Posted on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at 8:40 am
When you sustain an injury due to another party’s negligence in Georgia, the path to justice is filled with obstacles. Beyond the physical pain and emotional anguish that accompany such incidents, you may find yourself contending with substantial financial burdens. In these challenging circumstances, pursuing compensation becomes paramount to safeguarding your rights and fortifying your future. Economic damages vs. non-economic damages, what is the difference?
Understanding the details of the various types of damages available can prove confusing. At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we are ready to help you through this complex area and distinguishing the difference between economic and non-economic damages. We steadfastly advocate for the comprehensive compensation you rightfully deserve.
Economic Damages: Tangible Losses You Can Quantify
Economic or special damages refer to the quantifiable financial losses you incur as a result of your injury. These damages have a clear dollar value and can be proven through documentation like medical bills, pay stubs, and repair estimates.
Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses: All costs related to treating your injuries, including emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, therapy sessions, and any future medical needs arising from the accident.
- Lost wages: The income you lose from missing work while recovering from your injuries.
- Loss of earning capacity: If your injuries keep you from returning to your previous employer or limit your ability to find work in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you would have earned over your lifetime.
- Property damage: The cost to repair or replace your vehicle or any other personal property damaged in the accident.
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., we work diligently to gather all relevant documentation and evidence to prove the full extent of your economic loss. We aim to ensure you receive compensation for every dollar lost due to your injury. Our team meticulously analyzes financial records, medical bills, and other pertinent documents, leaving no stone unturned in our pursuit of justice on your behalf.
Non-Economic Damages: Intangible Losses That Impact Your Quality of Life
In contrast to economic damages, non-economic damages (or general damages) refer to the intangible losses you suffer due to an accident or injury. These damages do not have a clear monetary value and are more subjective, making them more challenging to quantify. Non-economic damages encompass the emotional toll, pain and suffering, and impact on your quality of life resulting from the incident.
Some examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress experienced due to the injury.
- Emotional distress: Compensation for psychological trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues resulting from the incident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the loss of companionship, love, and support from a spouse or family member.
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to engage in activities and hobbies enjoyed prior to the injury.
- Disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent physical disfigurement or scarring resulting from the injury.
- Loss of reputation: Compensation for damage to reputation or social standing caused by the incident.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on the relationship between spouses, including loss of intimacy and companionship.
- Inconvenience: Compensation for the inconvenience caused by the injury, such as difficulty in performing daily activities or attending social events.
- Loss of future earning capacity: Compensation for the impairment of the ability to earn income in the future due to the injury.
- Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on the relationship between parents and children, including loss of parental guidance and support.
The Importance of Pursuing Both Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Knowing the difference between economic damages vs. non-economic damages is essential when seeking compensation for your injuries. While economic damages help cover your quantifiable financial losses, non-economic damages acknowledge the profound personal impact an injury can have on your life.
At Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C., our experienced Georgia personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll an injury can take on your life. We are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and fighting for the full compensation you deserve in winning that personal injury claim alongside our recent victories.
If you suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence in Georgia, don’t hesitate to contact our compassionate team. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your personal injury case and answer any questions you may have. To schedule your consultation, call us today at (770) 205-8827 or contact us online. Let us use our knowledge, resources, and dedication to help you secure the compensation needed to move forward after an injury.