How Much is a Personal Injury Case in Atlanta Worth?  

Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers

If you have ever wondered how much value a personal injury case has in Atlanta, you have come to the right place. We will take a look at the most important things to consider when evaluating a case like this in Atlanta. If you have been injured in Atlanta, you should call upon an Atlanta Law Firm.

If you are thinking about filing a lawsuit over injuries received in a slip and fall, car accident, or any other type of incident, you may be wondering if it will even be worth your time and effort. The value of your case comes down to the “damages”. In other words the total cost of your injuries in financial, physical, and even mental terms. In some cases, you may be entitled to punitive damages as well, which are in place for the sole purpose of punishing the person at fault. 

In a personal injury case, the plaintiff, or the one who has received the damages from the at-fault person is entitled to compensation for the damages paid for by the defendant, the one responsible for the accident, or more typically their insurance provider. The damage award can be agreed upon by both sides in a settlement negotiation, carried out by the attorneys for both sides so the case. If no solution can be reached in the settlement, it is possible the damage award can be ordered by a judge after a court case. 

In the following section, you will find a full explanation of the various types of damages common to personal injury cases and what the plaintiff can do to improve their chances of decent coverage. 

Compensatory Damages in Personal Injury Cases

The majority of personal injury damages are called “compensatory”, in other words, they are meant to compensate the injured party for what was lost in the accident. The compensatory damage is designed to restore the injured person to their state of well-being as they were before the incident, at least from a financial perspective (to whatever extent this is possible). 

This will require trying to attach a fixed amount in cash for each consequence of the accident. Some of these damages are fairly straightforward, like covering the costs of medical expenses, doctor’s fees, and lost wages. But, it can be harder to put a price on the incapacity to enjoy hobbies or participate in regular activities because of serious injury. 

Here is a basic overview of the various types of damages commonly seen in a personal injury case. 

Medical treatment – personal injury damages typically include covering the costs of medical expenses for the care and treatment of injuries associated with the accident. This includes reimbursement for medical costs already paid for, ongoing treatments, and anything you may need in the future. 

Income – If you were unable to continue your regular work activities, you may have suffered lost income and wages because of the accident and this can continue into the future. In legal terminology, the loss of earning capacity can also be added to the damages recovered from the defendant. 
 
Property loss – in an accident it is not uncommon for vehicles, clothes and other items to be destroyed. The victim will likely be able to recover the market value of any items lost in the accident. 

Pain and suffering – You may also be compensated for the pain and suffering the accident has caused you in its immediate aftermath as well as in the foreseeable future. 

Emotional distress – typically involved in a more serious accident, these damages attempt to compensate the plaintiff for the psychological effects of an accident. This can include sleeplessness, fears, anxieties, and other emotional distress experienced. In some states, this is included in the pain and suffering damages. 

Loss of enjoyment – certain injuries may keep the plaintiff from enjoying the personal interests of the plaintiff, like sports, recreational activities, and such. In this case, damages for “loss of enjoyment” may also be added to your recovered amounts. 

Loss of consortium – these damages refer to the impact that an injury may have on the relationship between the plaintiff and their spouse. For example, if the person dies or is unable to maintain a sexual relationship with their partner. In some states, there are also considerations for the relationship between a parent and their child. In some cases, these damages will be awarded directly to the relative who is affected rather than the plaintiff.