Personal Injury Lawyer
When you are injured in an accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, the financial impact can be especially difficult. Medical bills, pain and suffering and the inability to work might all affect your finances and your future. If you plan to file a personal injury lawsuit as a way to recoup your losses, there are a few factors that can affect the economic value of your case you may want to be aware of.
- Future Medical Costs
While an injury may land you in the hospital and cause several thousand dollars’ worth of medical bills, you may require future treatment for long-term bodily damage as well. For example, if you were hit by a drunk driver and suffered spinal injuries that require future surgeries and rehabilitation, you could add the total amount of these costs to your lawsuit. You may want to ask your doctor about the projected value of these medical needs so you can forward the information to your lawyer.
- Lost Earning Capacity
If your accident prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you might be able to add your inability to earn wages to the economic value of your case. This factor can be especially important if you were the main provider for your family and now the future of your household is in question. While future earning potential might be difficult to compute down to the dollar, your attorney may be able to help you decide a fair and reasonable amount.
- Judge and Jury
Because all personal injury cases differ, there is typically no set dollar amount or universal award offered. Judges and juries usually use a damages model to consider what the case is worth, using several factors that might include your current and future impairments, how the injury has affected your quality of life and whether you are suffering any mental or emotional anguish as a result of the accident.
- State Damage Caps
The amount you can receive from a personal injury case may be limited by your state of residence, but usually in cases of non-economic awards. Some laws may restrict the amount you can receive for future medical needs, while others cap punitive damages only. Your attorney can provide you with information regarding state caps and how they might affect your case.
Computing the economic value of your personal injury case can be difficult, but there is help available. Contact an attorney, today for further information and assistance.
