
If you are thinking of filing a personal injury lawsuit, you no doubt have a lot on your mind and a lot of questions about the process. One of your top questions, almost certainly, is “How much is my case worth?”
Common Types of Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are paid out by the person or company who is found to be legally responsible for the accident. Typically, these damages are agreed upon after a negotiated settlement; personal injury lawsuits only rarely go to trial. A lawyer will be able to help you gauge what your case might be worth – there are different types of compensatory damages:
- Income. If the accident affected your salary and the amount of money you would have been able to earn in the future, you may be entitled to compensation for this.
- Medical treatment. This includes not only the cost of medical care you’ve already received but also any care you may need in the future.
- Property loss. Did the accident damage your vehicle or other property? You may be eligible for reimbursement for repairs or the fair market value of the property that was lost.
- Emotional distress. This can be considered “damage” if you have had a serious accident that has left you with psychological issues such as fear, anxiety, and inability to sleep.
There are other types of damages as well, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and loss of consortium. It may even be possible to get punitive damages awarded. The goal of such damages is to not only help the plaintiff but also to “punish” the defendant for their actions (or lack of action) and to deter such actions in the future. Your lawyer will be able to advise you about these other types of damages.
Deciding whether or not to file a personal injury case can be very confusing and very stressful, and you no doubt have many questions and concerns! You need a lawyer who is skilled, experienced, and compassionate – if you are considering a personal injury case, Laurie Robbins can help. Contact her office in Atlanta at 404-252-8117 to schedule your free consultation.