Eric J Hertz - Expert Injury Attorney for Drunk Driving Catastrophic Injuries in Norcross
Types of Damages in a Drunk Driving Case
When someone is the victim of a drunk driver, he or she can receive a variety of types of compensation. This compensation can be divided into two categories, compensatory (or real) damages and punitive damages. In each case, a variety of factors will influence the total amount of compensation the injured party will receive.
Compensatory Damages
Compensatory damages are tied to the amount of harm done to the victim of the accident. They can include compensation for the following items:
- The cost of both long and short-term medical care.
- Lost wages and work opportunities.
- Long-term support if the victim is rendered unable to work or is otherwise crippled.
- Physical and emotional pain and suffering.
In addition, if the victim dies from his or her catastrophic injuries, family members who depend on the individual, such as a spouse or any children, can receive compensation for the loss of their relative's support, both material and emotional. Determining the proper amount of compensatory damages, especially damages relating to long-term health issues or emotional and mental pain and suffering can be a complex issue. For this reason, it is important to work with a skilled attorney when presenting the estimated damages to the court or the defendant's insurance company. Eric J Hertz is an expert injury attorney these types of cases and has a wide range of experience in obtaining fair compensation for victims of drunken driving accidents.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded in order to punish the defendant, and as such are not tied to the actual damages suffered by the victim. In Georgia, there is no limit to the amount of punitive damages that can be awarded in cases involving the use of alcohol or drugs. However, determining how best to approach the court with a request for punitive damages requires an attorney that has extensive courtroom experience, and is aware of the court's policies regarding punitive damages. A catastrophic injury is always a traumatic and life-changing event, especially when it occurs due to the actions of an irresponsible intoxicated driver. However, with the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney, the victim and his or her family can receive the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. Eric J Hertz - expert injury attorney for drunk driving catastrophic injuries in Norcross, has a great deal of experience in successfully litigating these cases and can help ensure that his clients receive the legal assistance they need to achieve a successful outcome in the courtroom.