Suffering a personal injury can be a traumatic experience. Physical, emotional, and financial burdens are common results of these unfortunate events. An aspect that can provide some relief is the possibility of receiving adequate compensation for your damages. Most people who successfully achieve this do so with the help of a personal injury attorney.
It’s natural to want to wonder how compensation is calculated. There are many factors influencing personal injury claims. Compensation from such events aims to help victims recover their losses and regain a sense of stability after an accident. Losses can be objectively approximated, while a sense of stability can be a bit trickier.
Delving into the factors that influence the calculation of personal injury compensation without the presence of industry professionals presents a daunting challenge for the layman. That’s why most people opt for an experienced and reputable personal injury attorney to lead the charge. Let’s examine how compensation is calculated in personal injury cases.
What Factors Influence Personal Injury Compensation?
This tedious process commonly hinges on several components. Each is considered separately and then considered as a whole. While every case is unique, these elements are the principal factors influencing the amount of compensation you may be entitled to receive. They are:
Severity of Injury
The extent of your injuries is a pivotal factor in calculating compensation. More severe injuries typically lead to higher compensation due to increased medical expenses, longer recovery times, and potential long-term effects on your quality of life. Medical records and expert opinions play a significant role in substantiating the severity of your injuries.
Medical Expenses
Medical bills often accumulate quickly after an accident. Compensation usually covers past, current, and anticipated future medical expenses related to your injuries. This includes hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and more. It’s essential to retain all medical records and receipts to accurately calculate your medical expenses.
Lost Wages and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for the income you’ve lost. Additionally, if your injuries impact your future earning potential, this too can be factored into the calculation. Economic experts may be consulted to estimate how much your injuries might affect your ability to earn income in the future.
Pain and Suffering
Physical injury often brings emotional and mental stress. Pain and suffering compensation aims to ease the mental anguish of trauma by ensuring financial resources are available to you. However, this can be difficult to quantify. As a result, methods of calculating can vary—from the use of a multiplier based on economic damages to estimations of the impact you’ve suffered.
Property Damage
If your personal property, such as your vehicle, was damaged in the accident, compensation can cover the costs of repair or replacement. Providing documentation, such as repair estimates or receipts, is crucial to accurately calculate this aspect of compensation.
Loss of Consortium
In cases where injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family members, compensation for loss of consortium may be considered. This compensation aims to account for the impact of your injuries on your ability to provide companionship, intimacy, and support to your loved ones.
Comparative Negligence
Sometimes, multiple parties may share a degree of responsibility for an accident. This concept is known as comparative negligence. Compensation may be adjusted based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party. Some states follow pure comparative negligence rules, whereas others do not. Thus, it’s best to work with an experienced attorney.
Statute of Limitations
The time limit within which you can file a personal injury lawsuit is known as the statute of limitations. This can directly affect your ability to receive compensation. Failing to file within the prescribed time frame may mean you’ll lose your right to compensation.
The Impact of the Presence of a Personal Injury Attorney
With these factors influencing whether you’ll receive compensation for a personal injury, perhaps the key takeaway is that without a personal injury lawyer, you may not have the knowledge or resources to secure financial remuneration.
If you’ve suffered a personal injury, you risk nothing by holding an initial consultation with legal professionals. It’s often free for them to listen to the details of your situation and let you know what legal options may be available to you.