices or give us a call at (404) 795 5115 and arrange a free initial consultation with one of our Kennesaw, GA, personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. Our team has years of experience in the industry and is ready to stand up for you.
