DeKalb County Paralysis Injury Lawyers
Paralysis injuries can cause the loss of strength and mobility in certain areas of the body. Depending on the specific injury or illness causing paraplegia, the area affected and the severity may differ. No matter the type of paralysis you are diagnosed with, you are likely experiencing some drastic lifestyle changes.
If your paralysis injury occurred in an accident caused by another party’s negligence, there is legal help available. A DeKalb County paralysis injury lawyer could help you obtain the compensation you need while you focus on healing and adjusting to your new life. By working with an experienced catastrophic injury attorney, you can alleviate some of the stress caused by your injuries.
Paralysis Injury Damages in DeKalb County
Damages are the financial compensation received for the losses suffered by the plaintiff. While no amount of money can turn back time and truly make a victim whole again, providing compensation can help someone remain financially secure following a devastating injury.
There are two main categories of damages that a plaintiff can recover; economic and non-economic. Economic damages include losses that can be easily quantified such as past and future medical costs, lost wages, and any necessary home modifications.
Non-economic damages cover losses that are much more difficult to quantify. Georgia Code § 51-13-1(4) specifically includes:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of society and companionship
- Loss of consortium
Can Punitive Damages be Awarded?
A final type of damage that applies in certain cases is punitive damages. These damages could be awarded at the discretion of the jury if the responsible party acted recklessly or intentionally to cause the injuries suffered by the plaintiff. Punitive damages are intended to deter the defendant and others from acting similarly in the future and to punish them for their behavior. However, it is important to note that they are relatively rare.
Are There Damages Caps?
The Georgia Supreme Court ruled in 2010 that damage caps encroach upon the legal right to a jury trial as provided by the state constitution. This means that there currently are no caps on the amount of damages a jury can award a paralysis injury victim.
Using Evidence to Prove Non-economic Losses
Since non-economic damages are quite subjective it is important to find ways to quantify them clearly. To do so, a DeKalb County paralysis injury lawyer may use evidence such as:
- Sworn testimony of doctors, friends, a spouse, or other family members;
- Sworn testimony of the plaintiff;
- Medical records; and
- Employment records.
Additionally, expert witnesses are often used to help illustrate the real cost of non-economic losses. This can help illustrate a clear picture of the true cost of an injury. A DeKalb County paralysis injury attorney can further explain the methods used to calculate noneconomic losses.
How a DeKalb County Paralysis Injury Lawyer Could Help
Car accidents, work accidents, and recreational accidents are common causes of paralysis injuries resulting from another party’s negligence. Consulting a DeKalb County paralysis injury lawyer could help determine whether another party is liable for the injuries you sustained. If so, you may be entitled to compensation under the law.
You could help secure your financial future by working with a seasoned lawyer who is not afraid to stand up for your rights. To learn more about your options, call today.
