If you’re hurt in an accident caused by someone else—like a car crash or a slip and fall—you may know you can seek money to cover your medical bills and lost wages. But what about the pain, stress, or changes in your daily life that don’t show up on a bill?
In Georgia, these personal losses often fall under non-economic damages. Below, we’ll discuss what non-economic damages are, how they might apply to your case, and how fault can affect what you receive.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages focus on the harm you suffer that doesn’t have a direct price tag. These damages exist to recognize the negative impact an accident can have on your life beyond your hospital fees or car repairs. In Georgia, non-economic damages might include:
You should note the following examples of these personal losses:
- Pain and suffering: Discomfort, ongoing aches, or other physical hardships
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or trouble sleeping that stems from the incident
- Loss of enjoyment of life: Missing out on hobbies and pastimes you once loved
- Loss of companionship: When the injury strains your relationships with a spouse or family members
- Scarring or disfigurement: Visible changes to your appearance that affect how you live day to day
By allowing for non-economic damages, Georgia law recognizes that an accident can hurt you in ways that aren’t purely financial.
Proving Non-Economic Losses
Because non-economic damages don’t show up on receipts, you have to show other evidence that your life has changed. Some ways to do this include:
- Medical and therapy records: Notes from doctors, counselors, or mental health professionals can show the emotional or physical impact of your injuries.
- Personal testimony: Explaining how your sleep, social life, or mood has changed can help illustrate the extent of your suffering.
- Statements from friends or family: People close to you may have seen you struggle to do daily tasks or noticed a difference in your behavior.
- Photos or videos: Proof of scars or other lasting injuries can highlight how the crash has changed your appearance or abilities.
A lawyer can bring this evidence together to show why you deserve compensation for your non-economic harm.
Calculating Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are also more difficult to calculate than economic damages, as they do not have clear dollar values. Two commonly used methods are called the multiplier method and the per diem method. With the multiplier method, a factor is assigned to your non-economic damages (such as 3), which is then multiplied by the amount of your economic damages.
The per diem method involves assigning a daily dollar value to your non-economic damages, ongoing for as long as you experience the pain, suffering, and other impacts of your injury.
Comparative Fault and Your Non-Economic Damages
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule for personal injury claims with a 50% bar to recovery. This rule can affect both economic and non-economic damages if you share any blame for the accident. Specifically:
- If you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything.
- If you’re under 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by the percentage of blame assigned to you.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible for the crash, you’ll get only 80% of your total award. Insurance companies often try to push blame onto you so they can pay less. An attorney can help challenge these tactics and protect the value of your non-economic damages.
How to Secure the Compensation Deserve
Non-economic damages can significantly increase the value of your injury case, sometimes even more than medical expenses. However, receiving that money isn’t automatic. You need solid proof of your injuries and how they have changed your life. You’ll also need to show that the other party caused or contributed to your accident and that you didn’t share a high level of fault.
When you file a personal injury claim or lawsuit, you could be dealing with insurance adjusters who try to minimize your pain and suffering. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf, bringing in expert witnesses if needed as well. If the insurance company doesn’t offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and present your case in court.
Contact a Brunswick Personal Injury Lawyer for Legal Help
If your accident injuries go beyond medical bills and reach into your everyday life, non-economic damages can help you seek fair compensation. Proving these losses, however, requires evidence and a strong legal strategy. An experienced attorney can guide you through Georgia’s comparative fault system, gather documentation of your pain or emotional struggles, and stand up to insurance companies.
If you’re unsure about your legal options, consider speaking with a Brunswick personal injury lawyer from Mayfield Law, LLC. Many attorneys offer free consultations so you can discuss your situation at no risk. A lawyer can explain the best ways to show your non-economic losses and push for the full amount you need to move forward. Contact us today at (912) 457-8557 to get started.