Life's Unexpected Moments: Understanding the Worth of Your Personal Injury Claim

A single car crash, a dog bite, a slip at the grocery store, or a medical error can drastically alter the course of your life. However, there's a silver lining. The legal system offers solace to victims who endure injuries due to someone else's negligence. This consolation comes in the form of personal injury compensation. Yet, a perplexing question often arises for many victims: How do you determine the value of a claim, especially when the damages, like emotional trauma, are intangible?

This comprehensive blog delves into the key factors that shape the worth of your personal injury claim. Dive in to learn more.

How Severe Are Your Injuries?

The injuries you sustain from personal injury, whether it's a car accident, a workplace mishap, or a medical malpractice case, can range from mild to severe. Generally speaking, the more severe the injury, the higher the compensation.

“Injuries that are permanent, like the loss of limbs or facial disfigurement, typically result in larger settlements,” states attorney Joseph G. Kopfler of Kopfler & Hermann. This is because they have a more profound effect that might persist throughout the victim's life.

Medical Bills and Records

Personal injury compensation aims to cover medical expenses, including surgeries, prescriptions, rehabilitative care, ambulance services, and more. Victims are encouraged to retain all records related to their medical costs, as these can help quantify the claim.

Typically, larger settlements are awarded for more complex medical procedures, like surgeries. Moreover, extended recovery periods can also lead to higher compensation since the victim will likely need additional medical attention.

Emotional and Mental Suffering

Personal injury can extend beyond physical harm, deeply affecting your emotional well-being. Issues like shock, fright, PTSD, and grief can significantly diminish your quality of life.

While it's challenging to assign a monetary value to emotional damages, your attorney will use their expertise to evaluate the facts and determine a fair valuation for these intangible losses, ensuring you receive just compensation.

Your Share of Fault

In some personal injury cases, the fault may be shared among various parties. Under the principle of comparative negligence, victims can still seek compensation, but their degree of responsibility will influence the amount they receive.

For instance, if you were found 40 percent at fault for your injuries, you could only pursue 60 percent of the total compensation. It's essential to understand that comparative negligence rules can vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Insurance Policy Limits

In most cases, the at-fault party's insurer compensates you for the damages. It's essential to realize that many insurance agencies have set limits on both economic and non-economic damages they will pay to victims.

But it's crucial to remember that an insurance company operates as a business aiming to profit. Consequently, they might deploy certain tactics to minimize the value of your claim. For instance, they could entice you to sign documents that they might later use against you. Some might also be slow to respond, hoping you'll get frustrated and abandon your claim.

The Role of a Personal Injury Attorney

When pursuing compensation for personal injury, it's wise to enlist the help of a personal injury attorney. They will manage your case, giving you the necessary space to recover from your injuries.

These professionals will gather evidence, interview witnesses, and construct a compelling case to secure the compensation you rightfully deserve. Additionally, they'll safeguard you from insurance companies that might employ questionable methods to devalue your claim.