Personal Injury Attorney
When filing a personal injury claim there are different forms of compensation that can be awarded to a plaintiff. Although it is best to have a personal injury attorney, it is also important to know the different types of damages you can file a civil lawsuit for in a personal injury case.
Personal injury cases typically arise when an individual or entity expresses negligence of some sort and causes a physical or emotional injury to another individual. While there are several types of damages (compensation for losses) that can be rewarded to an individual seeking compensation, personal injury attorneys typically pursue two types:
- Compensatory damages. Typically awarded in wrongful death instances but are the most common, as they are also rewarded in motor vehicle accidents and slip and fall cases.
- Punitive damages. These are rewarded without the need of harm being done, just the presence of wrongdoing.
Both of which are awarded to the injured party or the individual filing the civil lawsuit.
Special damages are also available to a plaintiff to be compensated for any expenses that come about due to the injury incurred, such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Potential future medical care
- Prevention of future work
General damages are another form of compensation available to a plaintiff for unrelated to incurred expenses based on the injuries sustained, the most common general damages are:
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
Wrongful death damage is the compensation that is sought after by surviving loved ones. Surviving family members may pursue this form of compensation for reasons such as:
- Medical care leading to death
- Lack of financial compensation
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional distress
- Funeral services
Once the liable party reaches a settlement agreement with the plaintiff, the plaintiff is able to collect the damages owed to them. There are some instances where money may be owed and not paid, so reaching a settlement is not to be confused with collecting the damages. By hiring the right personal injury attorney, you will have legal representation to help ensure that the funds owed to you are in fact paid out to you. If you or someone you know may potentially have a civil lawsuit case on your hands, speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA relies on that can review the details of your case, build a strategy, and inform you of what types of compensation may be owed to you. You do not have to fight alone, speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Thanks to Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into personal injury cases and types of compensation awards.