Predicting Potential Case Settlement
The process of filing a personal injury lawsuit can leave you wondering what the outcome will look like, and questioning how much compensation you are entitled to is completely normal. While this may be a common question, unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer due to the unique nature of every case. However, there are certain ways to predict a potential case resolution or settlement. The answer typically depends on what we refer to as “damages.”
Everything You Need to Know About Damages
Damages are defined as the harm that has been inflicted onto a plaintiff. Harm can take many different forms in a lawsuit, such as mental, physical, or financial harm. Punitive damage is an additional sum of money awarded to a plaintiff designed to deter a defendant from repeatedly engaging in their reckless behavior. Monetary damages are paid to any plaintiff that successfully proves a defendant’s liability for any negligent behavior, i.e. that a defendant is at fault in the situation which caused a plaintiff personal injury or property damages.
Different Types of Damages for which you Can Claim Compensation
Before trying to determine the amount of your reward, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common types of damages for which you can claim compensation. In a personal injury case, the most common form of rewards is compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are intended to compensate a plaintiff for their personal injury or property damages that occurred as a result of a defendant’s negligent behavior. Here are the most common types of compensatory damages:
- Medical treatment: Hospital bills and doctor visits pile up quickly. Medical records are one of the most important forms of documentation in a personal injury lawsuit, as they can make or break your case.
- Income: If you are forced to take time off work, it may be hard to provide for yourself without an income. Those that cannot go to work can potentially receive compensation for past and future wages.
- Property loss: In some cases, personal property is damaged or lost entirely. Property loss and any repairs or replacements all factor into compensatory damages.
- Pain and suffering: Accidents can be traumatic, often leaving the plaintiff with physical pain and suffering. If you experienced either of these during an accident, immediately after an accident, or for long periods following an accident, you may receive compensation.
- Emotional distress: Accidents can also impact our mind, sometimes leaving irreversible psychological damage. Emotional distress can include (but is not limited to) anxiety, fear, stress, insomnia, and depression.
Every Case is Different
There is no such thing as identical cases. Case worth is largely dependent on the parties involved and specific damages that transpired. Your safest bet is to find a seasoned personal injury lawyer that can accurately evaluate your damages before putting a realistic and preferable number on them. Overall, you want a personal injury lawyer who you can trust to fully represent you and your case in the best manner possible.
More Posts from AutoAccident.com:
- 5 Top Reasons You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
- When Will I Be Compensated for My Personal Injury?
- Determining Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
Pittsburg Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Pittsburg Personal Injury Lawyer. If you were injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. Call me today at (925) 428-5220 or my toll-free number (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice.
Searching through a lawyer’s history with former clients can teach you a lot about their practice. Review my client ratings on Google, Yelp, and Avvo.
Please take a look at my past settlements and verdicts.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates.
Image Credit: Author rawpixel – Unsplash.
:jf [cs 636] cv