When someone gets hurt, they claim the person who caused the injury to get paid. A personal injury case involves various types of damages, and a settlement or verdict value is determined by several factors. These factors include concrete costs such as medical bills, calculations of lost wages, and more subjective aspects such as pain and suffering. Understanding what makes a claim worth a certain amount can help you be more informed during settlement negotiations.
Lost Wages
Many personal injury claims include compensation for medical expenses and lost income. However, the law limits how much these types of damages can amount to. They are not intended to put you back into your pre-accident state financially or physically. Depending on the circumstances, your injuries make it impossible for you to return to work at the same place or reduce your future earning potential. Your attorney will calculate this portion of your claim with the help of detailed documentation such as pay stubs and tax returns.
While comparing Vero Beach, Florida accident case settlements and verdict amounts is helpful, they could better measure your case’s value. Visit Lulich.com to hire a Vero Beach lawyer who can gain equitable compensation for your losses through effective negotiation with the insurance company. Settlements are also often faster and less costly than trials. Furthermore, they keep your legal proceedings private and do not become public records.
Insurance Coverage
Many people expect a personal injury claim to move quickly and may want to receive a check within days of their accident. Others believe they are in for a long and gruelling trial, but the truth is that results vary from case to case. A skilled personal injury attorney can uncover the policy limits and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you are compensated fairly. They can also support you in learning how to assess non-cash losses like suffering, diminished quality of life, psychological anguish, physical deformity, and relationship damage.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, it may be possible to recover damages that come as close as possible to returning you to your pre-accident state physically and financially. If the insurance company does not agree to a reasonable settlement, it may be necessary to file a personal injury lawsuit. When this happens, the judge and jury will make a final decision.
Severity of Your Injuries
The amount of money your personal injury claim is worth is greatly influenced by the severity of your injuries. Severe injuries warrant a larger settlement than moderate or minor ones. They significantly impact your quality of life and can affect your financial future. The severity of your injuries also affects the amount of your pain and suffering. For example, a broken leg causes more pain and discomfort than a bruise. Permanent disabilities also result in higher compensation than temporary impairments.
Computing non-economic damages, such as consortium loss, psychological distress, and other intangible losses, is necessary. The best way to determine their value is to consult a lawyer and review similar cases. Your attorney’s experience can make all the difference. Your personal injury lawyer may also consult with field experts to evaluate your damages. It can include medical professionals and economists. This information will help determine the current and projected costs of your past and future losses.
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Pain and Suffering
When you have a personal injury case, it can be hard to determine how much your settlement is worth. Many monetary damages are based on individualized factors varying from case to case.
For example, one of the most common monetary damages is medical expenses. These can include any costs associated with your injury, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, prescription drugs, and other fees. They can also include future medical expenses if your injuries require ongoing treatment or care.
Another monetary damage is lost wages. It can include the money you’ve missed out on because of your injury, such as vacation and sick time, bonuses, and commissions.
Lastly, there is pain and suffering caused by the accident. It’s challenging to put a monetary value on this, but a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help you obtain the compensation you acquire.
