At The Weinstein Firm, we are a dedicated team of personal injury attorneys based in Atlanta, Georgia. Since our founding in 2013, we have been committed to fighting for the rights of individuals who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys specialize in car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other personal injury cases. We understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we are here to provide compassionate, aggressive, and effective legal representation.
After a car accident, most people focus on medical bills and lost wages. But the pain, stress, and disruption to daily life often leave deeper scars. These personal losses are known as non-economic damages. In Georgia, injured people have the right to seek compensation for these harms.
In this blog, we cover what non-economic damages are, give real examples from Georgia car accidents, explain how they are calculated, and show why working with an experienced Atlanta car accident attorney is key to securing full compensation.
What Are Non-Economic Damages?
Not all harm from a car crash is financial. Non-economic damages cover the real pain and loss that money alone cannot fix.
Definition of Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the losses that affect a person’s quality of life. These include physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of daily activities. Unlike economic damages such as lost wages or medical bills, these are not tied to specific expenses. They are personal and often long-lasting.
Common Types of Non-Economic Damages
In Georgia car accidents, non-economic damages can include:
- Physical pain and suffering from injuries
- Emotional distress like anxiety, depression, or PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment in recreational activities or sports
- Loss of companionship or intimacy with a spouse or family
- Disruption of daily life, including the inability to care for children or perform normal tasks
Each of these harms reflects a real change in the injured person’s ability to live fully.
How Georgia Law Defines Non-Economic Damages
Under Georgia law, non-economic damages are legally recognized. According to O.C.G.A. § 51-12-2, a person harmed by another’s negligence may seek compensation for pain, suffering, and other non-economic effects. The law does not place a cap on these damages in car accident claims.
Non-Economic vs. Economic Damages
Economic damages pay for measurable costs like hospital bills, health care provider fees, or lost income. Non-economic damages pay for things that are harder to measure but still important. Both types of damages help injured people move forward after a crash.
Examples of Non-Economic Damages After a Car Accident
Car accidents affect more than your wallet. They can change how you live, feel, and relate to others every day.
Physical Pain and Ongoing Discomfort
One of the most common non-economic damages is physical pain. Injuries from a crash may lead to lasting discomfort. This can include back pain, joint issues, or headaches. Pain may limit your ability to work, play sports, or perform daily activities.
Emotional Distress and Mental Strain
Many injured people suffer emotional distress after a crash. This can include anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders. Some people develop post-traumatic stress, especially after a serious traffic collision. Emotional harm often affects how a person interacts with family, friends, and society.
Loss of Enjoyment in Life and Activities
After a car accident, people often stop doing the things they used to enjoy. This may include hobbies, sports, or time with children. A person who once enjoyed outdoor activities may now avoid them because of pain or fear. This loss of enjoyment is a recognized form of non-economic damage.
Impact on Relationships and Family Life
Non-economic damages also include the effect on close relationships. A person may no longer be able to care for their children or connect with a spouse. The strain on family life can be deep and long-term. Georgia law allows compensation for these losses as part of a claim.
Daily Life Limitations
Injured people often struggle with normal routines. This includes cooking, driving, working, or basic self-care. These daily losses can lead to frustration and reduced independence. The inability to live freely is a key part of non-economic harm.
Calculating Non-Economic Damages in Georgia
Non-economic damages are harder to measure than medical bills or lost wages, but Georgia law allows injured people to seek fair compensation for them.
No Fixed Formula
Georgia law does not use a strict formula to calculate non-economic damages. Each case is reviewed based on its facts. Courts and insurance companies look at how the injury has changed the person’s life. This includes pain, suffering, and emotional impact.
Common Methods Used
Two common methods help assess non-economic damages:
- Multiplier method: This takes the total amount of economic damages and multiplies it by a number based on the severity of the injury. A more serious injury may have a higher multiplier.
- Per diem method: This assigns a daily dollar amount to the injured person’s suffering. The total is based on how long the pain or emotional distress is expected to last.
Both methods rely on strong evidence and accurate records.
Role of Medical and Personal Documentation
To support a claim for non-economic damages, the injured person should keep detailed records. These can include:
- Reports from health care providers and therapists
- Notes on physical pain, emotional distress, or daily struggles
- Statements from family or coworkers about changes in behavior or ability
- Proof of missed activities, sports, or work
This information helps show the full impact of the injury on a person’s life.
The Court’s Discretion
Georgia courts have the power to decide what amount of non-economic damages is fair. A jury can award what it believes is reasonable based on the evidence. The court may also reduce or adjust the amount if it finds it too high or too low.
Why a Georgia Car Accident Attorney is Crucial
Handling a car accident claim without legal help can lead to lower compensation, especially for non-economic damages.
Building a Strong Claim
A car accident attorney knows how to collect and present key evidence. This includes medical records, testimony from health care providers, and proof of how the injury affects daily life. An attorney can show the full impact of pain, emotional distress, and lost enjoyment. Without this support, insurance companies may downplay or reject non-economic claims.
Dealing With Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are focused on saving money. They often try to reduce or deny non-economic damages. A car accident lawyer knows how to respond with facts, law, and proof. The Weinstein Firm has experience standing up to large insurance companies. Their attorneys understand how to challenge weak offers and push for full compensation.
Protecting the Injured Person’s Rights
Georgia law allows injured people to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. But missing deadlines, filing errors, or weak evidence can damage a claim. A car accident attorney protects the injured person’s rights and ensures all legal steps are handled correctly. The Weinstein Firm provides clear guidance and strong support through every part of the process.
Preparing for Court If Needed
Most claims settle out of court, but some need to go before a jury. A car accident attorney prepares each case as if it may go to trial. The Weinstein Firm has a record of success in court. Their team builds strong cases backed by evidence, expert opinions, and clear proof of harm.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Car Accident Lawyer Today!
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and are struggling with physical pain, emotional distress, or a loss of enjoyment in your daily activities, the experienced team at The Weinstein Firm is here to support you. Our skilled car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping you understand your rights and fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Contact us at 770-HELP-NOW for a free case consultation today!
