You can finally leave the hospital after your accident, but getting back into the real world can come with a big price tag. Fortunately, you may not have to foot the bill on your own.
Knowing what a personal injury lawsuit covers may be your first step toward getting your life as you know it back. You can file a personal injury claim in the state of Georgia if you are less than 50% responsible for your accident. There are two forms of compensation you can receive from a personal injury suit: special and general damages.
Special damages
Losses you can easily count qualify as special damages. You might be eligible for help with material costs that are caused by someone else’s negligence.
- Hospital bills: Even if you have insurance that covers you, you might have a deductible, or you’re looking at higher rates after your claim. Either way, those extra costs can count toward the final tally.
- Ongoing treatment: If your injury requires attention after the hospital, like physical therapy, you could get help. Treatment rendered or treatment planned may qualify.
- Income loss: An injury can easily cause you to miss work, which means you’re missing out on pay. You could get those lost wages back with a successful suit.
General damages
Physical and mental anguish aren’t unusual after an accident and fall under the banner of pain and suffering. Recovering from an injury can take years and can involve many abstract costs that aren’t as cut-and-dry as bills.
- Loss of earning capacity: While income loss deals with the past, earning capacity looks to the future. If you’re no longer able to perform your job, you could seek compensation for funds that will elude you.
- Emotional distress: Post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are just two of many mental repercussions you could experience after your accident. A suit can help cover the psychological impacts that arise from your accident.
- Loss of enjoyment: Physical and mental ailments alike can lead to losing the ability to enjoy your normal lifestyle. Being mentally unable to find joy in your hobbies or being physically unable to participate in recreation can fall under this umbrella.
Getting help
You don’t have to rely on your means when recovering from an accident due to someone else’s negligence. Know what counts as covered damages so you can make an informed decision about going ahead with a personal injury suit.
