General & Special Damages In Personal Injury Lawsuits

Plaintiffs in injury lawsuits will frequently seek compensatory damages for any economic losses that they have suffered, as well as payment for any non-financial losses that they might also have faced, such as emotional distress. As personal injury attorneys here in Macon, Georgia, we frequently receive general questions about damages and recovery, and this includes questions about special damages, which can be awarded in some circumstances.

General Damages

General damages can be thought of as non-economic damages, and include emotional distress, loss of companionship, permanent impairment, and other damages that do not necessarily correlate with obvious financial loss. Specifically, they can often include one or more of the following:

• Disfigurement
• Future pain and suffering
• Loss of care, love, companionship
• Resulting mental health issues
• Physical pain, suffering, and/or impairment
• Loss of enjoyment./reduced quality of life

Special Damages

Special damages are also known as economic damages. For example, in the personal injury context, special damages awarded might include car repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, expenses related to household assistance which are now necessary due to subsequent injuries from the accident, and/or even costs associated with property damage, including any one-of-a-kind items. Like other damages, they require proof of actual financial loss due to the defendant’s conduct, which can sometimes warrant you and your attorney working with experts, as well as providing very specific evidence and documentation to support your claim for these damages.

Contact Us for Help

Note that a number of personal injury lawsuits settle outside of court; as a result, who you have working by your side as your attorney makes a difference, as their negotiation skills can make all the difference in the world. This includes negotiations with your insurance company, which can sometimes try to take advantage of those who do not work with attorneys and therefore may be unaware of the support they need and deserve.

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to someone’s negligence or wrongdoing, it is essential to work with a Macon personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Buzzell, Welsh & Hill who has experience with handling cases that involve all types of damages, including special damages.