If you’ve been hurt in an accident, you know it’s more than just medical bills and missed work. The pain, emotional distress, and changes to your everyday life can be overwhelming. At The Weinstein Firm, we know how deeply an injury can affect every part of your life.
Our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta are dedicated to helping clients recover the maximum compensation. In this article, we’ll explain the types of non-economic damages in Georgia, how they’re proven and calculated, and how our team can support your case.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Non-economic damages are the non-financial losses a person suffers after being injured. These damages cover the pain, suffering, and emotional strain that can’t be measured by a bill or receipt.
While economic damages cover out-of-pocket expenses like medical treatments and lost income, non-economic damages focus on how the injury has personally affected your well-being and quality of life.
Georgia courts recognize the importance of these damages and allow injury victims to seek fair compensation for their pain and emotional suffering. Non-economic damages are also known as general damages.
Non-Economic Damages in Georgia Personal Injury Cases
Non-economic damages come in many forms. Below are the most commonly awarded types in Georgia personal injury cases.
Pain and Suffering
This includes both physical pain and the emotional suffering that comes with an injury. If you experience lingering pain, discomfort, or trauma because of your accident, you may be eligible to recover pain and suffering compensation.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress refers to the mental health effects of an injury. You might be dealing with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. If your accident caused emotional or psychological trauma, that loss matters in your case.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
When your injuries keep you from enjoying hobbies, social events, or daily activities you once loved, you may qualify for this kind of damage. For example, if you can no longer go hiking or play with your kids due to your injury, those losses are considered.
Loss of Consortium (Companionship)
This damage type covers the impact on relationships, especially between spouses. An injury may affect emotional connection, intimacy, or support within your family. In Georgia, spouses can file separate claims for loss of consortium.
Disfigurement or Scarring
Visible scars or permanent disfigurement can take a deep emotional toll. Non-economic damages may be awarded to account for the embarrassment, shame, or reduced confidence caused by a physical change in appearance.
How Do You Prove Non-Economic Damages?
Unlike medical bills, non-economic damages don’t come with a paper trail. That’s why gathering solid evidence is key. At The Weinstein Firm, we help clients build strong claims by collecting the right documentation and testimony.
Evidence that can help prove non-economic losses includes:
- Doctor and hospital records showing the extent and severity of your injuries
- Mental health evaluations that detail emotional trauma
- Your own testimony explaining how your life has changed
- Statements from family or friends who have witnessed your struggle
- Journals or personal notes tracking your pain, emotions, or daily difficulties
The more details you can provide, the easier it is to show the emotional and personal cost of your injury.
How Are Non-Economic Damages Calculated?
There is no exact formula for calculating pain and suffering. However, there are standard methods and key factors that courts and insurers use to determine how much non-economic compensation is fair.
Factors That Affect Compensation
Some of the factors considered when deciding how much non-economic damages are worth include:
- How serious and long-lasting the injury is
- Whether there’s permanent disability or disfigurement
- How the injury affects your daily routine
- Your age and overall health
- The level of emotional suffering
- Impact on personal relationships
Multiplier Method
One commonly used approach is the multiplier method. Here, your total economic damages are multiplied by a number (usually between 1.5 and 5) based on the severity of your injury.
For example:
- $25,000 in medical and wage losses
- Multiplier of 3 for a serious injury
- Estimated non-economic damages = $75,000
Per Diem Method
The per diem method assigns a daily dollar value to your pain and suffering, then multiplies it by the number of days you’ve been affected.
Example:
- $200 per day
- 150 days of recovery
- Total non-economic damages = $30,000
These estimates are only starting points. A skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer from The Weinstein Firm can argue for the full compensation you deserve.
Other Types of Damages
In addition to non-economic damages, injury victims in Georgia may be eligible for other types of compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible, financial losses caused by an injury. These may include:
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income or wages
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Costs for rehabilitation, therapy, or assistive devices
These damages are often easier to calculate because they involve bills, receipts, and documented income.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are not designed to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer for especially reckless or intentional behavior. Victims can seek punitive damages in a personal injury lawsuit if the at-fault party was grossly negligent, such as by driving drunk. The goal is to send a message and discourage similar conduct in the future.
How Our Atlanta Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help
Non-economic damages are often the most debated part of a personal injury claim. Insurance companies may try to downplay your pain and suffering to save money. An experienced personal injury attorney knows how to push back and fight for the true value of your case.
At The Weinstein Firm, we’re here to help you by:
- Explaining your rights and what damages you can pursue
- Gathering evidence to support your case
- Negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if necessary
Let The Weinstein Firm Fight for You
When you’re injured, your life can change in ways you never expected. The physical pain is only part of the story. Emotional distress, loss of enjoyment, and relationship struggles all matter, and you deserve compensation for these losses.
At The Weinstein Firm, we’re proud to serve injury victims across Georgia. Our experienced Atlanta accident attorneys work tirelessly to recover both economic and non-economic damages so you can move forward. We have won millions for clients.
Call 770-HELP-NOW or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. Let us help you fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.
