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If you have suffered an injury and are pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, there are some things that you will need to know about how compensation works. Your compensation will vary depending on your individual circumstances, and your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta will be able to lay out the specifics of your case as you work together. Below are some important things to understand when you begin meeting lawyers for legal consultation.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages address the disruptions that result from your injury. If the injury resulted in death, then there are additional damages associated with a wrongful death.
Lost Wages
If you missed work as a result of your injuries, then you will be able to factor your lost income into your damages that will go into your lawsuit. This will require past pay stubs and your financial history.
Lost Future Wages
If the injuries that you’ve sustained will prevent you from working in the future, your past income, the severity of your injuries, and the length of your expected recovery time will all play a factor in the damages requested for lost future income.
Medical Bills
In addition to lost wages, you will factor the associated medical bills that have resulted from your injury. This can include all past expenses from your injury, as well as a projection of future expenses.
Pain and Suffering
Whereas the aforementioned factors are simple to quantify, putting a number on the pain and suffering that your injury has caused is more complicated, but your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta will be able to come up with a fair and just amount to include in the lawsuit.
Punitive Damages
In certain cases, you will also be allowed to sue for punitive damages. These are less-common than compensatory damages, and are reserved for injuries that result from malicious acts such as assault or fraud. In the event that your case is against a major corporation, the Atlanta courts may include punitive damages because of the large financial holdings of the company. You will be able to discuss the reality of requesting punitive damages with your attorney once they understand the full scope of your situation.
Recovering Damages
Another important thing to remember when you are dealing with a personal injury lawsuit is the financial situation of the defendant. Even if you win your case, the defendant will only be able to pay what is realistic given their finances. The courts will work with you to get what you are rightfully owed, but this may come from garnished wages, property liens, or other methods of collection. Your personal injury lawyer in Atlanta will be able to work with you to determine both the amount you are able to sue for, as well as the amount that you will actually be able to recover if you are awarded compensation.
Finding a Personal Injury Attorney
Many attorneys who focus on personal injury law in Atlanta offer initial consultations, where you can meet your potential lawyer and discuss the specifics of your case. Take advantage of these consultations so that you are confident in the attorney you choose to represent you, and understand the realistic outcomes of your lawsuit.
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