Being a victim of a personal injury incident is not to be taken lightly. Personal injury cases arise from several different types of incidents. Motor vehicle accidents, slip and falls, nursing home abuse, wrongful death, sexual assault, premises liability, product malfunction, and so many other things can lead to a personal injury case. Because of this, there are several ways to be compensated, as each case is different. Having a personal injury attorney is very helpful if you or someone you know wishes to pursue a personal injury claim, however, it is always best to understand what you may potentially be compensated for. Money is paid out to cover what the legal world calls “damages,” and there are different types of damages you should know about.
It may already be understood what technically causes a personal injury. When another party’s lack of duty of care, or negligence, leads to an injury of another usually begins the personal injury case process. There must be an injury or death for it to be a case. Injuries in personal injury cases are not always physical. There are also emotional injuries an individual can be compensated for — especially with the right attorney. With a personal injury attorney, like a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA, there are two common types of damages that are usually pursued:
- Compensatory damages. These are the most common damages that are covered in personal injury settlements. They are awarded for physical damages that likely have a paper trail of bills that help determine the amount due.
- Punitive damages. These are for the other end of the personal injury spectrum. They are the injuries that cannot be calculated and do not require a physical injury; only the proof of wrongdoing on someone else’s behalf is needed.
Both compensatory and punitive damages are paid to the victim who filed the lawsuit. To get more specific, special damages are considered compensatory damages. These are your medical bills, any lost wages, and anticipated medical work, or any hindrance of work going forward. This number can be roughly calculated. On the other hand, the punitive damages, also called “general damages,” are not as easy to calculate, but are still due to a victim. If you have ever heard of someone being compensated for pain and suffering, this is considered general damage.
Dealing with the pain of a personal injury is stressful no matter how they come about. Be sure to speak with a skilled personal injury attorney about what you can be rewarded for your injury.
Thanks to the law office of Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into the different types of damages that can be pursued in a lawsuit.