Our Georgia personal injury attorneys at Ashby Thelen Lowry know that getting the compensation you need to cover your complete damages after getting hurt in an incident caused by negligence is crucial to your current and future livelihood.
Two main types of damages can be awarded in a civil lawsuit: economic and non-economic.
Here, we discuss the difference between the two and how they apply to personal injury claims.
What are the Economic Damages Associated with Georgia Personal Injury Claims?
Economic damages, also known as compensatory damages, are meant to compensate our clients for financial losses due to the negligent party’s actions.
These damages are relatively straightforward to calculate because they represent tangible, quantifiable losses, including:
- Medical expenses.
- Property damage.
- Lost wages or income.
- Loss of future earning capacity.
- Out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the injury or harm caused.
Economic damages are typically supported by documentation like medical bills, repair invoices, pay stubs, and expert testimony when projecting future losses.
What are the Non-Economic Damages Associated with Georgia Personal Injury Claims?
Non-economic damages, also known as general damages, are intended to compensate our clients for intangible losses that are more difficult to quantify monetarily.
These damages are often awarded for:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of consortium, companionship, or support.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Unlike economic damages, which have a clear monetary value, non-economic damages are subjective and can vary greatly based on the circumstances of the case.
Additionally, punitive damages, which are intended to punish the defendant for particularly egregious conduct and deter similar behavior in the future, may also be awarded in some cases, but they are distinct from economic and non-economic damages.
If you have been injured because of another person’s negligence in Georgia, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers and support team at Ashby Thelen Lowry today at (404) 777-7771 to schedule a free consultation. This will ensure your rights are protected so you can make informed decisions about the direction of your claim.