What types of accident cases can result in a personal injury claim or lawsuit?
Any type of accident that is the result of another party’s negligent or reckless action where a victim has suffered an injury that resulted in physical, emotional, and financial losses can qualify under Georgia’s personal injury statutes. The most common types of cases we handle at our firm includes:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Premises liability
- Dangerous or defective products
- Slip and fall accidents
- Nursing home abuse and neglect
- Brain injury accidents
- Wrongful death accidents
How does a personal injury lawyer prove a personal injury claim?
There are certain factors – referred to as elements – that a lawyer must prove in order to show that the alleged at-fault party is responsible for the losses that the victim has suffered due to their injuries.
The lawyer must show that the at-fault party had a duty of care to not behave in the negligent or reckless manner they are accused of.
- The lawyer must show that the at-fault party breached that duty of care.
- The lawyer must show that the victim was injured as a result of that breach.
- The lawyer must show that the injuries caused the victim to suffer damages.
What are the economic damages that the victim can pursue in their claim?
While every personal injury claim is unique, there are several types of economic damages that are fairly common. These include:
- The victim’s medical expenses. This encompasses emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor appointments, rehabilitation, medication, and medical devices.
- Any loss of income the victim sustained because their injuries left them unable to work, either temporarily, long-term. or permanently.
- Any out-of-pocket expenses related to the injuries, including travel expenses to obtain medical treatment.
What are the non-economic damages that can be recovered?
In addition to the economic damages, an Athens, GA personal injury lawyer can include other losses that do not have an actual dollar value in the claim or lawsuit, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma
- Permanent disability
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Loss of life enjoyment
Could I qualify for punitive damages in my claim?
In some cases, the victim may be awarded punitive damages. These damages are not so much meant to cover the victim’s losses, but instead, they are meant to both punish the at-fault party for especially reckless or bad acts and to send a message to society that these acts will not be tolerated. Punitive damages are often awarded in alcohol-related crashes where the victim suffered severe or fatal injuries.
How can your firm help?
If you have been injured in an accident caused by another party, the lawyers at Norris Injury Law can help you pursue legal action to recover the financial compensation you may be entitled to. Our lawyers are dedicated to ensuring that victims get the financial justice they deserve. Call our office today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.