General Damages in a Lawsuit

When someone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, there are several things that may contribute to the compensation the liable party pays out. Special damages are fairly easy to gauge as they include medical bills, loss, wages, out of pocket payments, and even property damage at times. Special damages are less complicated because they are damages that are specific numbers, so it is far easier to determine what is owed. 

General damages are much different as they cover inconveniences. General damages cover emotional pain and suffering on a more psychological level. You cannot really determine how much money may bring peace of mind, happiness, or the overall loss of enjoyment of life. If you or someone you know is pursuing a personal injury claim, while special damages may be easy to cover, it is important to know what other damages you might be eligible to receive. 

Pain and suffering is the most common general damage. Your life can change drastically following a personal injury incident. Your injuries may stress you out, having to change your schedule and life completely to adjust to injuries you sustained. All of these contribute a great deal to pain and suffering and are very evident in a personal injury case.

While you are suffering, you may fall into a depression because there are simply things that you just cannot do as well as you used to anymore. Memories of the accident, how your life may have flashed before your eyes, and the entire trauma can drain you emotionally and you may be compensated for emotional distress. In cases like these, because emotional pain is harder to prove, if you seek professional advice in the form of a therapist of some sort, it could be easier to prove in court. 

Just because general damages are harder to prove does not mean you do not deserve to be compensated for them. Should you or someone you know be a victim in a personal injury case, speak with a personal injury attorney, like a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA, to first see what legal options you have, then to see what damages you or your loved one can be compensated for. Dealing with all of the physical and emotional stress that comes from a personal injury case is a lot on anyone; you do not have to do it alone. Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to begin building a case. 

Thanks to the law office of Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into what constitutes as general damages in a personal injury lawsuit.