When you are hurt by someone else’s negligence in an accident in Kennesaw, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. Personal injury cases can include anything from car accidents to slip-and-falls, and understanding the damages you can claim is crucial for getting the compensation you deserve.
In the legal world, damages fall into two main categories: general and special. Knowing the difference between these two types of compensation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. A Kennesaw personal injury lawyer from Piedmont Injury Law can help you understand what distinguishes general damages from special damages and how they apply to your personal injury claim.
Understanding general damages
General damages, often called non-economic damages, are meant to compensate for the intangible losses you suffer from an injury. These damages don’t have a specific dollar amount but impact your quality of life. General damages aim to cover the emotional and psychological aspects of your injury and the general impact the injury has on your daily life.
Pain and suffering
Pain and suffering are common forms of general damages in personal injury cases. This compensation accounts for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience because of your injury. For instance, if you’ve suffered a serious injury like a concussion or neck injury, you may endure ongoing pain, discomfort, and trauma that affects your ability to live normally.
Emotional distress
Injuries often come with emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The emotional impact of a life-altering injury is significant, and emotional distress damages compensate for this suffering. Whether the trauma stems from the accident itself or the subsequent effects on your lifestyle and relationships, emotional distress damages play an important role in your claim.
Loss of consortium
Loss of consortium refers to the negative impact that your injury has on your relationship with your spouse or family. If your injury has diminished your ability to engage in normal family activities, emotional support, or intimacy, then loss of consortium damages can compensate you and your loved ones for these losses.
Loss of enjoyment of life
Severe injuries may prevent you from participating in activities you once enjoyed, such as hobbies, exercise, or social events. General damages for loss of enjoyment of life compensate you for the diminished quality of life resulting from your injury. With the help of our experienced Kennesaw personal injury team, you can work to build a case that demonstrates how your injury has impacted your life, allowing you to recover the maximum compensation available.
Understanding special damages
Special or economic damages refer to the specific, measurable financial losses resulting from your injury. These damages are easier to calculate because they are based on tangible expenses with clear, documented costs. The purpose of special damages is to make you financially whole again by covering all costs related to your injury.
Medical expenses
One of the most common forms of special damages in personal injury cases is compensation for medical bills. These can include hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other necessary treatments related to your injury. You can often claim future medical expenses if you need ongoing care or treatment for your injuries.
Lost wages
If your injury has caused you to miss work, you can claim compensation for lost wages. Special damages for lost wages cover the income you would’ve earned if you hadn’t been injured. Additionally, if your injury results in a long-term inability to work, you may be entitled to claim damages for loss of future earning capacity.
Property damage
In cases where the accident damaged your property, such as in a car accident, special damages will include the cost of repairing or replacing your property. You can recover the expenses incurred, whether a vehicle, a bicycle, or any other personal item that was damaged or destroyed.
Out-of-pocket expenses
Special damages also cover any additional out-of-pocket expenses due to your injury. This can include transportation costs for traveling to and from medical appointments, hiring in-home care, or modifying your home to accommodate your injury. Keeping thorough documentation of these expenses is crucial for recovering the full amount in your claim.
The importance of general and special damages
General and special damages are essential to personal injury claims because they capture the full spectrum of losses you suffer after an accident caused by another’s negligence. While special damages cover your measurable financial losses, general damages compensate for the emotional and psychological impacts that are harder to quantify but no less important. Under Georgia law, recovering damages helps you secure financial acknowledgment for all aspects of your injury.
Piedmont Injury Law will fight for maximum damages for you
Understanding general vs. special damages is key to maximizing the compensation you can recover after an injury. If you’ve been hurt by someone else’s careless or reckless actions in Kennesaw, our injury lawyers can help you build a strong case and ensure you receive the relief you need for a full recovery. Contact us today at (678) 909-0770 for a free consultation.