Suffering a life-altering injury, such as the loss of a limb, in a car accident is a traumatic event. The aftermath of such an event can be a difficult time filled with medical treatments, pain and the emotional struggle of adjusting to a new way of life.
If you find yourself in this situation, knowing the compensation you might be eligible for can provide some comfort during this challenging time.
Medical expenses
Medical expenses form a significant part of the compensation you can seek. This category includes all the costs associated with your medical care after the accident, such as surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, physiotherapy and even future medical expenses related to your injury.
Lost wages and earning capacity
If you have had to miss work due to your injury, you can claim compensation for the wages you have lost. More so, if the loss of a limb impacts your ability to work in the future, you may be eligible to claim compensation for the loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and suffering
Georgia law recognizes that the loss of a limb can result in immense physical pain and emotional suffering. Therefore, you can seek compensation for non-economic damages, commonly referred to as pain and suffering. This acknowledges the mental anguish, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life you have experienced due to your injury.
Loss of consortium
If married, your spouse can file a claim for loss of consortium. This represents the loss of companionship, affection and sexual relations due to your injury.
Punitive damages
In some cases, you may be eligible for punitive damages. These are not intended to compensate for a specific loss but to punish the responsible party for egregious conduct and deter others from similar behavior.
Understanding the types of compensation available can help as you go through the recovery process. You have suffered a significant loss, and while no amount of money can truly compensate for the loss of a limb, financial compensation can help you manage the financial burdens associated with this life-altering event.
