If you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence — perhaps due to a car accident, medical error, or another type of accident — you’re likely aware that medical bills, property damage, and missed wages can add up fast. These direct monetary losses you incur are known as economic damages under Georgia law.
Although people often discuss pain and suffering or emotional distress, economic damages are a critical part of many personal injury claims. They are often easier to measure but still require proof and a solid legal strategy.
What Are Economic Damages?
Economic damages refer to the tangible financial consequences of an accident. These costs have an objective price tag, meaning you can typically verify them through bills, invoices, or pay stubs. Broad categories include medical bills, lost wages, and more. In Georgia, specific examples of economic damages can include:
- Hospital stays
- Surgeries
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Follow-up appointments
- Property damage
- Repairs or replacement of a vehicle
- Damage to personal belongings (e.g., electronics, bicycles)
- Paychecks you miss out on while recovering
- The difference in what you could earn if the injury limits your future career or forces you to take a lower-paying job
- Transportation to medical appointments
- In-home nursing care
- Childcare expenses if you can’t care for your children due to the injury
- Other related out-of-pocket expenses
These monetary losses can be straightforward in some cases, such as when you have a clear invoice or proof of your regular wages. In other situations, calculating economic damages can become more complex.
Proving Your Economic Losses
To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must prove two main things: the other party’s fault and the extent of your damages. For economic damages, documentation is key.
Common forms of proof include:
- Medical bills and insurance statements
- Wage records
- Property repair estimates
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
Maintaining organized records can help you avoid disputes with insurance companies and the at-fault party. The better your paper trail, the easier it is to demonstrate the full extent of your financial losses.
Calculating Economic Damages
While non-economic losses (such as pain and suffering) can be subjective, economic damages are more direct. You typically add up all related bills and receipts to arrive at a total. However, if your injury is severe or long-lasting, projecting future medical costs or lost earning capacity might need an expert’s help.
For instance:
- If you suffered a permanent injury that requires ongoing physical therapy, you’ll likely need a medical expert to estimate the cost of that therapy over time.
- If you can’t return to your former job, a vocational specialist or economist may calculate the difference between your former income and what you can reasonably earn, given your condition.
These steps give a clearer picture of what you’re truly losing financially.
Comparative Fault in Georgia and How It Affects Damages
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar to recovery. This means if you are found 50% or more at fault for the accident, you cannot collect any damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation — including your economic damages — will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, imagine you’re in a car accident caused primarily by a speeding driver, but you were also texting when it happened. If the court assigns you 20% of the blame, you can only recover 80% of the total damages. Therefore, if your economic losses amount to $50,000, your final award would be $40,000 after applying your 20% share of fault.
An experienced attorney can advocate for you and work to minimize the level of fault you are assessed.
Contact a Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Recovering economic damages after an accident in Georgia can make a critical difference in your financial stability. However, you must carefully document your expenses, adhere to state law on comparative fault, and prepare to defend your claim against insurers. If you’re feeling unsure about the process, speaking with an experienced lawyer at Mayfield Law, LLC can ease the burden.
Many Brunswick personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, giving you a no-risk way to explore your legal options. An attorney can help you collect proof of your losses, estimate future expenses, and stand up to insurance companies. Ultimately, the right legal guidance can help you secure the full and fair compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today at (912) 457-8557 to get started.