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When you’ve been in a car accident in Georgia, your life can change in an instant. Beyond the physical injuries and financial strain, accident victims often deal with emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and long-term lifestyle changes. In the legal world, these non-economic damages are called “pain and suffering.” At Kevin Patrick Law, we believe it’s essential for Georgia drivers to understand how pain and suffering damages work, how they are calculated, and why having an experienced trial lawyer like Kevin Patrick makes a real difference.
Pain and suffering damages are non-economic losses. Unlike medical bills or lost wages, which come with receipts and pay stubs, pain and suffering deals with the human impact of an accident. This can include:
Physical pain and chronic discomfort
Emotional distress, anxiety, or PTSD
Loss of enjoyment of life (for example, being unable to participate in hobbies or family activities)
Sleep problems, fear of driving, or ongoing stress
Permanent scarring or disfigurement
Georgia law recognizes these damages as compensable, even though they’re harder to quantify.
Under O.C.G.A. § 51-12-2, damages in Georgia are divided into two categories: special damages (like medical expenses and lost wages) and general damages (pain and suffering). Unlike special damages, which require proof of exact amounts, general damages are left up to the “enlightened conscience of a fair and impartial jury.”
This means that when your case goes to trial, the jury has discretion to award an amount they believe fairly compensates you for your suffering. Having a trial lawyer like Kevin Patrick, who has extensive courtroom experience, can be a critical factor in ensuring these damages are fully valued.
There’s no fixed formula in Georgia law for calculating pain and suffering damages.
While insurance companies often use these formulas behind the scenes, Georgia law ultimately gives juries discretion. That’s why Kevin Patrick Law focuses on telling your story clearly and persuasively, whether in negotiations or at trial.
Several factors affect the value of pain and suffering in a Georgia car accident case:
Severity of the injury (broken bones vs. traumatic brain injury)
Length of recovery (weeks of treatment vs. lifelong disability)
Impact on daily life (missing work, hobbies, or family events)
Medical documentation (doctor’s notes, psychological evaluations, treatment records)
Credibility and testimony from the victim and family members
Defense tactics (insurance companies often downplay emotional distress)
At Kevin Patrick Law, we make sure that every one of these factors is properly documented and presented so juries and insurers fully appreciate the extent of your suffering.
Imagine a Georgia driver suffers whiplash, migraines, and emotional distress after a rear-end collision in Atlanta. The insurance company may only offer compensation for the medical bills, ignoring the ongoing pain and fear of driving.
With Kevin Patrick’s trial experience, the case can be built around:
Expert testimony from medical professionals
Daily journals kept by the victim describing pain
Testimony from family and coworkers about lifestyle changes
This evidence helps transform what might seem “invisible” into compelling proof that a jury can understand.
Insurance companies use computer programs and internal guidelines to undervalue pain and suffering. They look at averages, not your unique experience. Juries, however, can see the human impact.
That’s why Kevin Patrick Law prepares every case as if it’s going to trial. Even if your case settles, this trial-ready approach often results in higher settlement offers. Insurance companies know when they’re up against a law firm with a reputation for success in the courtroom.
As a Georgia-based trial lawyer, Kevin Patrick has built his career on representing accident victims with compassion and determination. When you choose Kevin Patrick Law, you get:
Personalized attention – Kevin listens to your story and ensures no detail is overlooked.
Courtroom experience – With years of trial experience, he knows how to present pain and suffering evidence effectively.
Aggressive advocacy – Kevin challenges insurance companies that try to minimize what you’ve been through.
Compassionate representation – Beyond legal strategy, Kevin understands the human side of injury cases.
Pain and suffering damages are about more than numbers—they’re about recognizing the full impact of an accident on your life. In Georgia, juries have the power to award fair compensation, but telling that story requires skill, preparation, and experience.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, Kevin Patrick and Kevin Patrick Law are here to help you seek justice and rebuild your life. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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